Residents in Kango and Soutpansberg streets are furious over rubbish in streets.
It would appear that someone decided to tear open every rubbish bag in the area and scatter its contents in the streets.
Residents awoke this morning only to find rubbish everywhere. Today was scheduled to have the areas refuse collected by GMM. Refuse collection could not be done according to schedule during the past two weeks due to the heavy and persistent rain in GMM.
Workers from GMM will also not clean the streets and residents have to do it themselves.
Some residents reported a bakkie that drove over all the refuse bags in the area. “The dogs were going crazy,” said one resident, “we were just to slow to catch him on camera.”
The bakkie drove around the block several times as he went about his devious plans. The incident took place around 22:00 to 22:30 last night.
The Bulletin is calling on all residents in the area to contact us at encee@thebulletin.co.za or 0825547589 if you could identify the culprits.
“It is illegal to dump rubbish anywhere,” said DA Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain, “There are also old people that now have to pick the rubbish up by themselves.”
We are currently speaking to a few people that have footage of the bakkie and hope to bring the person responsible to justice soon.
First images of the suspected bakkie
First images of the suspected bakkie
Several pensioners stay in the area and would not leave their houses due to safety concerns last night, only to have to pick up the spilt refuse in the morning.
Golf community, Family and friends mourns the death of Lucille Lyon.
Well known member of the golfing community and resident of Evander, Lucille Lyon, lost her fight against cancer on Wednesday.
“Lucille Lyon was one of the strongest women I had the honour of knowing.” said Elmarie van Huyssteen from the Bulletin, “Although she was diagnosed with cancer several times, she was always positive and enjoyed life to the fullest.”
The Bulletin would like to convey our condolences to all her family and friends. Lucille will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
In honour of Lucille, please read the article below that The Bulletin placed in 2017 about the amazing woman she was:
“Lucille Lyon (62) recently won the women’s trophy of the Gold Rush Golf Tournament at Walker Park Golf Club. This tournament is held over three days and according to Lucille, in very cold weather.
She has been the women’s club champion at Walker Park Golf Club twice and played in leagues at Walker Park, Graceland and Ermelo. She was also part of the Interzone team in Middelburg and travelled to Nelspruit last weekend to play for the team.
She has won the BMW regional golf tour three times and BMW sponsored her to play at the Arabelle Golf Estate near Hermanus, Sun City and George to name a few.
“The competition there was tough and it was a privilege to take part in that tournament,” said Lucille.
She began playing golf when she was 28 years old when her husband, George Lyon, gave her his old golf set.
He taught her the basics of golf, but a woman from America taught her the finer details. However, she stopped when she started with a family.
When her children were grown and left the house, she started playing golf again.
“It was when I started playing in leagues that my golf improved.”
She has taken part in golf tours in Vietnam and Turkey and several other countries. Turkey has the second oldest golf course in the world.
Lucille was diagnosed with cancer when she was 40 years old and then again at ages 50 and 60.
“I always felt I was not as sick as other cancer patients I have seen,” said Lucille. “I have learnt a lot from my journey so far.”
In her free time, Lucille enjoys gardening and she is also a keen traveller.
Her favourite places to travel to are Italy, France, Seychelles, Namibia and the Victoria Falls.
Lucille enjoys anything outdoors such as cycling, rock climbing, bridge swinging, hiking, sky diving, quad biking, deep-sea fishing and flying in microlight planes. Next on her bucket list is to do kite surfing in the Cape.
Lucille is also a bridge player and said the art of finesse, helps her outwit her opponents.”
Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.
Nog een slaaplose nag in tye wat turbulent is vir baie mense. Die heer Klaasvakie het sekerlik my adres vergeet vanaand. Die weskusnag brand deur die studeerkamer se dakvenster in miljoene sterre. Amper soos gate in ‘n tentdoek waardeur die lig skyn, soos die ou Jode geglo het oor die uitspansel. Onder in die vallei flikker duisende liggies as ‘n vae herinnering dat ek nie heeltemal alleen is nie, dat andere ook hierdie donkerte bewoon.
Mense wat asemhaal in die doodse stilte van inperking na nege in die aand, wat vandag geleef het, gelag het, dalk gehuil het. Mense wat gelukkig is, en mense wat hartstogtelik droef is. Vervalde lewens se spasie wat vakant geraak het. Fiks mense wat gaan fietsry het, en mense wat huil van pyn. Mense wat diep slaap, maar ook mense wat slapeloos rondrol.
