Most men embark on the quest to buy a diamond engagement ring like knights preparing to joust the jeweler. As if slaying that high-priced dragon will entice their beloved into loving them more.
In contrast, most women see their engagement ring as a symbol of undying love and devotion. In other words, they don't see their engagement ring as a conquest.
Simultaneously, the presence of an engagement ring serves as a reminder of the commitment you share. Plus, it indicates a relationship status that may ward off other suitors.
Arguably, your engagement ring from Blue Nile should be substantial enough to be seen from a distance. In that case, it sends a clear message that says your fiancé is off the market.
The diamond should also sparkle so brightly that it blinds ogres from afar! In other words, it should clearly state: "She's out of your league, buddy. Back off."
Monique Lhuillier Floral Halo from Blue Nile.
Relationship Advice from a Diamond Broker?
An Engagement Ring Symbolizes Commitment.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll notice that this article is different. After all, I usually provide diamond buying advice rather than relationship tips.
Be that as it may, I am uniquely qualified to help you with your diamond quest and improve your relationship. Besides having 35+ years of experience as a diamond buyer, I'm also a certified hypnotherapist specializing in Strategic Intervention.
Under those circumstances, I've helped many people create better relationships and improve their lives in many other ways. Consequently, it makes sense to discuss these topics because an engagement ring symbolizes your relationship.
In that case, this is the beginning of a series of articles on the nature of relationships. Of course, we will start with the diamond engagement ring's symbolism since that's why people come to Nice Ice Diamonds.
The First Diamond Engagement Ring:
Vintage Filigree Style Ring by Brilliant Earth.
According to the American Gem Society, Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the first engagement ring in 1477. In that case, Mary of Burgandy is the first person on record to receive an engagement ring.
Afterward, the aristocracy and nobility of Europe began to commemorate their engagement with a ring. Consequently, some anthropologists believe that the tradition is originally a Roman custom.
In that case, the wives wore rings attached to sets of keys to symbolize their husbands' ownership. During the Victorian period, engagement ring designs began to incorporate a mixture of diamonds and other gemstones.
Those rings were made of precious alloys and often featured elaborate enamel inlays. As the practice became commonplace, the Edwardian era gave way to the popularity of filigree style engagement rings.
"A Diamond Is Forever" ~ De Beers.
Classic Knife Edge Solitaire by Brian Gavin.
The famous De Beers slogan "A Diamond is Forever" was coined by Frances Gerety of the NW Ayer Agency in 1947. She is also responsible for the marriage between De Beers and Tiffany & Co.
Hence, the inclusion of the "A Diamond Is Forever" slogan in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's, starring Audrey Hepburn. Of course, that was just the beginning of an aggressive marketing campaign featuring Hollywood starlets dripping in diamonds.
Fast forward to the present, buying an engagement ring is practically required. Be that as it may, this article is about the meaning and symbolism of an engagement ring.
First, the "A Diamond Is Forever" slogan implies a correlation between the durability, rarity, and purity of a diamond and the sanctity of your marriage. The diamond engagement ring symbolizes your commitment to the woman you love.
However, it's also a non-verbal recognition that you value her more than anything else. Consequently, this is where many guys find themselves in hot water because they fail to demonstrate that fact.
The Boiling Hot Cauldron of The Ring:
Read Our Review of James Allen Diamonds.
You're probably in a long-term relationship if you're thinking about buying an engagement ring. Under those circumstances, it's reasonable to assume you've been in hot water more than once or twice.
And the reason why might not have been abundantly clear. Of course, you probably tried to apply logic to the situation, which is paramount to pouring gas onto a fire.
Consequently, trying to insert logic and reason into an argument never works. It usually only results in making things worse; that's been my personal experience.
On one particular day, my late wife Robin tossed a blow dryer at me while I was sitting in a bathtub full of water. Thankfully, she missed the mark, and I'm still here to tell the story.
Consequently, Robin justified her actions under the guise of behavior modification. That event was a real eye-opener because up until that point, she seemed like one of the most logical and rational people on earth.
Up until that point, I thought we were having a perfectly rational conversation. In retrospect, it's apparent that we weren't on the same page. Suffice to say that communication errors are a leading cause of divorce. Obviously, you want to do everything possible to avoid divorce and not have to sell the ring.
