Your ring.. the keepsake from a moment in time.. the moment your future burst out before you… full of love & radiant joy. It was when you said yes to the co-writer to your epic biography.
Your ring, an artifact symbolizing a turning point in your life’s history. But what of the ring itself, how did it come to be? How did your ring find its way to YOU?Lets explore the life & the legend of the engagement ring.
The Spice of Life
Natural gemstones have a variety rivaling that of human nature. No two are exactly alike. And beauty is there, to be found in each. Add to the equation accent stones, metals, technique & styles…well you definitely have options, maybe too many ;)
Rings, like people, have personalities. The ring best suited for you is the one you see yourself in, the one that takes your breath away. (Notice any parallels?)
‘The Big Four’ as they are commonly known are the most frequently used stones for engagement rings. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds & sapphires are popular for a multitude of reasons, one of which is their Mohs’ ranking. The Mohs’ scale is used to rank mineral hardness, which is a reasonable consideration when you plan to wear your ring everyday….forever. With the exception of Emerald, all of the ‘big four’ rank at the top pf the hardness scale making them ideal to stand the test of time.
It is generally know that De Beers’ “Diamond is Forever” campaign popularized diamonds as an engagement ring, they had been used for several centuries prior to the 1940s. The first known diamond ring was actually from the late 100sAD found in Rome. The strength of diamonds was discovered early on, but their brilliant sparkle would remain hidden until tools were developed to cut them. Some socially aware brides are choosing not support the diamond business, as a protest of how those diamonds are often retrieved. Or they may go for eco-friendly options like lab grown diamonds or recycled diamonds. There has also been a rise in the popularity of rough or uncut diamonds and non-traditional stones, so it’s not uncommon for a bride to get a ring with her birthstone instead.
A diamond engagement ring is certainly still the most common choice, though more and more couples are opting for bespoke sets, vintage pieces, rough cuts, or non traditional stones. Forgoing tradition for tailor-made. If you’re looking for the glamour and hardiness of a diamond, without the epic price tag, a Moissanite might be the stone for you. Morganite has experienced a surge of popularity due in large part to its delicate pale pink color & spectacular clarity. Some are surprised to know that sapphires grow in an array of colors. Turquoise & Lapis Lazuli are fragile stones but a few brides are willing to replace them every few years to enjoy their incomparable color.
Rings of Olde
As far as historians can tell ‘rings of love’ were first exchanged almost 5000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians would weave reeds or leather into a ring.The circle being a highly regarded symbol, representing eternal life & love. Its opening a gateway to worlds unknown… (how cool is that?!)
dextrarum iunctio… the Romans & Greeks began exchanging ‘Fede’ rings. Two hands clasped in love our agreement, the fede ring retains popularity today in its many reimagined forms.
You may be familiar with the Irish Claddagh ring; two hands sharing a crown & a heart.
Posy rings were common in the 15th century. A poem or short verse engraved inside the band signified a social shift taking place a the time. The shift from ornate rings that signified a profitable arrangement falls to marriages founded in love. Knowing their history, simple wedding bands hold a significance that speaks volumes.
History and its cultures influence the trends of their time. Which finger carries the ring is no exception. Thumb, forefinger, right hand, left hand…we've done it all.
Egyptians believed the forth finger had a vein or nerve with a direct connection to the heart. Sentiment & tradition prove stronger than scientific evidence on this account & we popularly wear out rings on the same finger today.
With This Ring..
Saint Croix is fortunate to have a jeweler for every style bride. Handcrafted jewelry is kind of a big deal here. (We know, were lucky.)
The ring is merely a symbol of the much more important idea. The union. Your options are endless…find a jeweler who can help guide you to the perfect ring. A ring as pure as your intentions.
The only real requirement for choosing a ring is being true to yourself.
Editors note:
I would like to extend a big thank you to Nicole, owner of FantaSea Jewelry.
For her vast knowledge of gemstones and the patience & kindness to help me forge through the multi faceted world of gemstones & jewelry design.
(She has decades of experience & makes beautiful pieces...including custom engagement rings *cough, cough*)
My lovely neighbor & friend Joyia also designs custom pieces & is conveniently located next door to me. Making her an ideal spot to have your ring cleaned before your big day.
They photograph really well when they have a sparkly clean polish ;)
From Diamond to Sapphire... from pavé to prong... we love rings, we'll capture them all ;)
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