The History of Diamond Engagement Rings
Proposing with a beautiful Diamond engagement rings is a romantic gesture today, but it wasn’t always a symbol of love. In ancient times, engagement rings signified ownership. Thankfully, times have changed. We’ll explore the fascinating history of engagement rings in this article.
Where did the tradition of Diamond engagement rings come from ?
Moreover, The tradition of engagement rings began in Ancient Rome, but they didn’t hold the same meaning as today. Over time, engagement rings have evolved to symbolize a marriage proposal.
Ancient Rome: A Sign of Ownership
In Ancient Rome, engagement rings symbolized ownership rather than love. Men gave these rings to their brides-to-be as a sign of their control and claim over them. Furthermore, This practice laid the foundation for the evolution of engagement rings, transforming over centuries into a symbol of love and commitment.
The Middle Ages: A Declaration of Intent to Marry
In the Middle Ages, engagement rings gained popularity and changed meaning. Around 850, Pope Nicholas I declared that engagement rings symbolized a man’s intent to marry, with gold being the preferred material.
Diamond engagement rings are believed to have originated in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned one for Mary of Burgundy. As the wealthy traveled, the tradition spread to European aristocracy and nobility.
Victorian Times: Diamond Engagement Rings & the Industrial Revolution
In the Victorian era, engagement rings were for the upper class. The industrial revolution and the discovery of diamond mines boosted jewelry production, making the industry thrive.
Dowries were the preferred method of securing engagements, so rings were simpler, resembling the solitaire engagement rings we see today.
After WW1, engagement ring sales declined and lost appeal with the younger generation. Diamond prices collapsed, prompting De Beers to launch their famous “A diamond is forever” campaign in 1939. By the early 1940s, the campaign succeeded, and engagement ring sales soared worldwide.
Until 1970 in the UK, women could sue a man for “Breach of Promise” if he broke off an engagement, with no penalty if the woman changed her mind. This was because middle and upper-class women often didn’t work, and working-class women had to quit their jobs upon marriage. Thus, women could keep and sell their engagement rings for financial support if the engagement ended.
While solitaire engagement rings were popular, other styles emerged in the 20th century. The 1980s saw a surge in gemstone rings, inspired by Princess Diana’s sapphire halo engagement ring. Additionally, vintage-style engagement rings gained popularity, drawing inspiration from historical designs.
21st Century: A Time for New Traditions
The history of engagement rings has traditionally focused on relationships between men and women. Since the early 21st century, changes in laws regarding same-sex marriage have led to new traditions. Today, surprise proposals or planned proposals are common, with many couples discussing their future before getting engaged. Diamond rings are no longer just for engagements; they are also popular as gifts, fashion jewelry, and wedding rings.
