Engagement rings have long been a symbol of love, commitment, and societal tradition. Despite the evolving nature of relationships, there still remains a distinctive gender divide when it comes to proposals. Historically, it's been the man who asks the woman to marry him, and she, in turn, receives an engagement ring—usually one that is designed to symbolise his commitment. But why does this tradition exist? And why is it that, in most cultures, only women get the proposal? In this blog, we’ll explore the history of engagement rings, the gender divide in engagement traditions, and why gold engagement rings continue to be a popular choice.
The History of Engagement Rings
To understand the tradition behind engagement rings, we have to go back in history. Engagement rings have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians. The Egyptians believed that a circle symbolised eternity, and the vein in the fourth finger of the left hand (now known as the "ring finger") was thought to be directly connected to the heart. Therefore, the Egyptians used rings to depict love and commitment.
Later, it was popularised by the Romans, who took up the engagement ring but with a variation of this trend. Roman brides received two rings—one for daily use and another one made of precious metal, usually iron, worn only in public. The latter depicted a formal commitment that is marriage.
However, it was only in the 15th century that modern-day engagement rings were born, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria married Mary of Burgundy, whose tradition was the genesis of today's practice. Maximilian gave Mary a diamond ring, which started the fad to associate the outer brilliance of diamonds, the "ice of the earth," to symbolise commitment among couples.
Read more: A Guide to Wearing Your Engagement Ring
The Gender Divide in Proposal Traditions
Reimagining Engagement in the 21st Century
The man proposing to the woman and presenting her with an engagement ring has roots deep within the history of gender roles. Marriage, as an institution, had been regarded as a formal contract between families for many centuries. Often, such a marriage was more for social, economic, or political reasons than out of romantic love. The engagement ring, especially the gold engagement ring, was seen as a symbol of the contract and the man's ability to provide.
Women, in historical societies, were often considered as their husband's “possession”. The proposal and giving a ring to women was tied in with this view of ownership and exchange. A ring symbolises, on one hand, his offer and, on the other, his promise to take care of her.
Cultural influences also supported this practice. In the 20th century, Hollywood films and media solidified the concept of a man proposing to the woman, with a huge diamond ring on her finger, in the public psyche. Although social norms in relation to gender roles have evolved over time, the concept of a man proposing with a ring has remained strong in many cultures.
Read more: Engagement Rings: Their Origin and Significance
Challenge to Tradition: Proposal by Women
Time to change the proposal
Over the years, more women have taken the initiative in proposing. In fact, in recent years, the trend of women proposing to men has grown. This shift is often driven by a desire for equality in relationships and a rejection of traditional gender roles. Now, women can take control of their relationships. And many of them are proposing to their husbands now, and it makes the engagement process mutual instead of being one-sided.
Nowadays, many couples accept mutual proposals where both of them gladly agree on a proposal. Instead of conforming to conventional norms, there are already some couples that have turned things around and are even making a mutual occasion for the proposal itself.
Gold Engagement Rings: A Timeless Symbol of Commitment
Although the tradition of engagement proposals is changing, one thing that remains constant is the enduring popularity of gold rings. Gold has been a symbol of wealth, luxury, and durability for many years, which makes it suitable for a lifelong commitment.
Gold engagement rings, especially when designed intricately or with the presence of diamonds, are favoured for their antique beauty and forever appeal. Versatile, as it is found in yellow, white, and rose gold, its shade will make the couple choose whatever type reflects their choice. Due to its timelessness, many have opted for it as an engagement ring that's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Another important benefit of gold rings is that they are easily customizable. Many couples opt for custom designs that incorporate personal touches—whether it's engraving a meaningful date, adding a favourite gemstone, or creating an entirely unique band. This customisability allows for a more personal, meaningful symbol of the commitment being made.
Read more: Try Made-to-order option at GIVA stores
The Future of Engagement Traditions
Society will continue to change, and traditions surrounding engagements and proposals will as well. People today are rebelling against rigid gender roles in the past and embracing a more egalitarian approach to marriage. In the future, we might even see more shared proposals or nontraditional engagements that reflect the partnership rather than enforcing outdated gender norms.
To top it all, the love commitment is what signifies the engagement, and who proposes or whether the ring owner takes it is also of no greater importance. Thus, whether it's a gold engagement ring or a custom product design, the vital thing is when it symbolically signifies a permanent promise between these two people embracing each other, ready to find this journey together.
If you're planning to take the next step in your relationship in 2025 and propose to your partner, visit the GIVA store to find the perfect engagement ring that will make this moment unforgettable. Let us help you celebrate your love with a ring that symbolises your unique bond and commitment to a beautiful future together.
