The engagement ring is supposed to represent the bond one unique soul has for another unique soul. IT symbolizes love. Like most symbols, you can tell a lot by the engagement ring your lover gives you.
For instance, Slate.com author Meghan O’ Rourke wrote an article about the “trouble with engagement rings”. The article reveals that 8 out of every 10 women receive a diamond engagement ring. The most common (and clichéd) sign of love is the diamond engagement ring.
What does that say about the giver… or the love he avows?
And speaking of “clichés”, a recent study conducted by LinkedIn.com reveals that the most clichéd word used by job seekers is “innovative”. Apparently, the majority of the crowd sincerely thinks that they’re approach to things is original. Maybe that’s reason to give some slack. Maybe the fact that most people aren’t unique, even in matters of love, should give pause to judging a man for giving his wife-to-be the same kind of ring every woman on the block got.
Maybe. Maybe not.
It isn’t like there aren’t other options. The McDiamond ring isn’t the end of the line. If your lover does a bit of research he’ll find an ocean of other unique and (possibly more) beautiful alternatives.
Take, as an example, engagement rings made from precious stones. They’re chromatic, uncommon and distinct. You can choose colors that accentuate the eyes, or match favorite colors or birthday gems. You can even mix and match gems (amethyst/ruby, gold peridot/pink sapphire, etc.) for a unique acclamation of ardor.
This type of engagement ring is definitely not classical. But classical love is cliché. Classical love is an empty love. True Love is meant to be singular, personal and unique. Precious stone engagement rings are all three.
Family keepsakes are another “off the beaten path” love symbol. They have a level of emotion to them that the typical engagement ring simply can’t portray. Of course, most men don’t have family keepsakes. Those men that do and are willing to give it in exchange for your hand are making a significant statement.
As you’ve probably noticed, the kind of engagement rings I’m suggesting here aren’t something you’re going to find at Kay Jewelers. This isn’t the mass consumption, red-roses-on-Valentine’s-Day type of love symbol. This is something truer, more genuine. An engagement ring that shows forethought, passion… and love.
The message here is to beware the conveyor belt wedding ring. Your love is yours alone, and your engagement ring should express that. Pay close attention to the statement the engagement ring is making, and you’ll know how deep the love of your betrothed really runs.
