The problem with the modern engagement ring is that there's been a whole ass psyop campaign that pushes the message that Since the ring is only for YOU to wear, it's a symbol of how YOU are valued. It is for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE and aren't YOU worth a big ole rock. And that's so sad.
I mean, I know most of us humans very much enjoy a tradition or three, but SOME of our traditions are quite fucked ... and this shit isn't even really a tradition, it's quite fucking new and artificial. Like Love Day.
But DeBeers needs to sell more diamonds!
Right?! Thanks, deBeers Diamond Company for getting people to spend big money on something that’s chemically exactly the same as pencil lead.
And man-made diamonds look identical, just as pretty, much cheaper, and not tied into people's self-worth.
When my wife and I got engaged I got a ring with a little metal Pic of a diamond cause we couldn't afford much. Actual wedding ring was her grandma's old empty silver setting that we put an amethyst in for 125 bucks. Her mom was scandalized we didn't use diamonds, but the wife likes purple so...
and conversely you don't really care/love her/"aren't a real man" etc etc etc if you don't spend X on said rock. and if you correctly point out the scam,that DeBeers just made this shit up during the Depression well "you're just making excuses." almost a relief it's all moot in my case
Thank DeBeers.
The tradition is that husbands were supposed to gift jewelry to their wives as a nest egg in case of death or separation. In recent years, I have seen brides chipping in their own rings so they can show off. It doesn't make any sense.
When people get married, they should exchange scars instead of rings. It feels more on point. Much more bad-ass to be a knife-bearer than a ring-bearer. It's permanent and you won't lose it in the garbage disposal.