Etiquette and Patriotic Rings, 1918

Until recently diamonds —either a solitaire, a cluster or circlet— set in platinum were most in vogue, but the recent plea on the part of the government for the conservation of platinum has put this type of engagement ring out of the list of things patriotic. 

What Readers Ask 

“Will you please tell me what is the most approved style of engagement ring at the present time? Is it usual to have the ring bought ready to present at the time of proposing marriage or is it usually purchased afterward?”

A man would have to be a mind reader or pretty sure of his own powers of persuasion to be sure before asking the young woman of his choice that he was going to be successful in his suit. Most young women wouldn’t like to be so taken for granted, and besides it is usual to consult the one who must wear the ring as to her taste in settings and stones. Until recently diamonds —either a solitaire, a cluster or circlet— set in platinum were most in vogue, but the recent plea on the part of the government for the conservation of platinum has put this type of engagement ring out of the list of things patriotic. Diamonds are still the usual stones, but they should be set in gold. —Mary Marshall Duffee, 1918

 

 🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia