This is everything you need to know before giving the engagement ring

Here you will find everything you need for when the time comes to give your engagement ring.

If there is something that will last forever after the wedding, it’s the engagement ring, a symbol of romantic and indelible union for life. And since we know that this decision is extremely important and you will have a lot of questions…

We have set out to answer them all! Yes, in this article you will find everything you need to get the perfect engagement ring, and an engagement ring is much more than a piece of jewelry, it’s a tradition that reflects love within a future marriage.

Therefore, as it is not a decision that can be taken lightly, we will answer all your questions below. Take note!

Finca Torrefiel

What should an engagement ring look like?

The most commonly used engagement ring should be white gold with one or more diamonds. The reason the engagement ring should be white gold instead of yellow gold is that yellow gold absorbs the light emitted by diamonds and subtly taints them with yellow.

Every engagement ring should have one or more gemstones. And, for us, the best gemstone for an engagement ring is the diamond. Although it is also possible to use a sapphire, emerald, or ruby accompanied by diamonds.

What does wearing an engagement ring mean?

For many people, wearing an engagement ring has more than one meaning, these are the most common and important ones:

A promise of love: This tradition dates back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used rings to represent the union of two people and the creation of a new home. Rings were created in different materials, reflecting the strength of the bond and the affection of the couple.

A connection to the heart: Few connections within the human body are as well-known as the link between the ring finger and the heart. By wearing the ring on the ring finger, the person indicates that their heart is already occupied.

Resilience: If anything should define a marriage, it is commitment and lasting love. This is why a diamond, possibly one of the toughest stones in the world, is added to the ring.

Eternity: The circular shape of the ring represents eternity and the union of the couple.

Castillo de Tous weddings
Castillo de Tous

What type of ring is used for a marriage proposal?

Today, we can find different types of rings for marriage proposals, depending on their characteristics, these rings can convey different messages and meanings. The choice of one ring or another will depend on what message is to be conveyed.

Solitaire engagement ring:

The solitaire ring has become the most commonly used engagement ring today. The solitaire is a ring formed by a single stone, set in a metal band. Its most common composition is white gold with diamonds, although it is also common to find them with other types of stones.

Solitaires have a very powerful meaning, they convey the feeling of commitment and loyalty to the partner. This ring marks the beginning of a new stage, it is a clear before and after for both people and it remains one of the safe, comfortable, and easy bets to get right in your marriage proposal, due to its affordability, timelessness, and meaning.

Trilogy engagement ring:

Goodbye simplicity, classicism, and solitary stones, trilogy rings are one of the new pieces that are becoming favorites.

This ring consists of three stones that have a beautiful metaphor: these three stones symbolize the past, present, and future. They are usually three or two diamonds and a gem, with the central stone being the largest.

Do you know what made them so popular? After the moment when Prince Harry gave it to Meghan Markle for their engagement.

Vintage engagement ring:

The history and love of our ancestors is reason enough to wear a vintage ring. More and more brides are choosing to wear a ring from their mother, grandmother or great-grandmother, because it is true that antique jewelry never goes out of style, and with precious stones, aged metal and great symbolic meaning, these rings will always prevail.

If you don’t have an antique ring available, you can always go to jewelers, who already have these rings that they have made with Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco, retro, etc. inspiration so that you don’t miss out on your vintage engagement ring.

Diamond half eternity engagement ring:

It is in trend and is the favorite of many as it goes with all imaginable jewelry looks. The half eternity ring is characterized by having half of the circumference set with diamonds.

The meaning of this ring represents half eternity, that is, the endless duration of a relationship between two people.

Eternity engagement ring:

It is the most curious type of ring. The eternity consists of a ring completely covered with precious stones.

This type of ring represents the endless love between both spouses. It has the ability to convey a pure feeling and a commitment that love will never end.

Proposal Madrid - Perfect Venue
Photo by Tanya Vasiluk. Photo via: Weddings and Events by Natalia Ortiz

What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?

The engagement ring is the first ring given to your partner to formalize the commitment of asking them to marry you to share the rest of their lives together. It is characterized by being slightly more expensive than the wedding ring. (Legend has it that it should be worth approximately three months’ salary). It usually has a design that is a bit more eye-catching than the wedding ring. As you already know, it usually has a jewel in the center or several around it, they can be diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc.

On the other hand, the wedding ring is a ring that precedes the engagement ring and is much cheaper than an engagement ring. They are almost always plain, but may have some engraving on the inside of the circumference.

How many rings does the bride receive?

Traditionally, the bride received 3 rings:

First, the man who intended to propose to his woman would give her a baguette ring. (Before the official proposal to the family).

Then, the parents meet and at the official engagement, the engagement ring is given to the bride as a sign of respect, as this ring symbolizes the beauty and purity of the bride.

Finally, the bride received the third and last ring at the ceremony, the wedding ring, which symbolizes their union. It usually has a simple design.

But it should be noted that nowadays the groom usually gives the engagement ring directly to his fiancée, without going through the official engagement with the family, so the bride is given two rings.

Photo by Rosa Garrido

What to say before giving an engagement ring?

If you have already thought of an original and romantic way to do it, the perfect place that the bride will remember forever, and you already have in mind the ring that you are going to choose for your future wife, it is time to think of some beautiful words.

In addition to a good ring and the best possible environment, it is important to have a prepared speech where you explain to your girl the importance she has in your life and how much she means to you, romantic and emotional words that will surprise your partner and make them live an unforgettable moment.

Some examples of what you can say are: “I can’t imagine a life without you by my side”, “my destiny is wherever you are”, “I find happiness every day with you”, “I want to spend the rest of my life with you”, “you have become my strength and my happiness”, “I know there is no better person for me”, “you have taught me to truly love”…

However, don’t forget that there is no specific script for this moment, it’s best if it comes from the heart, be natural and let it flow.

Marriage proposal in Gerona - Perfect Venue
Photo via: Weddings and Events by Natalia Ortiz

Where does the engagement ring go on the woman?

Traditionally, it is placed on the ring finger, symbolizing trust and commitment, as this finger is considered to be directly connected to the heart, a belief that has spread worldwide, and therefore marks the position of the ring, representing the couple’s relationship.

It is worth noting that there is no consensus on which hand it should be placed on. For example, in Spain, Portugal, Holland, or Italy, the engagement ring is placed on the right hand. However, in countries such as the United States, Germany, Norway, Turkey, or Russia, it is placed on the left hand. Don’t worry because whichever hand you choose, it will not be wrong!

What is the best time to propose?

The time to propose to your girlfriend is when the couple is sure of the life project they have together. It is very subjective and depends on the maturity of each couple, meaning there are no general rules. However, we advise that if you are already sure that you want to take this step, you do it at a relaxed and calm moment when the bride doesn’t suspect anything.

For example? During a vacation or a trip, as at that moment, we are all more relaxed and calm, making it a perfect time to carry out the proposal. Did you know that Spain is a country that many couples choose to propose in?

 

At Perfect Venue, we are specialists in proposals, and the best part is that we know the best spaces throughout Spain for proposals, whether it’s a proposal in Madrid, Salamanca, Barcelona, or Malaga

Take a look at this Perfect Plan by Perfect Venue: the unforgettable experience of living a proposal in Mallorca, or also live a dream proposal during sunset in the Castle of Buen Amor.

Contact us and we’ll start working on the preparations for your proposal in Spain right away!

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