Facts about engagement and engagement rings
An engagement ring indicates that the person wearing it is promised to be married, especially in Western cultures. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, North America and South Africa engagement rings are traditionally worn only by women, and rings can feature diamonds and/or other gemstones.
In other cultures both men and women wear matching rings. In some cultures, engagement rings are also used as wedding rings.
Engagement represents a formal agreement to future marriage. Rings can be bought by the man, the woman, the couple together, or by each partner for the other.