Engagement Ring

Over the centuries Engagement rings have taken many forms and traditions. Rings have been made of woven grass, colored bands and have contained birthstones or stones of special meaning.

In ancient Africa the Brides and Grooms wrists were tied together with grass.

It should be noted that you do not need a ring to make your engagement official. You should choose an engagement ring you like, not what you think some stranger will like.

Diamonds are the traditional gemstones for an engagement ring.

The carat is the measure of the weight of a diamond. One carat is one fifth of a gram.

The clarity rating of a diamond is determined by the size and placement of blemishes. A flawless diamond is very rare.

The way a diamond is cut determines its brilliance. When cut a diamond is faceted in a series of flat, angled surfaces that reflect light off one another.

Diamonds are rated on a color scale from D which is the highest to Z which is the lowest.

The fifth C for diamonds is certification which is the written proof of a diamonds weight, grade and identifying characteristics.

Many couples prefer a gemstone for an engagement ring. Gemstones were popular during the Victorian times.

AMETHYST : power.

AQUAMARINE : happy marriage.

EMERALD : honesty.

JADE : good fortune.

PEARL : beauty.

RUBY : clarity of the heart.

SAPPHIRE : faithfulness.

TURQUOISE : prosperity.

The setting of a ring is defined as the way the stone or stones is arranged within the metal of the ring itself.

The two most popular settings are the Tiffany setting and the Illusion setting.

WEDDING DRESS SUPERSTITION

It is considered unlucky for the bride to make her own wedding dress.

It is considered unlucky for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the Church.

Married in white, you will have chosen right.

Married in grey, you will go far away.

Married in black, you will wish yourself back.

Married in red, you wish yourself dead.

Married in green, ashamed to be seen.

Married in blue, you will always be true.

Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl.

Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.

Married in brown, you will live out of town.

Married in pink, your fortune will sink.

The Wedding Reading

Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness for you, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good, and long upon the earth.

The Wedding Month...

WEDDING MONTHS

In choosing a month to get married there is always folklore, myth and tradition to guide you.
JANUARY : Marry when the year is new, he will be loving, kind and true.
FEBRUARY : When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate.
MARCH : If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you will know.
APRIL : Marry in April if you can, joy for maiden and for man.
MAY : Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day.
JUNE : Marry when June roses grow and over land and sea you will go.
JULY : Those who in July do wed must labor for their daily bread.
AUGUST : Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see.
SEPTEMBER : Marry in Septembers shrine so that your life is rich and fine.
OCTOBER : If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
NOVEMBER : If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember.
DECEMBER : When December snows fall fast, marry, and your love will last.