Engagement Jewellery Traditions Around the World Part Three

So far our journey through engagement jewellery customs has taken in China, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, India and Spain. It is time to complete the trilogy with three more fascinating traditions, from blessed rings tied with ribbon to engagements marked entirely in gold. This is part three of our look at engagement jewellery traditions around the world, with ideas you can bring to life in Hatton Garden, London's historic diamond quarter in the EC1N postcode.

Engagement Traditions in Turkey

Many Turkish couples celebrate their engagement with a party that includes a special blessing of their jewellery. Both partners slide on their engagement rings, which are tied together with a red ribbon while a prayer is said.

The ribbon is then cut, freeing the rings, but couples often keep it as a sentimental reminder of the occasion. The gesture symbolically binds the two partners together before their marriage.

It is a beautiful example of how a simple ritual can add meaning to the wearing of a ring.

Engagement Traditions in Norway

Couples in Norway often choose not to have a separate engagement ring at all. Instead, they wear their wedding bands as engagement rings too.

For this reason a Norwegian bride typically expects a simple gold band at the proposal, rather than the diamond solitaire common in the UK and US. The same ring then carries through from engagement to marriage and beyond.

It is a practical and understated approach that puts the meaning of the band above the size of any stone.

Engagement Traditions in Thailand

Thai couples have their own engagement ceremony, and as with most celebrations in the country, the families are heavily involved. The ceremony is called thong mun, a phrase that translates literally as gold giving.

That is exactly what takes place. The groom gives his bride's family gold as a promise of engagement, usually in the form of a gold bracelet or necklace. The gift honours both the bride and her family.

Fun fact: In several cultures gold given at engagement doubles as a financial safeguard for the bride, a tradition with roots stretching back thousands of years.

Bringing a Tradition to Your Own Engagement

Across all three parts of this series, one theme stands out, that engagement jewellery means far more than a single stone. Each custom reflects its culture's values around love, family and commitment.

You might revisit part one of our engagement traditions for the customs of Egypt, Spain and India if you missed them. Drawing on any of these ideas can make a proposal feel even more personal.

Whatever tradition speaks to you, the jewellers of Hatton Garden can help you find or design an engagement piece that carries your own story for a lifetime.