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Origin of engagement rings for the curious at heart

Engagement rings or betrothal rings date back to the ancient days of marriage - by - purchase when gold rings were circulated as currency. As a partial payment the groom-to-be would offer his bride-to-be a gold ring. Also it was held that the engagement ring was a symbol of the groom's intentions to marry.

Traditionally the groom-to-be covers the expense of the engagement rings for his bride. Because of the cost of some engagement rings and wedding bands, the bride-to-be also contributes towards the purchase of her ring. It is usually the bride-to-be who purchases wedding band for the groom -to-be. The most popular groom's rings today are classic bands of gold or platinum.

Brides-to-be in these earlier times wore woven bands made of rush (a flexible marsh plant with hollow stems) and replaced them each year. Roman brides-to-be wore rings made of iron to symbolize the permanent, unending nature of marriage. During Medieval times, grooms-to-be placed the ring on three of the bride's fingers in turn to represent the Holy Trinity -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The most traditional engagement ring is a diamond solitaire which can easily be paired with a variety of wedding bands. Some brides prefer to wear their engagement rings and wedding rings separately, or to just wear their engagement rings on special occasions.

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