Expressing a Lifelong Commitment with Engagement Rings

When a couple makes the decision to become man and wife, the emotions surrounding the event can be quite intense. The deep feelings of love and joy can become overwhelming, with no words to be found to express these feelings accurately. The wearing of engagement rings attempts to provide a symbol of this love, as well as the strong commitment felt by the individuals involved. Because of this, the selection of the ring should be carefully considered before purchasing it.

The solitaire diamond ring is the most recognized engagement ring. It has been used traditionally for years by couples to express the solidarity represented by their relationships. These solitaires, however, are not the only rings that can be used when two people become engaged. Diamond clusters, rubies, emeralds and many other gemstones can be used, depending on the taste of the couple as well as the symbolism they represent for them.

The time of engagement is an exciting, emotional time for couples who have decided to commit to each other for the rest of their lives. Engagement rings offer a tangible symbol to express the deep love, commitment and devotion felt by two people planning to walk together throughout life's path.

Bone Carved Jewelry

Some of you may be apprehensive of wearing carved bones, but at one time, it was at the cutting edge of jewelry innovation.

Wood was easy to carve, but without modern day sealants, it broke or would wear away quickly. Stone was very durable, but could take a long time to carve into the desired shape. Bone was easier to carve than stone and would last far longer than wood. Not to mention that most of the jewelry of the time was designed as functional objects and not display pieces.

Utilitarian type objects such as fish hooks, needles, and hair combs were fashioned out of bone due to its strength. Soon pendants and amulets were made as record of tribal histories and passed down the line of progression. Bone carved jewelry is still around today, but not as prominently as what we're used to in our local jewelry stores.

The reason for that is actually quite simple. Most of this kind of carved art and jewelry is made from whale bones. That means there is a select few that can legally obtain the materials required to make it.

The allure, beyond the metaphysical beliefs that some may have, is that bone carved jewelry has a warmth to it that metal doesn't impart. Also, many develop an attachment to their bone jewelry as it absorbs skin oils and slowly changes colors because of it. They feel that it has become a part of them, or them to it.

Diamond Engagement Rings: A Dark History

With today's progressive stance on gender equality, it's hard to imagine a time when women were considered more-so property than a person. That is why diamond engagement rings were popularized. They represented a form of insurance for the women, if their fiancé ditched them before the wedding, the woman at least had the engagement ring as compensation. Also, because it was customary for the woman to keep the ring, it served as motivation for the man to stick around or he'd lose that particular investment.

Times were different back then. Premarital sex was a major taboo and a woman's virginity carried a premium value. All too often though, an engaged couple would do the deed before the "big day," an act that isn't uncommon today. If the couple's engagement didn't work out, the man walked free and clear, but the woman was considered "damaged goods." There was even a span of time that women could take legal action against a man that did this. It offset the possibility that the woman couldn't find another man that would want to marry, "damaged goods."

We have come a long way in a short time. I would hope that men and women alike now see diamond engagement rings a symbols of eternal love, and not an insurance policy.