A History of How Diamonds Came to Dominate Engagement Rings
We commonly and readily accept that a diamond ring symbolises the engagement and intention to be married of two people. As such a precious, strong, durable and beautiful stone, it seems fitting that a diamond is typically used for a ring that represents adoration, commitment and, of course, love.
While we are likely to admire and treasure diamond engagement rings, few of us really understand the history and reasons for diamonds being featured and why this tradition has persisted for so many years. Here we take a look at the history of diamonds being used in engagement rings.
Where did it begin?
The act of giving a diamond engagement ring is believed to have begun in the 15th Century. In fact, it was in 1477 that Mary of Burgundy received a diamond ring from Archduke Maximillian of Austria.
This union being symbolised and cemented with a diamond ring was so acknowledged by others that it quickly became a widespread practice amongst the famous and wealthy people of the era. Soon enough, the trend was evident throughout the world, with members of the upper classes giving diamond rings to those they loved and were committed to marrying.
While the popularity of giving a diamond ring was present in different parts of the world, in the few centuries that followed, the act of giving such a ring was generally restricted to those from noble and wealthy families.
What changed?
The year 1870 marked the important discovery of a number of diamond mines in South Africa. This discovery had a significant impact because it made diamonds considerably more affordable and available to people of different classes and social standings. Effectively, diamond supplies increased while costs declined and this resulted in healthy sales of diamonds throughout Europe and the United States.
The significance of diamonds in the United States:
By the late 1930s, the United States had become the world’s premium marketplace for diamonds of the finest quality. As a result, diamond engagement rings were widely and popularly purchased in the U.S Shortly before World War II, diamond sales in Europe plummeted to their lowest level and the U.S became the prime location in which to market these precious stones.
The significance of a diamond engagement ring:
As most of us realise, the Great Depression had a significant impact for people in the U.S and Europe, and significantly affected the way they lived, the luxuries they enjoyed and their freedom with and attitudes to money. However, even in such a time of despair and difficulty, history shows that North Americans continued to espouse the significance and importance of a diamond engagement ring for not only its symbolism of love and commitment, but the fact that diamonds last forever and can be handed down through generations of the same family.
To this day, the trend has continued with people in the U.S and many other parts of the world choosing and purchasing diamonds for engagement rings and other pieces of jewellery that are meaningful, significant and special.
Customs relating to the engagement ring:
In so many parts of the world and in a number of different cultures, an engagement ring is customarily worn (with a wedding band after marriage) on the ring finger of the left hand. This tradition can be traced back to ancient Greece and the beliefs of its citizens that a vein positioned in the left ring finger – the vena amoris – marks a direct line to the heart.
The tradition of finding and committing to a mate before buying a ring remains today, but this was quite different in the Middle Ages. In this era, it was quite common for a man to select and buy a ring which would be tied to his hat and given to his betrothed after she was found.
Diamonds are widely respected as the most precious, durable and beautiful gems in the world. It is therefore highly appropriate that they so frequently feature in engagement rings and represent the qualities that characterise and are needed for a lasting relationship and marriage. Although many different trends in diamond engagement rings have been observed throughout history, the tradition of diamonds being used in engagement rings is historically significant and sure to remain.
