Discover the most popular myths and beliefs, and see why they have little to do with reality.
An Engagement Ring Must Be a Surprise
Many future grooms believe that they must buy an engagement ring secretly, without their chosen partner knowing. This involves many complications related to keeping the surprise, as well as uncertainty about whether they have chosen the right size and jewelry design. In reality, however, even among traditional superstitions there is no rule stating that the purchase must be kept secret. Therefore, there is nothing to prevent the future bride and groom from choosing this symbolic piece of jewelry together, just as they later choose their wedding bands. More and more couples are taking advantage of this option, avoiding disappointment caused by an incorrect ring size or a design that the future bride does not like.
Engagement Rings Must Be Made of Gold
The custom of buying engagement rings made of gold has become so popular that in the United States alone, as much as 17 tons of gold are melted down each year to make these wedding ornaments. However, the jewelry market also offers beautiful wedding jewelry made of luxurious platinum, less expensive alternatives made of silver, and an excellent solution for allergy sufferers—titanium jewelry. They are often more durable and resistant to mechanical damage than gold ornaments. So if you are looking for the perfect engagement ring that will remain unchanged for many years, you do not have to choose gold at all. There are many different alternatives, both exclusive options and those available to couples with a somewhat smaller budget.
It Must Have a Diamond
Hollywood love films have effectively reinforced the belief that engagement rings must be decorated with a diamond—the larger, the better. In reality, the selection offered by jewelry stores is much more varied. “Wedding jewelry decorated with sapphires is also quite popular,” says Paweł Jaworski from the jewelry store Michelson Diamonds. “Our customers also gladly choose other colorful precious stones, such as rubies and tanzanites, and are very happy with them. It is worth considering such an alternative to diamonds, especially when you know that the future bride likes colorful, extravagant, and original jewelry,” he adds.
It Must Be Worn on the Right Hand
In Poland, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand. This does not mean, however, that the custom is followed throughout the world. In many countries, including the United Kingdom, this jewelry is worn on the left hand. In others, such as Hungary, women very rarely receive these ornaments at all. Instead, from the beginning of their engagement, they wear wedding bands. These are put on the left hand, and on the wedding day they are moved to the right (source). Scandinavian tradition has a similar rule. Engagement rings are also unknown there. From the engagement until the marriage, women wear a wedding band on their left hand, and after exchanging their marriage vows, they receive a second identical one and wear both every day from that day onward. This solution would particularly appeal to fans of abundant, original jewelry.