Februarie het volgens die kalender stiptelik om twaalfuur aangebreek. Nou is die dae reeds besig om te krimp. Die herfs trek sy rug styf, maak iewers gereed om op te styg suidwaarts. Die lug vermoed reeds dat iets besig is om te gebeur. Iewers is daar ‘n grys kombers oor die aarde se baldadigheid gegooi. Daar is geen voetspore op die strande vir branders om weg te spoel nie. Die miniskule, onsigbare virus het vreugde en vooruitgang kom doodblaas.
Desondanks is daar steeds ‘n malsheid, oordadige spel van amberrooi lig oor die see vroegoggend, en die lanferpers van die son wat sak agter Postberg is die uitroeptekens van die somer wat steeds koning kraai. Elders reën dit oordadig, in Mpumalanga en die Vrystaat loop damme vol. Pretoriuskop in die Krugerwildtuin kry 175 mm reën in een nag.
Jy beleef die donker nag as ‘n geboorteproses, die einde van ‘n oningekleurde bladsy, en die omblaai na ‘n helder ontploffing van kleure. Iewers skreeu ‘n kiewiet ontsteld, waarskynlik gesteur deur ‘n rondloperkat. ‘n Tarentaal antwoord vererg, en ver weg, in die nasionale park, skreeu ‘n jakkals. Die seerste is die eensklapse geroep van ‘n hadida in die donker. Vervaard, ontredderd, ‘n blakerende angs. Jy vou jou arms om jouself te beskerm teen die onbekende, soos dit in die simfonie van die nag gespeel word. Dis asof die naggeluide die ewigheid en die ritmiese verloop van die heelal bevestig, maar dit is ook dreigend, onbekend.
More, iewers in Kaapstad en Johannesburg en Londen en Istanbul gaan mense in hysbakke op en af ry, gaan besigheidstransaksies beklink word deur gemaskerde mense. Iewers gaan babas gebore word, iewers gaan iemand hulle laaste asem uitblaas. Baie van hulle op ventilators, die Kainsmerk van die Virus.
Hoe dieper jy die nánag inploeter, hoe meer word die vrae, en hoe minder die antwoorde. Jou oú, onopgelosde kwessies kom meld hulself een-een aan. Die keuses wat jy met jou lewe gemaak het, die afdraaipaadjies wat jou loopbaan geloop het, die vrees wat jy ervaar het in ander donker nagte op patrollie as soldaat, die skramse aanraking van die dood, wat ‘n paar keer langs jou bed kom staan het.
Die dooies en verminktes langs die pad waarmee jy gekonfronteer is. Jy onthou ander winters en ander lentes. Die gesigte wat weggeraak het uit jou fotoalbum, lank voor die tyd van selfone. Die knus somers in Springs en Pretoria en Trichardt, Jakarandas wat baldadig uitbars in ‘n oordrewe pers. Die diepte van die nag maak jou bewoë oor hoeveel koue winters en reënerige lentes jy al beleef het. Jou kwesbaarheid word intens. Die tempo waarteen dae en nagte mekaar nou opvolg, voel vir jou soos ‘n mallemeule wat buite beheer raak.
Jou kwesbaarheid word intens.
As die lug begin verkleur om die nuwe seisoen aan te kondig, kom die diepste van jou denke uit. Die woorde “ek het jou lief” begin ander betekenis kry. Jy dink oor God. Jy wonder oor God. Die natuur raak eensklaps stil. So stil soos die voertuiglose strate. Véraf grom die branders, amper soos Sasol in die nánag. Die veld, bosse, die eilande in die see buite jou venster, word stom en woordeloos.
Later hou jou dink op.
Jy kan nie meer dink nie.
Jy wil nie meer dink nie.
Jy staan voor jou boekrak, haal die Spaanse skrywer Miguel de Servantes se bekende verhaal oor ‘n vaal mannetjie met die naam van Alfonsus Quichano uit. Hy het hom min aan die wêreld rondom hom gesteur, en net heeldag dik boeke gelees oor ridders wat drake en reuse oorwin. Dag en nag het hy homself hiermee besig gehou, totdat hy naderhand verward begin raak het.
Op ‘n dag het hy homself tot ridder geroep en homself Don Quichot de la Mancha genoem. Hy het een maer perd met die naam Rosinante gehad wat hy opgesaal het, asook ‘n geroeste swaard wat hy iewers opgespoor het. Toe het hy besluit om heldedade te gaan verrig, om reuse en drake te gaan beveg. Ook het hy ‘n sukkelende kleinboer, Sancho Panchez, omgepraat om op ‘n donkie saam met hom te gaan en sy agterryer te wees. Een nag vertrek hulle toe.
