Getting engaged is a very special time in anybody's life. What could be more exciting? The love of your life has asked you to be theirs, forever (or maybe you did the proposing) and now you’re going to get married! How wonderful! So, then comes the engagement ring. Will, you go for something showy or a band that’s a little more subtle. It’s a piece of jewellery that holds extraordinary significance and is a symbol of your promise to marry. You’re going to wear it forever, so it’s something you’re going to hold close to our heart. But how much do you actually know about engagement rings? There’s more to that band you’ll be wearing than you might think!

The word Diamond derives from the Greek word “adamant.” The meaning is significant - it means invincible or steadfast. If you think about it, it’s really quite appropriate for this token of love. Diamonds are believed to be indestructible, but despite the fact the are exceptionally hard, they can be brittle. So it still pays to be careful with such a precious gem. Don’t go hitting it with a hammer to test it!  

Engagement rings were introduced as a tradition in Austria. All the way back in 1477, the Archduke Maximilian gave his sweetheart a beautiful gold ring. It was resplendent with a diamond setting as a symbol of his unwavering love and commitment. 

Do you know why the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand? People in ancient times believed that this digit had a special vein, called Vena Amoris - also known as the Vein of love. This vein runs straight, yep, you guessed it, to the heart. There is some sort of science behind some folklore, after all! 

However, this isn’t the same everywhere. Like everything else in life, different people and cultures have different ways of doing things. Countries such as Russia, India and Germany the right hand to wear the token of impending marriage. 

You can now get man made diamonds made out of you and your intended's hair. Entwined together for all eternity, technology is able to reproduce the wonders of nature. It’s a fascinating process and a fantastically romantic idea. There are different diamond options, you can choose from, for example, you can choose from a range of different colours and carats. They are more affordable than you might think, and make an interesting twist on a conventional diamond. They’re certainly a real conversation starter and icebreaker; that’s without a doubt!

If you’re looking to get as much bang for your buck as you can, then consider shopping for your engagement ring online. Online stores don't have the same high overhead as physical retailers on the high street, so it pays to shop around. You can often save up to a fifth if you’re savvy, which will leave you extra cash to spend on your big day. Getting married is an expensive business, so if you can save money without sacrificing quality? Then you’re on to a wedding winner already!