[thdrdt]

I also think this is a US thing. In other countries a ring without diamond is also normal.

And I guess most people could not even distinct a diamond from polished glass.

[nottorp]

Speaking of US things, what's an engagement ring? :)

And yes, most wedding rings around here are plain gold. I only know one couple with diamonds on their wedding rings and they're kinda nouveau riche and snobby.

[CalRobert]

We're American, but living in Ireland, and when my wife announced she was engaged her colleagues demanded to see her ring, oddly. Cultural imperialism I suppose.

[tremon]

Engagement rings are as much a thing in Europe as wedding rings, they just don't automatically include big diamonds.