Quichot ry voor op sy knol soos ‘n generaal wat ‘n groot weermag lei. Die dik Sanchez kom agterna op sy lui donkie. So in die ry sien hulle in die donker ‘n reusagtige figuur voor hulle. Onmiddelik storm Quichot met sy knolperd op die ding af wat hy vir ‘n reus aansien. Daar is ‘n groot slag en ‘n aaklige gekreun. Quichot kry ‘n paar verskriklike klappe van hierdie reus. Die perd, Rosinante, lê plat op die grond, bo-op Quichot. Toe die son opkom, sien hulle: Dit was toe nooit ‘n reus nie, maar ‘n groot windmeul wat hy gesien het.
Dit raak onbeskryflik stil net voor die son opkom. Jy dink daaraan dat jy in hierdie donker nag drake baklei het. Drake wat teen sonsopkoms maar slegs windmeulens was. Drake wat groot en skrikwekkend is in die nag, so aan die einde van die somer. Dit raak so onbeskryflik stil, dat jy die son kan hoor opkom. Jy dink aan Emmylou Harris: “…spinning unheard in the dark of the sky, and this is our glory if this is goodbye..”
Dit is die nuwe dag. Jy dog in die donker nag het jy die drake uit jou uit geskryf. Maar teen dagbreek het die lewe nog dobberend voor jou gedryf.
The public are invited to comment on the 2018/2019 Annual Report.
The closing date for the public comments is 25 February 2021.
The Council of Govan Mbeki Municipality convened on Thursday, 28 January 2021 but the council ended in chaos as the Speaker of Council decided to make rulings in contravention of the council standing orders.
The council meeting continued on Friday. It took a long time for council to start with the actual items on the agenda.
The first item on the agenda was the 2018/2019 Annual Report.
The following resolutions were taken on the Annual Report:
That it BE ACKNOWLEDGED that the 2018/2019 Audited Annual Report for the financial year ending 30 June 2019, was prepared and submitted as contemplated in Section 46 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, read with Chapter 12 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.
That the 2018/2019 Audited Annual Report BE APPROVED for public comments in terms of Sections 21(a) and (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, read with Section 127(5)(a)(i) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.
That it BE ACKNOWLEDGED that the public was informed of the Council meeting where this report will be considered, through notices on the various municipal notice boards, in compliance with Section 130 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.
That it BE ACKNOWLEDGED that the closing date for the submission of public comments on the 2018/2019 Audited Annual Report is the 25th of February 2021.
That the 2018/2019 Audited Annual Report BE REFERRED to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee for scrutiny.
That once the Municipal Public Accounts Committee has finalized the detailed analysis and review of the 2018/2019 Audited Annual Report, the committee is to DRAFT an Oversight Report to BE TABLED to Council in March 2021 for adoption in terms of Section 129 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.
The Bulletin obtained a copy of the Auditor-General’s report on the 2018/2019 Annual Report. Read it below:
DA Councillor and DA Caucus leader in Govan Mbeki Municipality released the following statement:
The report of the Auditor-General on the Annual Financial Statement of 2018/2019 that was presented to the Govan Mbeki Municipality council on Friday, 29 January 2021, truly paints a grim picture of the mess that this municipality finds itself in.
Despite the advice of the auditor general over the past 2 audit reports, it is disappointing but unsurprising that again our municipality has received a disclaimer of opinion.
Cllr Ciska Jordaan. Democratic Alliance Caucus leader in GMM
However, shocking it was to personally hear the CFO state earlier this week that the municipality is basically in a state of insolvency and should be liquidated, it appears the council has become completely desensitized to the state of affairs that it is currently dealing with and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Year upon year we receive this kind of audit report and pass it through the council as if we are not ashamed of the total dilapidation of this municipality that has ensued in front of our eyes during our term of office.
As the DA, we are concerned that contravention of Supply Chain Management policies, an inability to keep a record of and irregularities with transactions and tenders, the council and administration’s neglect to investigate unauthorized, fruitless and wasteful expenditure to quote a few discrepancies that were found by the Auditor General suggest gross maladministration.
Not to mention that this report is being tabled a year late due to the neglect of the municipality to produce its own audited annual report for the 2018/2019 financial year on time because of appointing an inept service provider that they eventually had to take to the high court.
The report that has been received from the Auditor General confirms that the Govan Mbeki Municipality requires urgent intervention.
If serving our people is the reason why politicians are seated in the council, then the council should be doing the conscionable thing and urging the MEC of Cogta, Mr Mandla Msibi, to dissolve the council so that the people of Govan Mbeki can have political leadership that is capable of turning around the financial situation of this municipality, root out corruption and achieve clean audits annually such as in the DA-led Midvaal municipality.