The Six Human Needs:
Human Needs Psychology teaches that Six Human Needs dictate our behavior. Under those conditions, we must meet all of those needs to feel satisfied.
The Six Human Needs are as follows:
- 1Certainty.
- 2Variety.
- 3Significance.
- 4Love/Connection.
- 5Growth.
- 6Contribution.
Most people are not consciously aware that the desire to meet these needs drives their behaviors. Nor are they likely to know the best way to meet their needs. In that case, most relationship issues are simply the result of not meeting our needs.
How an Engagement Ring Satisfies the 6 Human Needs:
The Six Human Needs in English & Spanish.
To begin with, it might seem strange to consider the psychological benefits of being engaged. However, keep reading, and I think you'll agree that an engagement ring's true meaning is more complicated.
Everybody knows that an engagement ring symbolizes your undying love and commitment. However, it also sends the unspoken message that she is significant to you. And there is the hidden implication of security, also known as certainty.
In that case, you are creating more than a memorable moment when you drop down on one knee and propose; because you are also fulfilling the lizard brain's need for certainty.
The Proposition of Meeting Her Needs:
Symbolism of Diamond Engagement Ring.
You are creating more than a memorable moment when you drop down on one knee and propose; because you are also fulfilling the lizard brain's need for certainty.
After all, you have chosen her above all others. You're making a promise to love and cherish her always, no matter what. And in doing so, you may become "the one" that will fulfill her dreams.
The feelings of certainty, love, connection and significance invoked by this moment can evolve into deep feelings of contentment and happiness.
Or you can blow it completely by going about fulfilling your need for significance and variety in all the wrong ways.
The Unspoken Promise of the Ring:
Blue Nile Diamond Engagement Ring Review.
Suffice to say that most women place significant trust in the unspoken promise of fidelity that accompanies a ring. Consequently, the threat of infidelity is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.
The ring on her finger might keep her focused on the relationship when things get tough. When women come to me for relationship advice, they almost always stare at their rings while talking about their husbands.
They often fiddle with their ring or spin it around on their finger. It's as if they're trying to express their feelings while in a trance. By the way, I consider that to be a good sign because it means that they are still committed to working things out.
As long as that ring is on their finger, it constitutes a symbol of everything it represents. In other words, we can expand on all the positive emotions and feelings tied to the ring.
Variety Is the Spice of Life:
Diamond Shapes from Blue Nile.
Life would be pretty boring if every day were the same as before. Human beings crave variety because it makes life more enjoyable. Although that may be true, we tend to be happy with the type of variety we want.
In contrast, there are varieties of things that we don't want, like those events that threaten any of the other six human needs. The interpretation of good variety is uniquely personal, and people satisfy those needs differently.
One person might satisfy the need for variety by watching a new movie, while somebody else might prefer skydiving. Consequently, a diamond engagement ring's center stone shape and setting style express variety and significance.
In that case, the sky is the limit, and the only limitations are your budget and imagination. For that reason, picking the right engagement ring is simply a preference of style.
Ring Styles for Every Preference:
Regardless of what style your girlfriend prefers, it's essential to appreciate that her engagement ring's uniqueness fulfills her need for variety and significance.
Consequently, she might want to upgrade her wedding set after a few years. In that case, it might reflect an underlying need for variety and significance.
A Side Note on Wedding Planning:
The Shock of Making It to the Big Day.
Although this article focuses on the real significance of an engagement ring, it might be a good time to discuss wedding planning. After all, most planning complications arise from the unconscious desire to fulfill the needs of variety and significance.
Try to see the chaos for what it is and not get tangled up in its insanity. In other words, remain calm and be a steady influence that your fiancé can rely upon while planning the wedding.
In that case, you're likely to score significant dog points in the certainty department by remaining steady in the wake of the storm.
To put it differently, by remaining calm, you demonstrate that you're "the one" who can weather the insanity of her ever-changing mind and emotional storms.
Remember that everything in life has positive and negative aspects. In that event, when things aren't going right, you can help restore balance by focusing on the positive.
