Can any of the good and fine people in the CR accept the idea that NOT everything that is done in their particular circle is Kodesh Kodoshim to be done by ALL of Klal Yisroel? I never received a bracelet OR a ring when my hubby and I became engaged, though he did give me a pendant. I got my ring much later. My husband was and is my diamond.
Neither did my son give a bracelet to his Kallah. He did give her a ring when he proposed. My daughter received a non-diamond or gold bracelet (very pretty though), but not for any reason other than the fact that her chosson saw it, thought of her, and saved it for that time when he proposed, especially as he had not yet gotten her a ring.
There are no “rules,” about anything, and if there are for some, there shouldn’t be. Pearls in the Yichud room come to mind. WHO SAYS SO? What if the girl does not like pearls? What if the chosson does not like gold watches? My husband is a prime example of such a guy. When did we turn a moment of simcha into such a regulated, materialistic occasion?