The Bulletin received no statements from any of the other political parties in this regard.
FOUR VICTIMS SHOT, ONE DIED AND THREE INCLUDING A POLICE OFFICER HOSPITALISED, SUSPECT SOUGHT
NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for a suspect following a horrific incident in which four people were shot at Mhluzi near Middelburg in the early hours of today, Sunday 31 January 2021. One of the victims succumbed to his injuries meanwhile the other three were taken to hospital where they are fighting for their lives. Amongst them, is a female police Sergeant who was off-duty at the time of the incident.
Police were notified of this shooting which took place at Riverside Section in Mhluzi and upon arrival, they found a 39 year old male victim with bullet wounds on his upper body. The man who has now been identified as Sipho Samuel Magagula, was unfortunately certified dead at the scene. While still at the scene, police were further informed about three other victims who were also shot but taken to hospital for medical treatment. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage.
Police believe that Bongani Willken Mkhomazi can assist them in their investigation and is therefore requested to urgenlty contact them. The public is also urged to notify police of his whereabouts.
Anyone with information that can help in the investigation is requested to contact Detective Sergeant Trinity Masemola at 0832463552 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP.
Read more from the office of Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga HERE
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
POLICE MANAGEMENT WELCOME DOUBLE LIFE SENTENCE METED AGAINST RAPIST
NELSPRUIT – The police management in Mpumalanga has welcomed a double life sentence meted by the Kwamhlanga Regional Court to Sibusiso Charles Kabini, aged 26 for raping and robbing three women. Kabini’s reign of terror took place between July and December 2018.
According to the details of the incidences as revealed in court, during the said period, convicted rapist, Kabini preyed on women between the ages 18 and 25. He would wait for them behind a local shopping mall at Kwamhlanga, where he would rape and rob them of their personal belongings using a knife. In one of the incidents, he unashamedly raped a woman in front of her 5-year-old child whilst on the way to a local clinic.
Kabini’s despicable acts continued were at one stage, he also raped a woman who was pregnant at the time and she too was on her way to the local clinic. The third victim went through a similar ordeal after she came back from a tavern where she was also raped by him behind the said mall.
These rape incidents were reported to the police and through a thorough investigation, they managed to arrest Kabini in December 2018. He was subsequently brought before the court and with the assistance of forensic evidence obtained, Kabini was then linked to the said crime scenes at which the state managed to have a watertight case against him. Kabini was then convicted hence his sentencing as follows:
Count 01- rape, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 02 – rape – life sentence.
Count 03 – robbery with aggravating circumstances, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
Count 04 – rape – life sentence.
When handing down the sentence, Magistrate Marlene Grawensteyn said that the accused have no respect for both women and children. She further indicated that the country is battling with crimes against women and children. She pointed out that convicted rapist Kabini showed no remorse to his victims and the sentence should serve as a lesson that the Judiciary does not take crimes against women as well as children lightly.
The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his particulars will be entered into the national register for sex offenders. He was also found to be unfit to work with children.
The police management has thanked members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for their relentless efforts in preventing the accused from preying on more victims. The management is of the view that Kabini’s hefty sentence, will assist the victims in their journey to find closure and healing from the unfortunate emotional trauma that they had to endure as a result of this man’s vicious and lustful acts.
Read more from the office of Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga HERE
Are you thinking about purchasing a Moissaniteengagement ring for your partner, but not completely sure what to look for? Well, it’s your lucky day, because we are moissanite experts and are here to help! Moissanites are becoming the next best thing for couples due to their beauty, affordability, and sustainability.
Below are some of the important things to know when buying a moissanite engagement ring, and also some of the FAQ we receive as a Moissanite jeweller.
1. Is a Moissanite a Real Diamond?
The answer would be, no. A Moissanite is its very own gemstone. It sparkles different, has a different hardness, and a different chemical makeup than a Diamond. With regards to its hardness a Moissanite is a 9.25 on the hardness scale, whereas a diamond is a 10. Another wonderful benefit of moissanite is that it is carbon silicate , which means your Moissanite will repel dirt and oil better than a diamond! A diamond is pure carbon.
In addition, Moissanite is a lab created, meaning it can be cut in any size or shape you want! Natural diamonds are limited to the size and shape the Earth grows them. So, choosing a Moissanite for your engagement ring center stone gives you a ton of flexibility.
Ralph Jacobs Moissanite Engagement Ring
2. Are There Different Grades of Moissanite Rings?
This answer is a yes! When Moissanite first came out, technology had only advanced so far as to make yellowish-green stones. We call this “classic” Moissanite, and be careful, because they are still on the market. And then the Moissanite breakthrough year came and in 2015 Charles and Colvard started offering colourless and near colourless Moissanite.
