Engagement Ring Superstitions

Engagement rings have long been symbols of love and commitment, but they also carry a rich tapestry of superstitions and folklore that vary across cultures and history. From the belief that certain gemstones bring good luck to the notion that wearing the ring on a specific finger can influence the relationship's outcome, these traditions add a layer of intrigue to the cherished piece of jewelry. Feel free to browse through our selection of unique gemstones for engagement rings.

According to American lore, the day of the week on which an engagement ring is purchased will influence their future marriage. For example, those who shop for a ring on a Monday will have a busy life, and those who buy a ring on a Saturday will receive a pleasurable life. This sort of superstition also applies to the wedding day, and according to an old rhyme, Wednesday is the most desirable day for a wedding. However, in contrast to engagement ring shopping days, the rhyme deems Saturday to be the worst choice.

Three Stone Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring

Engagement rings are believed by some to carry the luck of a marriage. Therefore, a second-hand engagement ring that is passed down through family members is thought to also pass down the joy or suffering of the previous marriage. 

So if the previous marriage was a happy one, then the engagement ring will bring good fortune on the new couple. However, if the marriage was troubled, some say that this could mean problems on the horizon. If this is true, then it would affect many couples, since beautiful rings are traditionally kept in families. After all, it would be foolish not to use valuable gemstones again and again.

This poses the question as to whether the gemstones themselves are believed to carry luck, or whether fate rests on the piece of jewelry as a whole. If it is the ring, then it is always possible to have the gemstones reset into a new ring to banish the bad luck. But another engagement ring superstition states that the chosen engagement ring should not need to be altered. If it is the gemstones that carry trouble from a difficult marriage, then this is more problematic. One solution to this is to wear the ring as a non-engagement ring or put the gemstones into another piece of jewelry such as a pendant.

Those who believe in such superstition wonder whether Kate Middleton's blue sapphire engagement ring is the best choice, since it came from Diana's unhappy marriage. However, according to gemstone superstition, a sapphire in a wedding ring will bring a happy marriage. Aquamarine is another stone that is believed to encourage a long and happy marriage. Emeralds, which are closely related to aquamarine, are also thought to bring marital bliss. Indeed, some cultures believe emeralds to have aphrodisiac properties. Finally, diamonds are believed to represent affection.

When it comes to stones to avoid, pearls are traditionally believed to bring tears to a marriage if used in an engagement ring or wedding ring. This may have come from the drop shape of pearls. Likewise, opals are believed by Westerners to be unlucky for engagement rings. However, in the East, opals are thought to bring luck. One sensible reason not to use pearls or opals in an engagement ring is that they lack hardness and durability compared to other, more traditional choices of gemstone.

When it comes to wearing the engagement ring, it is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This tradition comes from the ancient Romans, who believed that a "Vein of Love" (Veina Amoris) connected the finger with the heart. Many believe that it is bad luck to allow another woman to try on an engagement ring. This is said to be because the other person will take away the good fortune attached to the ring, bring their bad fortune to the ring, or steal the husband!

Other old wives' tales state that an engagement ring should never be removed from the bride's hands. If an engagement ring is loose or uncomfortable, this is thought to be a bad omen, and the ultimate in bad luck is for an engagement ring to be lost or to be broken. It certainly would be bad luck for the person responsible for replacing such a valuable item of jewelry!

In most cases, the above should not be taken too seriously. As can be seen from the above, many of the lore surrounding gems and engagement rings can be somewhat contradictory. Also, it is said that superstitions only come true for those who believe in them. By placing importance on such beliefs, they are perpetuated. Like life, a marriage is what you make it, and should not be judged by a piece of jewelry.