Weddings
Weddings take a lot of organising. First of all you have to decide on what ceremony to have and where, who to invite, what dresses and suits are to be worn, which photographer, where to hold the reception not to mention what rings to have. Here is some history followed by some tips for choosing the right rings.
THE ENGAGEMENT / RING
Betrothal is the old term for engagement. The length of time varies in history and custom. Over the past half-century, engagements have become shorter, on average no longer than a year and no shorter than six months as to organise a wedding in such a short period would be a small miracle and would take the pleasure away.
Once the future groom has traditionally asked the brides father for his permission, (this is generally out of respect as he generally contributes to the cost of the wedding) and informed his parents, it then becomes public.
Traditionally the groom would have purchased the ring, and when asking for her hand in marriage, would present her with the ring, this tradition is not totally gone, but in general the couple will choose a ring together. Or what is happening more, is that the ring will come from a grand parent or parent, of one of the couples.
It is not uncommon for the groom to be, to receive an engagement ring or some symbol of love, this could be jewellery, but it could be a pen to a car,
The engagement ring, which couples generally choose together, is a symbol of love and to tell anyone else their commitment to each other, the range of ring available is unlimited, and with a price.
Unless you know what you want, do some window shopping get some ideas and go and try them on with your engagement ring, also remember that what ever gold your engagement ring is made of i.e.: 9ct or 18ct yellow, it is a good practice to buy the wedding ring in the same metal. Should you not find the ring you want consider a bespoke item, this way you know that yours will be the only one, also some couples will have the engagement and the wedding rings designed together so that they are a good fit on the finger.
The diamond solitaire I would say is still the most popular, and traditional ring for a engagement, when buying a diamond which can come in various shapes, (baguette, oval, heart, pear-shaped and many more) the most popular must be a brilliant cut, which was developed around 1910 from the so-called old cuts of the last century, this cut gives a good light reflection, which gives you the sparkle. The stones that have less flaws in them are more expensive, but cheaper stones are just as rewarding to the untrained eye. The weight of a stone is measured in "carats" not to be confused with "carats" for weighing precious metals.
Should you wish to use other precious stones, the choice is vast and popular choice's are pearl, ruby, emerald, sapphire, amber, opal, and it goes on. Some couples will think about using their birthstones, which over the years have changed, mainly to suit trends and marketing by the jewellery trade.