Do you love traditions? Do you think they should be broken? Or, do you have no idea what traditionalengagement ring rules apply?

For centuries, marriage proposals have been connected to a number of rules and traditions and it can be hard to keep track of which rules apply to which culture. We are glad to run through them with you, so you can then decide whether to stick with the rules or break them whenfinding the perfect engagement ring.

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What are the most important engagement ring rules?

Never an engagement ring without a precious stone! Ever since Mary of Burgundy received a diamond engagement ring from Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477, the engagement rules say a diamond is an integral part of a proposal.  The largest diamond corporation in the world,De Beers added another rule to that in the previous century by suggesting in advertisements that her engagement ring has to cost two months' salary. Needless to say, you're not obligated to follow any of these so-called engagement ring rules. Although some men find them handy to use as a guideline.
True friends are like diamonds: precious, valuable and rare.
In the past, the solitaire diamond was by far the most popular engagement ring. The princess cut lagged behind. Rings with solitaire diamonds remain the most popular, but their dominance is dwindling. Nowadays men are opting increasingly for other diamond shapes in the engagement ring, be it to give an exclusive, original ring or because they know their partner prefers a different style.

In days gone by the tradition was to request the partner's father's permission before the man could propose. That tradition really seems to be on the wane. Although, it is a sensible idea to discuss the engagement with your partner's parents. They know their daughter through and through and will be able to give you a few interesting insights.
A BAUNAT engagement ring is worn according to the etiquette on the left ring finger.
Another rule is that the engagement ringhas to be bought by the man.  But here too we see an emerging trend. Nowadays many couples look for an engagement ring for both partners together. Who goes down on one knee then?

A BAUNAT engagement ring is worn on the left ring finger, in accordance with etiquette.

What engagement ring rules apply to a 2nd marriage proposal?

In actual fact, the same engagement ring rules apply to a 2nd marriage proposal as with a 1st.  You needn't downplay, or indeed overplay, your proposal (and ring) because it's your 2nd time.  Each relationship is unique and accordingly deserves a fitting proposal. Although, the advantage is that you will probably be better informed.  You have most likely got a better idea of your budget for the ring, or how many diamond carats you would like.

Browse BAUNAT’s yellow gold engagement rings.

Armed with that knowledge you could even start designing her engagement ring yourself. Should you still have niggling doubts, you can always call upon the jeweller's expertise where you are buying the engagement ring the 2nd time around.

What influence does your faith have?

When engagement ring rules are spoken about in the western world, many might spontaneously think about a Christian wedding. But there are countless other religions and faiths. Here are their rules.

Islam

Wearing an engagement ring is forbidden in Islam. Although, that does deserve a footnote. An engagement ring is forbidden if a superstitious or Christian significance is attached to it.  Referrals to symbols of other religions are not permitted in Islam.

If a man subsequently gives his partner a ring to celebrate her consent, this needn't necessarily be an engagement ring.  Rather, it is an expression of his love.
Wearing an engagement ring is forbidden in Islam.
A BAUNAT engagement ring is worn according to the etiquette on the left ring finger.
But what does this ban entail for our multicultural society with mixed faiths within a marriage? According to the Koran, an Islamic woman may not marry a Christian man.  But the other way round is, however. Best to keep the church or mosque midway then? Choose a bracelet or another piece of jewellery as an alternative to an engagement ring

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Judaism

According to the strict rules of Judaism, an engagement ring isn't really permitted. A Jewish engagement traditionally involves several gifts. Both the man and woman give each other gifts.  Jewellery is of course an obvious choice of gift to celebrate the engagement. But not a ring. A ring, in whatever form, over-epitomises matrimony. Once the wedding has taken place, the Jewish man can give his partner an 'engagement ring'.

Buddhism and Hinduism

The eastern faiths of Buddhism and Hinduism do not recognise western engagement ring customs and rules.  Although it does depend on how traditional the people concerned are.  Under the influence of the West, a Buddhist man can certainly buy his partner an engagement ring.  In Hinduism, toe rings are more commonplace, although a ring finger is also always possible.

Are you still on a quest for the perfect ring for your proposal? Browse the BAUNAT engagement ring collection, or contact our experts for bespoke advice.

What do you still need to know?

Now that you are up to speed with all the rules and different traditions surrounding the choosing of an engagement ring, you can get down to work: actually selecting your engagement ring.   But how do you get started? What budget should you take into account? How can you make it special? Read all about it in these blogs.

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