Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person,” says American author Mignon McLaughlin. Despite the skeptics who doubt the power of love and marriage, countless individuals worldwide take the plunge, choosing to spend their lives with one person.
Getting married is a moment of pure bliss. Discovering your true love, tying the knot, and donning a ring to demonstrate your commitment is a romantic notion that has remained a tradition for decades, even in our modern and cynical society.
In 2011, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com conducted an extensive study on engagement and wedding trends in the United States. This report delved into the value of engagement rings and wedding jewelry, the types of rings groom’s are purchasing, and the evolving methods of proposing.
“Jewelry is an integral part of the wedding experience, and the 2011 Engagement & Jewelry Study provides unparalleled insights into this multibillion-dollar industry,” asserts Kristyn Clement, Senior Director of The Knot Market Intelligence at XO Group Inc.
So, what was the average cost of an engagement ring and wedding band two years ago? Well, the numbers revealed that the average engagement ring cost $5,200, while wedding bands for brides averaged $1,126. Surprisingly, the groom’s wedding ring came with a much lower price tag of just $491.
The most popular choices for engagement rings were round-shaped (53 percent), princess-cut (30 percent), and crafted from white gold (73 percent). However, it’s important to note that the average groom didn’t spend just a couple of hours to find the perfect ring. Typically, it took about three months for the groom to locate a ring that epitomized perfection for his bride-to-be.
Another crucial statistic shows that even during an unfavorable economy, the groom hasn’t compromised on the ring’s quality. In fact, only 14 percent of grooms admitted to purchasing an inferior ring due to financial constraints. Interestingly, around one-quarter of grooms confess that they ended up spending more than their initial budget.
White gold remains as popular as ever, but an increasing number of couples are exploring alternative metals. For example, in 2011, 27 percent of grooms opted for tungsten, and 16 percent decided to purchase a titanium ring.
Grooms are also becoming savvy shoppers. Approximately 35 percent of grooms reported purchasing at least a portion of the ring from a well-known jewelry chain, while 39 percent chose to buy from a local or independent jewelry shop. However, the online market didn’t prove to be as popular, with only nine percent of grooms purchasing their bride’s ring from an online retailer.
The study also revealed additional interesting insights. A majority of grooms (77 percent) still choose to propose on bended knee, and 71 percent seek permission from the lady’s parents. Furthermore, over half of grooms (57 percent) prefer private proposals, which indicates a growing number of public engagements. The survey also highlighted a rising trend of grooms (five percent) wearing “man-gagement rings.”
While some may view purchasing an expensive wedding ring as wasteful, others see it differently. They view it as a symbol of the significant value their partner holds in their life. It’s worth remembering that wearing a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand originates from the Romans, who believed that a vein from that finger ran directly to the heart.
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