For example, remind your bride how wonderful you think she is and how this will all be worth it when we're married. Trust me; this will go a long way towards making your relationship unbreakable.
Show Her the Significance She Desires:
In the first place, there are many ways that an engagement ring satisfies our need for significance. As men, we tend to focus on the technical aspects of the ring, such as:
I focus primarily on cut quality because that dictates the light performance. The proportions determine the volume of light return and balance of brilliance and dispersion.
Simultaneously, the degree of optical precision and proportions dictates the sparkle factor and light performance. Those are pretty essential things to consider since everybody wants a dazzling diamond.
What Is the Meaning of an Engagement Ring?
Blue Nile Studio Engagement Rings.
Ask yourself what does a diamond engagement ring mean to her? And then take a moment to consider the type of value of that commitment.
You probably want to present her with a ring that signifies everything she means to you. That means that it needs to reflect her unique personality.
Consequently, that might mean a traditional solitaire because it's a timeless classic. Or it might require something more elaborate, like a custom halo setting or a 3-stone ring.
Regardless of that fact, most women don't seem to get too caught up in the diamond's technical details. In other words, they might appreciate that it's a 1-carat that sparkles like the sun. But they're not as likely to delve into all the technical aspects.
Let Me Save You Some Time:
Brian Gavin Signature Diamonds.
Of course, you can spend the rest of your life figuring out the true significance of a diamond engagement ring. Or you can ask her: "What comes to mind when you think about getting engaged?"
And then, shut up and listen. Close your mouth, bite your tongue, fight the urge to comment, and listen to the response.
Take lots of mental notes because she will give you the keys to the kingdom. In other words, she will describe the ring of her dreams.
Consequently, it will be the one she's dreamed about since she was a little girl playing dress-up in her mom's closet. In that case, you'll want to pay attention to how she describes the ring and the special significance that she assigns to it.
Be sure to listen for clues about how she feels about the ring, specifically whether she uses auditory, kinesthetic, or visual attributes. That insight is essential to understanding her communication style.
Interpreting the Signs:
Fulfilling the Proposal of Childhood Dreams.
Imagine that your girlfriend tells you about how she used to sit and read under her favorite tree as a little girl, dreaming about the day when she would become a princess bride.
Her face softens, and she warmly smiles as she recalls the memory. Then, she remembers the little plastic toy ring that adorned her finger as a child.
She describes how it used to "sing to her" (auditory) when the sunlight danced across the facets (visual) and how that memory warms her heart (kinesthetic).
Now, imagine her face when she experiences the same thing when you propose, and you trigger those emotions. Of course, the feelings will be more intense because she's your princess and the ring is real.
In that case, the meaning of her diamond engagement ring surpasses the dreams of childhood fantasy. It also helps if her knight in shining armor is a prince who becomes a king, and she honors the Queen's Code.
The Significance of Sparkle Factor:
Black by Brian Gavin Diamonds.
The sparkle factor of a diamond engagement ring contributes to the significance. After all, there is something magical about seeing your diamond dance in the moonlight and sparkle like the sun.
Watching how your diamond engagement ring plays with the light can be mesmerizing. And I've seen a lot of women just sitting there moving their fingers and enjoying how their diamond sparkles.
For this reason, the sparkle factor of the diamond should be your primary concern. Although that may be true, most people focus more on carat weight, color, and clarity.
However, the slight differences in those characteristics are not likely visible from across the dinner table. In contrast, the sparkle factor of your fiance's diamond engagement ring will show up from across the room.
Something Borrowed, Something Blue:
Brian Gavin Blue in a Pavé Setting.
While some women might fall under the spell cast by De Beers and Tiffany & Co's marketing efforts, others are more impressed by the performance.
In that case, it pays to know the type of woman that you're going to marry. I think that you should buy a Tiffany diamond engagement ring if that's what she wants.
However, I know that more cost-effective options are available that perform better. Of course, I realize that I'm probably burning in hell for making that statement. But that doesn't make it any less accurate.
Consequently, diamond light performance is a matter of proportions and optical precision, nothing more and nothing less. The value of a baby blue box is a matter of perception.
