Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, it was frowned upon for a young woman to have premarital relations with a man. If she did, she was considered dirty or damaged and thus, not good marriage material. If she were engaged, this rule was slightly amended and it became more acceptable, however if her groom-to-be deflowered her and then left, she was back to being deemed “damaged”. And so began the tradition of engagement rings.
Engagement rings were offered as a sort of insurance to protect a woman’s innocence, so to speak. A smitten groom-to-be would purchase a ring to declare his love and marital intent to his betrothed. Any social stigma involved with premarital relations was then assuaged, due to this outward symbol of intent that the couple would be married and live happily ever after.
Engagement rings were offered as a sort of insurance to protect a woman’s innocence, so to speak. A smitten groom-to-be would purchase a ring to declare his love and marital intent to his betrothed. Any social stigma involved with premarital relations was then assuaged, due to this outward symbol of intent that the couple would be married and live happily ever after.