Certain things in life are universal and are forever. One such custom that has stood the test of time is the engagement ring. Engagement rings are an ornament that is been worn for the last five centuries all over the world. It is believed to have originated in the roman countries though. The custom of sliding the ring after popping the big question of marriage spread fast to other continents as well. The ring was worn by women in particular, so that it was an indication that they were committed to marriage, and so was unapproachable.
Greeks had a custom of tying an olive twig around the finger as a ring. The ring was made in the form of a plaid made with the olive twig. Roman engagement rings were made from metal since beginning. Earlier copper was used which was soon replaced by gold. Gold is now being fast replaced by platinum.
The engagement rings are worn on the finger next to the little finger of the left hand. The finger has therefore come to be known as the ring finger. All over the world the engagement ring is worn on the left hand and on the same finger. There is a belief that the vein (tube carrying blood to the heart) is directly connected to the heart from the ring finger. Hence it is worn on the ring finger.
Engagement rings are worn by women more than men. Wedding rings are worn by both. Romans would slip the engagement ring on the right hand and wear marriage band on the left hand. Nowadays ladies wear both the rings on the left hand at the same time. Wearing both the rings at a time has become the style quotient. Usually an engagement ring is called as a ring and a marriage ring is called as a band.
