A Ring You Can’t Say No To

How to Hint Your Way to the Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring!

You’re sure he’s the one, and you get the feeling he might be ring shopping. Oh, happy days! There’s nothing more gratifying than fantasizing about the day he’ll get down on one knee and pop the question. Where will the proposal take place, who will be around, how will he ask, and what will the ring look like?

If he’s a traditional guy, he might want you to be completely surprised...ring and all! But, if you’re like most women, you’ve been envisioning the perfect diamond engagement ring for as long as you can remember. How can you present him with your preferences without sounding too pushy? 

Don’t worry! Here are some totally foolproof solutions to ensure he’ll slip the perfect gold engagement ring on your finger. As for the other details...well, you’ll just have to wait and find out!

Hint Hack #1: Chat Him Up! 

It’s been said that dudes aren’t the best at picking up hints. There’s definitely some truth to that. But, when they’re on a mission, they will take advantage of any intel they can get hold of. And finding the perfect engagement ring for their beautiful bride-to-be is definitely a mission they’re intent on completing. He’ll be all ears when you’re talking about the rose gold engagement ring you’ve been admiring on your friend at work. Talk to him about your grandmother’s wedding ring and how you’d love to have an antique look-alike when the time comes. Let him know that white gold makes your heart skip a beat! Talking to him about your jewelry preferences in general will help him get a strong feel for your style and steer him in the right direction.

Hint Hack #2: Send Some Snapshots! 

A little less subtle (but definitely effective), is sending your favorite pics of rose gold wedding rings you find online, in a magazine, or on the hand of a friend. These are concrete ways to display your desires. Make sure to include in the message your favorite features of the ring. Ex: I just love rose gold! Look at the pave diamonds around the center stone! This teardrop diamond is to die for! Sending a snapshot will make ring shopping even easier for your man. He can compare the picture while browsing online or in store for your special ring! 

Hint Hack #3: Go Window Shopping! 

When you two are out and about, stop in a jewelry store and point out some of your favorite engagement ring designs! While sitting on the couch at home, browse together online for your favorites! Ask him what he has in mind for you, and share your highest hopes for your ideal engagement ring. There’s no doubt he is sweating this decision, and helpful hints from you will give him all the encouragement he needs!

The Universal Symbol of Eternity

Traditions and Wedding Rings for Women around the Globe

The sacred circle of precious metal and a coveted diamond bears great significance across many civilizations. In Western cultures, the momentous occasion of a marriage proposal is typically set in stone with a diamond ring on the woman’s left hand. This moment sparks celebration and initiates preparations of upcoming nuptials. Wedding rings for women in the U.S. are treasured as possibly her most valuable possession! This isn’t always the case, however. The symbol of marriage and engagement has both evolved over time and widely varies in other customs. 

Wedding Rings: For Women Only? 

It may come as a surprise to today’s generation, but there was a time when wedding rings were worn only by women. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that wedding rings for men became commonplace. History shows a trend in men wearing rings as they went off to war during World Wars I and II as a symbol of remembrance of their families back home. As time went on, men wearing a wedding ring became the norm. Today, it is customary in most cultures for men to receive and wear a wedding ring upon making the wedding vows (some men will even wear an engagement ring).

Wedding Ring: Where to Wear It?

In most Western and Asian cultures, both engagement and wedding rings for women and men are worn on the left hand. The third finger on the left hand was traditionally believed to house a vein that connected to the heart, so the wedding ring bore special significance on this finger. 

Russia, Norway, Poland, and Spain are among other countries that follow the tradition of wearing the wedding rings on the right hand. 

A unique approach Brazilians take is for engagement rings to be worn on the right hand, but once the wedding has taken place, the rings are transferred over to the left.

Are Diamonds Always a Girl’s Best Friend?

Not at all! Believe it or not, women in many cultures don’t prefer a dazzling diamond sitting atop a diamond-studded band! Native American cultures wear wedding rings with spiritual and cultural symbolism. Turquoise and other precious stones are used far more than diamonds, and bands of silver or other material is often carved with significant symbols. 

Many women in French and Swedish culture prefer more understated wedding bands, possibly with other semi-precious stones rather than diamonds.

One thing is certain across all cultures: Wedding rings for women are to be chosen with care, intentionality, and with regard to their personal heritage. Wedding rings for men are more understated, but on both the man and woman the ring signifies a physical and spiritual bond meant to last a lifetime.