An engagement ring is traditionally worn on the third finger of your left hand (the finger next to your little finger). Although there is no precise evidence to explain the origin of this tradition, there are two strongly held beliefs.

The first, dating back to the 17th century, is that during a Christian wedding the priest arrived at the forth finger (counting the thumb) after touching the three fingers on the left hand '...in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost'. The second belief refers to an Egyptian myth that the ring finger follows the vena amoris or vein of love that runs directly to the heart.

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It is traditional for the man to give his future bride an engagement ring as a visible sign of their love and betrothal. Usually an engagement ring is a dress ring, that is, a ring with a gemstone. A ring with one diamond, known as a diamond solitaire, is still the most popular choice. As well as looking stunning, diamond  is the hardest substance on earth and it has since the 15th century symbolised security and strength. However, couples are increasingly opting for something different and are incorporating other gemstones, both precious and semiprecious, in their ring to add additional significance.

Getting engaged is one of the happiest and romantic times of your life. Whether you have been courting for just a few weeks or a few years you are jointly making both a personal and public commitment to get married and to spend the rest of your lives together.

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Getting 'engaged to be married', to give it its full title, has its roots firmly in the past. In days of old, the engagement period was a time to negotiate a 'bride-price' since the family of the women was losing a working member of the family and they had to be compensated for her loss. Centuries later, the situation was reversed with fathers paying their future son-in-law a payment or 'dowry' to marry off their daughter.

The engagement then became a time to agree the dowry and to collect the bride-to-be's possessions (her trousseau). Fortunately today, matters are much simpler and the engagement period is a busy and exciting time where the betrothed couple plan their wedding day and prepare for married life.

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