…It’s Time to Ditch the Engagement Ring
1. While the inception of the engagement ring can be traced back to the Fourth Lateran Council, presided over by Pope Innocent III, in 1215, it wasn’t until an extensive marketing campaign by De Beers that the concept became a standard for brides-to-do. In fact, De Beers coined the phrase “A Diamond is Forever” in 1947 to discourage diamond owners from flooding the secondary market - a far cry from the marketing machine’s claim that the diamond is a symbol of love and commitment.
2. If love and the commitment to marriage are priceless, why is there the pressure to prove this with an expensive bauble? Is the value of the ring proportional to how much you love someone? Why do engagement rings cost significantly more than wedding bands? And why did De Beers come up with two months salary as the standard? The answers all point to the sale of more diamonds and desire make money.
3. You have to question any industry that tries to start a trend of the male engagement ring, as the American jewelery industry has done, even going so far as to site a “historical precedent” dating back to medieval times.
4. Engagement rings can set couples back from achieving financial goals. There are much better uses for the money, including down payments on a house or saving for the future.
5. There is a certain amount of inequity involved in the engagement process as it pertains to the ring. If men are on the hook to buy a symbol of the intention of marriage, why is it that women do not? I think most guys would appreciate a flat screen television or new golf clubs. Now that’s love.
For an interesting perspective from a woman’s point of view, click here. And if you’re still intent on the idea, check out Danielle Sweeney Design.
