An engagement ring signifies a couple’s promise to build a future together, but the idea of engagement rings has quite a history all on its own.
In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. The couple was wed within 24 hours, and this has been labeled as the first recorded account of the engagement ring.
The symbolic nature of engagement rings goes back before the 15th century. Ancient Romans gave betrothal or truth rings, and later started engraving their betrothed’s name on the ring.
There was more than simply a symbolic meaning to this tradition. The tradition of the engagement being placed on the ring finger originated from the Egyptian belief that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart.
With the Middle Ages brought about the tradition of using a diamond as a symbol for the blessed union. The diamond is the hardest and strongest mineral on earth, with the ability to resist fire and steel. These facts made it the perfect material to symbolize an unbreakable bond between a married man and woman. Yet, at this time, only the wealthy Europeans and those in a position of royalty could afford to profess their love with such an extravagant gesture.
Moving forward to the nineteenth century, diamonds were more easily accessible to the average person. Many markets were filled with too many diamonds after the Kimberley diamond region in South Africa was discovered. Many people started to select engagement rings with birth stones instead of diamonds, because they perceived them to be rarer. Those who were rich exchanged diamond engagement rings for those with other gems such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies with diamond accents, thus opening the diamond door for the general public.
The 20th century brought with it a renewed desire for diamonds as Hollywood glamour influenced the public opinion. Blond bombshell Marilyn Monroe may be partly to blame with her hit song Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.
Historically, engagement rings have been made up of more than just diamonds. While diamond engagement rings have gone in and out of fashion, one thing that has not changed is that there will always be a strong demand for engagement rings with some kind of stone. Every young girl has dreams of being swept off her feet by a handsome prince. With a diamond engagement ring on her finger, she will feel like a real princess. Today, the diamond symbolizes wealth and fashion and the ring is a symbol of the relationship.
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