Engagement Jewellery Traditions around the world – Part three

So far we’ve looked at engagement jewellery traditions in China, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, India and Spain (check out part one and part two if you missed them!). It’s time to wrap up this trilogy with the final instalment of our guide to some of the most interesting engagement jewellery customs from countries across the globe.

Turkey

As a celebration of their engagement, many Turkish couples hold engagement parties, which involve a special blessing of their jewellery. Both couples slide on the engagement rings, which are tied together with a red ribbon, and a prayer is said before the ribbon is cut. The ribbon is then removed from the rings, but the pair often choose to keep it as a sentimental reminder of the occasion.

Norway

Couples in Norway often choose not to have an engagement ring at all. Instead, they wear their wedding bands as engagement rings as well. For this reason, Norwegian brides expect a simple gold band during their proposal, rather than the conventional diamond solitaire ring of the UK and US.

Thailand

Thai spouses also have their own special version of an engagement ceremony and, as is customary for most celebrations in the country, the families are very heavily involved in the event. The ceremony is called thong mun in Thai, a phrase that literally translates as gold giving, and that is exactly what is involved. The groom must give his bride’s family gold as a promise of engagement, usually in the form of a bracelet or necklace.