Taking Performance to the Next Level:
If you're looking for the very best performance, then buy a Hearts & Arrows diamond with these proportions:
The proportions above set the stage for the highest volume of light return and a virtual balance of brilliance and dispersion. A higher degree of optical precision consistency will produce vivid and intense broad-spectrum sparkle.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter:
Give Special Meaning to Each of the 8 Hearts.
Hearts and Arrows diamonds exhibit the highest volume of light return and bolder, brighter, and more vivid sparkle. As stated previously, the reason is the proportions and a higher degree of optical precision.
Not only that, but they also exhibit a mesmerizing heart pattern when viewed through a particular scope. On the one hand, this might not seem that important since that is only apparent when the diamond is unmounted.
But on the other, it requires a higher degree of optical precision to create the pattern. And that produces more virtual facets within the diamond, making the sparkle factor more vivid.
Be that as it may, there is a less obvious benefit to buying a Hearts and Arrows diamond engagement ring, but it requires a little creativity on your part.
Imagine how she'll react if you take the time to give each of the hearts a particular trait meaningful to your relationship and how you feel about her. By doing so, you will create unparalleled significance in the history of engagement rings.
Every time she looks at the diamond engagement ring you chose for her, it will sing to her and remind her of how you love her.
How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways:
How to Interpret ASET Scope Images & Colors.
As shown above, the eight hearts exhibited by a Hearts & Arrows diamond create the perfect opportunity for you to express how you feel. But you can also use the eight arrows visible in the face-up position (and those will always be visible).
For example, each of the arrows could represent your relationship's direction. Such as moving towards a more profound understanding, growth, contribution, a brighter future, etc.
A standard ideal cut round diamond will also exhibit the pattern of eight arrows. In that case, you're not locked into having to buy a super ideal hearts and arrows cut diamond.
However, that's still the best option if you want the sparkle factor to sizzle! The blue arrows pattern in the ASET Scope image above indicates strong contrast brilliance.
Wedding Invitation with the Heart Pattern of the Diamond Engagement Ring.
How to Create a Unique Wedding Invitation:
The wedding invitation above is another example of how you can incorporate the hearts' special meaning into your relationship. In this case, the hearts pattern's impression expresses the special bond between our clients Monica & Damien.
Amateur Photograph of H&A Diamond Pattern.
The wedding invitation above is another example of how you can incorporate the hearts' special meaning into your relationship. In this case, the hearts pattern's impression expresses the special bond between our clients Monica & Damien.
Simultaneously, the symbolism of the hearts is even more special because Damen took that photograph. Here is one of Damien's photos from his efforts to try and figure out the best way to capture their essence.
Consequently, he also wrote a great tutorial on photographing hearts and arrows diamonds. Customizing the diamond engagement ring is another way to satisfy the need for variety and significance.
If you order a bespoke ring from Brian Gavin, you get to name the design in their catalog. That ring design will be an everlasting tribute to the one you love (always and forever).
The Ultimate Symbol of Love & Connection:
James Allen Diamond Engagement Ring Reviews.
Perhaps you wonder why I waited until now to mention that a diamond engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of love and connection. The reason is that I've been addressing the Six Human Needs in the order presented.
Although that may be true, it's essential to realize that the 6 Human Needs priority is constantly changing. From moment to moment, quite literally, the effects compound because we speak different languages.
Consequently, I'm referring to the theory that "Men Are from Mars and Women Are from Venus." In other words, people interpret things differently depending on the subconscious filters that result from their experiences.
Be that as it may, the significance of a diamond engagement ring is pretty universal. Under those circumstances, if you present it correctly, it will go a long way towards meeting the six human needs:
How to Present the Ring:
Be sure to present her with a diamond engagement ring to symbolize your love and commitment. But don't just say that's what it represents because she probably expects you to do something "vanilla" like that.
An Engagement Ring Symbolizes Your Future.
Nothing creates deep feelings of love and connection more than the willingness to be vulnerable, even if it scares the shit out of you on the inside! Tell her how you feel about her choosing to become your wife.
But also about how you feel about the honor of being her husband and your vision for the future. Perhaps that might include the anticipation of growing together as a family or just getting a dog?
Either way, anchor those dreams and emotions to the diamond engagement ring. After all, one interpretation is that an engagement ring symbolizes the eternal circle of the love you share.
