The History Of The Engagement Ring

The history behind the engagement ring is one of the fascinating stories that appear to be mostly lost to history. The engagement ring has become such a mainstay in our culture that most people do not even stop to think twice about the history of engagement rings. But did you know that the history of the engagement ring is a fascinating one that is worth knowing?

What Is The History Of The Engagement Ring?

The history of the engagement ring represents one of the most fascinating and most successful publicity campaigns. The history of the engagement ring can actually be traced back all the way to the Fourth Lateran Council of the Vatican. It was then that Pope Innocent the Third called for a longer waiting period between the engagement and actual marriage ceremony. In these times, engagement rings were used at announcement of marriage to indicate engagement. But back then, engagement rings consisted mainly of plain iron, silver, or gold. Eventually, it became customary to mount stones on the rings. Birthstones were used as a guide for most couples.

Engagement Ring History Takes A Turn For Diamonds

The tradition of using diamonds in rings is a long one. Many experts believe that the practice of wearing diamonds on rings can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that Romans cherished diamonds for what they thought of as their supernatural and health powers. The French has also attributed various powers to diamonds. However, engagement ring history took a real turn towards diamonds with the engagement of Maximilian the First, the Archduke of Austria. In his engagement to Mary of Burgundy, the act was commemorated with diamond engagement rings.

The Modern Era Of Diamond Engagement Rings

However, the history of engagement rings took a permanent turn towards diamonds in the middle 20th Century, due to the incredibly popular De Beers diamond campaign. The De Beers company coined the popular phrase, “a diamond is forever,” and made the diamond engagement ring the standard in engagement rings. Eventually, the De Beers company and other prominent jewelry and gem companies sought to make the male engagement ring a standard as well. Although history does have several examples of male engagement rings, the attempt failed. However, the De Beers company succeeded in making the diamond engagement ring the standard for women, as well turning diamond jewelry pieced in popular anniversary presents.