Ralph Jacobs Moissanite Engagement Ring
Important Things to Know When Purchasing a Moissanite
Does Moissanite Have Resale Value?
The Classic, yellowish-green Moissanite did not have any resale market, however, well preserved colourless Moissanite are beginning to become more popular on resale sites.
Will You Regret Moissanite if You Didn’t Choose A Diamond?
If you love Moissanite for what it isn’t, which is not a mined diamond and for what it is, conflict free, then no. You will forever love your Moissanite for its shiney exterior, and sustainability.
Is Moissanite Ethical?
Definitely! Moissanite is among the most ethical, sustainable engagement ring choices out there. This is because Moissanite is a man made stone. So, no mining is needed to give you a perfectly brilliant Moissanite.
Will Your Moissanite Last Forever?
Yes, it certainly will. Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that is very hard and durable.
How Can You Tell a Diamond from a Moissanite?
It’s easy to tell the difference when comparing it with its shine. When trying to tell if someone has a Moissanite ring or a diamond ring, move the ring around and watch its sparkle carefully. Another way to tell is by looking through the stone’s side facets down to the culet and if the culet appears doubled, you do not have a diamond.
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/all-the-info-about-moissanites/
Your engagement ring is the start of your future with your loved one. An engagement ring is that special ring given to your loved one that is going to marry you. The engagement ring is more of a trend in Western Cultures.
In Western cultures usually a ring is presented as an engagement gift by a partner to their prospective spouse when they propose marriage or directly after a marriage proposal is accepted. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.
In some cultures, men and women wear matching rings, and engagement rings may also be used as wedding rings. In Anglo-Saxon countries, the ring is customarily worn on the left-hand ring finger, but customs vary all across the world.
You’d be surprised to learn that neither the engagement nor any other ring is worn during the wedding ceremony, when the wedding ring is put by the groom on the finger of the bride as part of the ceremony, and sometimes by the bride onto the groom’s finger. After the wedding, the engagement ring is usually put back on and is usually worn on the outside of the wedding ring.
Let’s head back to ancient times and the believed origin of the engagement ring. It appears that the ancient Egyptians are sometimes credited with inventing the engagement ring, and early wedding ring dates to the ancient Egyptians, who believed that a circle symbolized eternal love. These early rings were made of braided reeds or other materials and were put on the ring finger, which they believed contained a vein that ran to the heart. Ancient Greeks later adopted this tradition.
During the second century BC, the Roman bride-to-be was given two rings, a gold one which she wore in public, and one made of iron which she wore at home while attending to household duties to ensure the ring doesn’t damage.
Source: www.christies.com
It’s only a few years later that gemstones became significantly linked with engagement rings. The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in the imperial court of Vienna in 1477, when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy. It is during this time that those of higher social class and of significant wealth begun prizing their loved ones with diamond rings.
In the sixteenth century, the gimmel ring design was used for both the engagement and the wedding. Gimmel means “twin” in Latin, and the rings resemble a puzzle. The couple would wear one of the ring pieces during the engagement and put the second ring piece together on their wedding day.
Example of a Gimmel Engagement Ring | Source: www.etsy.com
During the seventeenth century the Claddagh ring originated in the Irish fishing town of Claddagh. According to Irish tradition the ring signifies love, loyalty, and friendship. The design consists of a heart, hands, and a crown for loyalty. Claddagh rings are still used today for love and friendship.
Example of a Gladdagh Engagement Ring | Source: www.weddingbee.com
Today, most people no longer wear Claddagh rings to show their relationship status, but rather to show their Irish heritage
In 1866 diamonds were first found in South Africa. However, they were not identified as such until 1867. By 1872, the output of the diamond mines exceeded one million carats per year. The discovery of Moissanite also played a big role in various diamond sectors.
Taking a look at the twentieth century and how the trend of engagement rings evolved. In the United States, the popularity of diamond engagement rings declined after World War I, even more so after the onset of the Great Depression. And in 1938, the diamond cartel De Beers began a marketing campaign that would have a major impact on engagement rings.
De Beers Third Hong Kong Store | Source: www.prweb.com
It is here when people were educated on the 4 C’s of diamonds and an everlasting slogan started to take over the world: “A Diamond is Forever.” Ultimately, the De Beers campaign sought to persuade the consumer that an engagement ring is indispensable, and that a diamond is the only acceptable stone for an engagement ring.
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/the-history-of-the-engagement-ring/
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