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An engagement ring is a symbol of love, commitment and loyalty between two people who make a pledge to be together. Although most people opt for a traditional diamond ring to represent this pledge, there are other ways to add more meaning to your engagement ring to symbolize your commitment to each other.
Here are some beautiful engagement ring choices that are not only stunning appearance but also contain meaning that you are sure to value as a couple.
#1 – Gemstone Rings
There are many gemstones that make for stunning and meaningful engagement rings. Each gemstone is attributed with symbolism, so choose one that holds significance for you. For example, rubies symbolize powerful feelings such as love, energy, passion and loyalty. If these are factors that you wish to represent in your engagement ring, you cannot go wrong with a ruby.
You can start by making a list of your favorite gemstones and then picking the one that you believe resonates best with you and your partner in terms of meaning. Another option is to make a list of qualities that matter to you and look for a stone that symbolizes those traits.
Another meaningful way to choose a gemstone is by focusing on the month that the stone is associated with. For an engagement ring, you could opt for a single or double birthstone correlating to the bride and grooms birthdays. You could also take it a step further and choose a stone that correlates to a specific month that holds meaning to the two of you – the month in which you first met, first kissed or plan to propose, for example.
Whichever method you choose to find your gemstone, remember that not all gemstones are created equal. Ensure that the gemstone is durable enough for daily or frequent wear. If it is a soft gemstone, then ensure that the setting you choose is protective, such as a bezel or halo setting. Also consider whether the color of the stone complements your skin tone.
#2 – Love Knot Rings
For those of you who want to keep it simple, the love knot ring is ideal. It is a minimalist’s dream when simply designed incorporating a twisting band of precious metal, but can be elevated to a sparkly piece when embellished with diamonds and other stones.
Knots have always been connected to steadfast commitment, loyalty and friendship, especially in Celtic culture. The never-ending loop of the band also symbolizes infinity. To get married is to ‘tie the knot’ and in some cultures, couples literally tie a knot to symbolize their union.
There are many variations to a love knot and it doesn’t really matter which knot you choose. Pick one that suits your style and personality that you’ll love to wear everyday.
#3 – Claddagh Rings
Speaking of Celtic jewelry, we have the Claddagh ring, a traditional Celtic design that is full of meaning. It is given as a token of love to a friend or partner and makes for an ideal engagement ring. A Claddagh ring shows a pair of hands holding a heart with a crown placed above the heart. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love and the crown stands for loyalty. These three characteristics – friendship, love and loyalty – are essential qualities of any relationship
But there’s more to the Claddagh ring!
The way you wear the ring can also hint at your relationship status. If you’re single, the Claddagh ring is generally worn on the right hand. However, if you’re engaged, the ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand with the heart facing upwards, pointing towards the sky.
This represents that you are no longer available and that you have found your true love. Once married, the ring will be turned around and worn with the heart facing downwards. These little signs and cues add more meaning to the Claddagh ring, making it an exciting ring to wear.
#4 – Yin and Yang Rings
If you believe in the concept of yin yang, of complementary forces working together to form a dynamic whole, then this Chinese Feng-Shui symbol is perfect for you. This symbol is replete with complex meaning. It symbolizes good and bad, light and dark, male and female and the fact that there are always opposing forces at work.
However, the beauty of the symbol lies in the fact that these forces are the halves of a whole that when combined create the perfect state of balance and harmony. Each part is incomplete without the other and when united, the whole is greater than the parts.
This symbol has been used since ancient times and transcends race, religion and gender as a universal symbol. No wonder it has earned such respect and is a common symbol for adornment. Yin yang can be worn by both male and females and is ideal for a male engagement ring as well.
#5 – Past, Present and Future Rings
A popular setting for engagement rings, three-stone rings hold meaning that is not immediately apparent on the surface. Each of the stones represent a stage in the couple’s relationship – their past, present and future. The ring tells a story about the love they have shared, they currently share and that they hope to share.
Three stone rings come in a range of styles, from vintage designs to sleek, contemporary rings. You can choose to have all three rings in the same color and size to represent that each stage holds equal importance to you.
If you choose to have the center stone more prominent, perhaps larger and flanked by stones of different color, the focus is on the present, the here and now.
#6 – Engraved Rings
Engraving is another way to add meaning and symbolism to your engagement ring. You can choose a special date, a special quote or a single word that holds meaning for the two of you.
Some couples choose to have the title of ‘their’ song, while others go with a line of poetry or a religious verse. You can also be inspired by inside jokes, secrets and code that only make sense to the two of you, for an added layer of secrecy and intimacy.
Some retailers, such as James Allen, offer free engraving services on most engagement rings.
#7 – Journey Rings
Journey rings come in a variety of designs, but the most common feature is a series of diamonds or other gemstones graduating in size. Starting with a small stone, with each subsequent stone growing larger, the design symbolizes this journey from weak to strong, small to big, and friendship to deep love.
Like the three stone ring design, this also represents the couple’s story – except that this is more seamless and continuing.
Wrapping Up
Regardless of the type of personalization you decide to go with, choosing a ring that holds meaning for the two of you as a couple makes for a ring that you’ll value through the ages.
After all, an engagement ring symbolizes love, commitment and loyalty to each other so choose a ring that represents these qualities for you. Everything else is a bonus!
