why does it have to be diamonds?

It's not about the diamonds, it's actually about the value. I have read somewhere about the history of 'engagement' rings, I forgot where, but it was said to have been presented by the man to the girl as proof that he could well afford to have a family. You see, the engagement ring before wasn't only for display. It was said to have to at least be worth 6 month's worth of salaries and wages. So that when the family (after they have been married), if ever they'd experience financial loss, could pawn or loan the ring to make a new start. I think they used diamonds since it's only diamonds which could be able to suffice the 6 months' worth salary. It is quite logical. It's not for display or fame at all, it's all for the good of the married couple's future as well, so it's practical. I have yet to receive one, but I would be thankful if my future husband would consider that story so that at least I would be sure that he's well-prepared for a good future with me. Have a great MyLot experience ahead!

I think it would depend of how much money the fiance has, but, for me, an engagement ring is definitely necessary, not need to be diamond of course, but without a ring it's seems that something is missing. Liam has money (nothing like Miley..lol), so, he need to give a good ring to her.

I think the idea is that your love is precious so the ring should be as well. I have known of other people who chose different engagement ring options. My first husband's grandmother had an opal, because it was her birthstone. I have known people who have chosen pearls. I did not have one the last time at all and had very simple inexpensive rings. It is up to the couple and there is no need to be ostentatious.

I'm with you on this issue. I'm not into diamonds either and the media makes us women look like gold diggers by saying "Diamonds are for life" and other media comments. Sure, diamonds are pretty but they're not important. In fact, my cousin didn't have a diamond engagement ring but had a real stone, can't remember which one it was and it was just perfect for her. Now a wedding band is VERY important because it shows that the person is married and happily at that.

Yeah, it has been a trend for many, many years to give diamonds to the woman you love to get engaged.. It has even been implied: the bigger the diamond, the more the man loves the woman. I don't think it doesn't matter at all, the size of the diamond though.. i think it's the sincerity that matters more. But if you can afford it then go buy a big one.

I think jewelry is over rated. I don't wear any at all, my husband and I don't even wear wedding bands because we never had a ceremony and don't intend to follow the traditions of men. We are non-conformist and I like not worrying about ornaments on my body.

I don't care much for things that are overly expensive, so it wouldn't matter to me if a guy proposed and gave me no ring. I don't see the need for an engagement ring. I do not wish to have a long engagement. I do not even want to have an expensive wedding ring, and I will be perfectly happy with a stainless steel wedding band worth about Php500/pair. The mylotters here have shared interesting history as to why the diamonds are used for engagement rings. However, these things are all in the past and are not for practical people. I take public transportation to work every day. Wearing a diamond ring, even with a small stone, will only make me a target of thieves!

It doesn't have to be diamond all the time. However, a lot of couples prefer diamond because it symbolizes eternity or long lasting.

Maybe because it is expensive, and it means he is rich that he can impress the girl even the family.

I think that diamonds are far too common and boring, especially as an engagement ring. I much prefer other stones, and I have had a custom engagement ring that was made with one of my favorite stones. It actually cost at least as much as a diamond ring would have cost, but it was not about the price or the value of the stone ... it was about what I really liked and wanted, although I must admit that I had no idea the stone was that expensive.

I am not yet engaged and I wanted to b engaged first before getting married. I don't know, but I just liked it. The ring doesn't have to have a diamond on it, the cost is really not my basis if I marry my bf or not. But, it's the love that we are after.

Hahahah, I agree with you Well for once, if you check the mating habits of few mammals; you will be astonished to know few facts, one such is; when a male penguin finds his mate, he searches for the best 'smooth pebble' and keeps it at her feet to accept him. So i guess, the 'diamonds' are the perfect pebbles for a male to gift to a female...right?

It doesnt. Its the meaning and thought that counts.