What Makes an Engagement Ring?

These days, there is a huge selection of engagement rings to choose from. However, there are still favorites among bride and grooms-to-be.
The tradition of giving a loved one a piece of jewelry to demonstrate commitment before marriage is centuries old. Worn on the third finger of the left hand, it represents a formal agreement between the two parties involved.

While some people now opt for somewhat outlandish options, the typical engagement ring involves a single diamond with the stone mounted in a precious metal – typically platinum or gold.This is not the only design that has been popular throughout the ages however, with three-stone diamond rings and cluster pieces also a hit with many.

The diamond that often forms the centre piece of the jewellery is a hard, colourless mineral made from pure carbon. It is precious because of its rarity and it is formed under very specific conditions – namely at great depth in the earth where temperatures and pressures build considerably.

Through various geological processes, the substance is forced to the earth’s surface, where it is sought by many societies around the globe.The stones set in engagement rings come from a number of countries, including South Africa, Zaire, Botswana, Australia and Russia.

Once the gems have been discovered and transported to the necessary locations, they are shaped in special ways in order to make the most of their natural qualities and to provide consumers with their finished items of choice. One of the most popular designs is the round brilliant.