Modern Engagement Traditions We Love
The traditions and conventions around engagement and engagement rings have changed greatly over the years. As we move away from the strict, patriarchal conventions of traditional marriage, we welcome in new traditions that better reflect and time we are living in and the romances that are blooming!
Here are some of our favourite non-coventional ‘traditions’ that modern couples have adopted; how many will you use?
Choosing the ring together
Once upon a time, the only option for engagement was a man choosing a ring for a woman as a surprise. Now, many couples choose the ring together! Not only is this likely to be a weight off the minds of many individuals who may be tasked with choosing a ring, it also means the recipient is going to get a ring they love, first time round! It allows couples to have open conversations about budget and even financially contribute to their ring, if desired.
Rings for both partners
Engagement is no longer limited to heterosexual couples. This means that individuals in gay, queer or lesbian relationships can re-write the rules on ring giving! A ring for both partners is an amazing way to express a mutual and equal love for one another – while both being able to wear a knock-out piece of jewelry. Everyone’s a winner!
A ring for the future
With people buying property and coming to life ‘milestones’ later (or skipping over them completely) the idea of purchasing a diamond can feel low on the list on financial priorities. Many people now choose to start with a small, affordable ring that can be upgraded in the future. The engagement rings from Washingtondiamond.com come with excellent upgrade, buy back and other custom focused policies – perfect for choosing a future-proof ring!
Using color
Once upon a time, a rainbow of gemstones featured in engagement ring jewelry, but this was gradually phased out and classic, white diamonds took their place. We love the return towards gemstones in engagement rings and using color to tell a story in your jewelry. Gemstones are the perfect way to make your engagement ring a unique expression of yourself and your romance. Be sure to do some research first as not all gemstones are suitable for everyday wear, and some cannot get wet.
Unique proposals
Defying the original convention that viewed women as property, a proposal can now be made by anyone. From grand gestures to intimate occasions, the modern proposal is personal and without rules. The LGBTQ+ community have led the way when it comes to opposing the strict conventions and creating something beautiful and welcoming in its place.
A different engagement
Although an engagement ring traditionally marks the promise of a coming marriage, it doesn’t have to be. Promise rings, commitment rings...we love any excuse to give a ring to the person you love! With less couples choosing marriage, an engagement ring no longer has to end with a wedding; it can be a beautiful gift, full of sentiment that just says ‘I love you’.
We can wait to see how modern couples continue to defy engagement ring convention in the coming years. What traditions will you adopt, and which will you let go of?