I've also heard it said that a diamond engagement ring represents the circle of life. It also reaffirms your intention to share the rest of your lives. In that case, learning how to meet each other's needs will go a long way toward creating marital bliss.
How to Grow as a Couple:
Focus on Creating Abundance and Happiness.
First, buying a diamond engagement ring is a milestone in your growth as a couple. After all, it signifies that your relationship is transitioning to the next level of commitment.
In that way, you are moving forward with your lives together. Of course, the two of you will likely face many challenges. Not the least of which will be planning your wedding.
Most women have been preparing for their wedding day most of their lives in the first place. Although that may be true, she will probably change her mind about "all sorts of little stuff."
But that doesn't matter, at least not from our perspective as men, and you should probably just come to grips with that now. Otherwise, you're bound to go insane when she changes tablecloth colors for the one-millionth time. If you think buying a diamond engagement ring was a challenge, wait until you start planning the wedding!
Teal vs. Light Blue:
Anita Halo Setting by Brian Gavin.
The odds are that most of those little details don't matter to you. However, the "little stuff" probably does mean a lot to her. Decide to take it all in stride because none of it will matter in five years.
The only important thing is that you successfully navigate the emotional riptide beneath that turmoil. Although she's not consciously aware of it, this is a test of the subconscious emergency system.
And it's intended to determine whether you are marriage material. In other words, that seemingly senseless babbling about pastel colors has a purpose. As does whether you prefer the taste of vanilla or French vanilla.
It also determines whether you've got what it takes to weather the storm of an ever-changing female mind. Consequently, you can save yourself a lot of anguish by simply asking her what style of diamond engagement ring she prefers.
Planning the Perfect Wedding:
Diamond Engagement Ring by Ritani.
Some women approach planning the wedding in the same manner that men prepare for battle when shopping for an engagement ring.
Whether you're marrying the Princess Bride or Bridezilla, it's an excellent opportunity to work together. Especially if you can remain cool, calm, and collected when she's emotional. Not that you or I would ever accuse them of being emotional, ahem.
I'm not going to give you any advice about wedding planning because there are people for that. But the real fun begins after you make it through the wedding day and the honeymoon period ends.
Commit to Keep the Love Alive:
Round Diamond Engagement Ring Buying Guide.
Many couples wonder what it's all about once the veil of marital bliss falls away. Under those circumstances, it's not uncommon for people to wonder whether they made the right choice.
Unless you've made it a practice to help each other meet the Six Human Needs at the highest levels. Of course, that's likely to be the subject of another article, so just use your imagination for now.
It can be fun to guess which of the Six Human Needs somebody is trying to fulfill when acting a certain way. See whether you can find a creative way to help them meet those needs, e.g., sending flowers and scheduling a regular date night are good examples.
The Key to Happiness is Contribution:
Pear Shape Diamond Halo by Blue Nile.
I've learned that contribution is the key to happiness throughout my life. On the one hand, I help people find the diamond of their dreams, which feels fantastic because sharing my experience makes it easier for you to buy a great-looking diamond.
On the other hand, my time helping people through Hypnotherapy and coaching is equally rewarding, especially when they experience that moment of realization and breakthrough, whatever challenges they face.
The act of contribution can create a sense of purpose unrivaled by any other six human needs. In fact, by focusing on how I can contribute, I was able to turn a very dark period in my life into something positive by using that experience to help other people.
The Satisfaction of Contributing:
Brian Gavin 810 Collection in Rose Gold.
From my perspective, the contribution is the selfless act of doing something that contributes to other people's lives. In that way, it is the one thing that can create a supreme level of satisfaction in all other areas of our lives.
The symbol of a diamond engagement ring contributes to your life's betterment because of what it represents for your relationship. Specifically, it symbolizes the love you share and the beauty you see in each other.
The sparkle factor reflects how she makes you feel inside; alive, vibrant, and loving. So, when she looks upon her diamond and listens to it sing, I hope that she hears the sound of your voice whispering:
"I love you" because that is the true meaning and significance of an engagement ring. Of course, it certainly will help if the sparkle factor is out of this world. That is an excellent reason to use our free Diamond Concierge Service.
