History of Diamond Engagement Ring You Want to Know

When it comes to when engagement rings start, it is commonly believed to have originated in ancient Rome. At that time, rings were often made of ivory, flint, bone, copper, and iron. They symbolized a marital contract or subordination to the husband, rather than the romantic expression of love today.

It is said that Roman brides would often receive two rings: a gold ring to wear in public and an iron ring to wear at home for household duties. This practice reflected the different roles and responsibilities of women in both public and private spheres. The discovery of gold rings in the ruins of Pompeii also supports the notion that gold engagement rings emerged quite early in history.

As time progressed into the Middle Ages, the history of engagement rings became more closely linked to law and religion. In the late Visigothic kingdom, engagements was officially recognized by the government. " That when the ceremony of betrothal has been performed... and the ring shall have been given or accepted as a pledge, although nothing may have been committed to writing, the promise shall, under no circumstances, be broken." This was recorded in the Visigothic Code.

Similarly, around 850 AD, based on the GIA, Pope Nicholas I declared that this ring represented a man’s intention to marry. At this time, gold rings were commonly used as engagement rings.

The first diamond engagement ring appeared in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave it to Mary of Burgundy as a proposal. Although the exact carat weight is not recorded, this ring, made of diamond instead of traditional materials like iron, gold, or silver, marked the beginning of diamond engagement ring history. It also established diamonds as a symbol of wealth and status in engagement rings.

The Gimmel ring, originated in the 14th century, is a traditional piece of jewelry made up of two or more interlocking bands, symbolizing unity and commitment. The Posy ring, popular in England and France from the 15th to the 17th century, features a short poem or phrase engraved on the band. It expressed love, devotion, or friendship, and was often exchanged between lovers as a token of affection.

Both of these classic rings are associated with love and commitment. While they cannot be directly considered predecessors to engagement rings, they have left a significant mark on the history of engagement rings, particularly in terms of the meanings modern engagement rings convey.

Around 1840, diamond engagement rings were introduced to the United States. Before World War II, however, platinum and gold were the primary choices for engagement rings, and people paid little attention to diamond shapes or ring designs.

It wasn't until 1947, when De Beers launched the iconic slogan "A Diamond Is Forever," created by Frances Gerety, that everything changed. By promoting sparkling diamonds worn by movie stars, De Beers successfully positioned diamonds as symbols of love and commitment, leading to a surge in sales of diamond engagement rings.

In recent years, diamond styles have become mainstream for engagement rings, with a growing diversity in band designs and material choices. Each year brings new trends. Each year brings new trends. Consumer attitudes are also shifting, with a greater emphasis on personalized designs and ethically sourced gemstones. Additionally, more men are now wearing engagement rings. It is the result of the rise of gender equality values and the jewelry industry's marketing efforts under the concept of "man-agement ring".