There are a number of theories regarding the purpose of engage­ment rings, most of which as a sign that a woman may no longer be courted and relate to a man’s promise to marry her.

It was a common practice back in the Roman times to give a ring to seal a deal.

By modern convention, the ring is usually presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride while or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage

These days a ring is presented as a symbol of love and commitment, and its public display, usually on the third finger of the left hand, announces to all the world, and in particular to all the male ‘predators’ out there, that this women is ’spoken for’ so hands off..

In other countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, it is customary for the ring to be worn on the right-hand.

In Egypt, Brazil and many European countries, both the man and the woman usually wear engagement rings, most often in the form of matching plain bands of white, yellow, or rose gold. In these countries the man’s engagement ring often also eventually serves as the wedding ring. Some men wear two rings, but this is quite rare.

In Spain, the woman sometimes buys an engagement wristwatch for the man after accepting a marriage proposal.