Ozme makes a good point and I want to point out that in any kind of relationship there are many symbols that mark important moments. The most important factor is that each person is fully aware of the sybolism of the act. Too often there is a disparity of understanding. When it means something different to each person is a recipe for confusion.

You see this especially when young men give young women items of jewelry. Men so often do not imbibe the situation with the same sense of occasion as women do.