Why do lovers give diamond rings when they get engaged? How have these changed over the centuries?

Nothing is more endearing than a diamond engagement ring. For centuries, diamond engagement rings have been given by lovers to secure a lady’s hand in marriage and announce a couple’s undying love to the world. No other piece of jewelry so clearly communicates such a specific message.

 

So where did the tradition of this special piece of jewelry begin and why does it still continue to be such a standard symbol of engagement? Diamonds have always been revered as precious stones due to their beauty and rarity. They were first discovered sometime around 800 B.C., and many cultures believed they had magical properties.

 

Why diamonds on an engagement ring? Most likely, it’s because diamonds are not only pretty, rare, and a sizable investment for most people, but also because of the diamond’s symbolism. The word ‘diamond’ is believed to be derived from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means unconquerable – just like the extreme strength and hardness properties of diamonds. A bond of marriage is hoped to be unconquerable, so it’s a fitting stone choice. 

 

There’s even symbolism behind why we use a ring to show engagement. A ring has always had a symbolic purpose when it comes to sealing a marriage, mainly because of its circular, unending link to eternity.

 

The first recorded diamond engagement ring was in the 1400’s. It was reserved for the wealthy and well-connected royalty. The earliest recipient of a diamond engagement ring is believed to be Mary of Burgundy who was engaged to Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in the year 1477.

 

Early diamond engagement rings looked much different than the refined cuts and jewelry settings of today. Early engagement rings were often left uncut in their natural crystal form. Sometimes they were set in patterns that included rosettes, important letters or symbolic shapes such as the fleur-de-lis. The ring band itself often had messages of endearment inscribed on the band.

 

Depending on the country of origin, early 16^th and 17^th century diamond engagement rings had local flair and unique regional design. For example, in Italy, a popular style consisted of a band that was shaped as two hands clasped together holding a diamond cut heart.

 

The supply of diamonds dramatically increased in the 1700’s with the discovery of Brazilian diamond stores. This period of time produced many elegant and romantically styled diamond engagement rings. Styles from this period included heart diamonds crowned with accents, diamonds set with bows and flower sprays.

 

More diamonds became available to the general consumer in the latter part of the 19^th century thanks to the wealth that resulted from the Industrial Revolution as well as the discovery of a plethora of diamonds in Africa. The increase in the ability to buy diamonds, plus the increase in the overall market supply made more people able to buy diamond engagement rings. It was during this time that the tradition of an engagement ring prior to being married became popular. The Victorian age was a perfect time to introduce such a tradition, too – this romantic period of sentimental themes flourished with diamond jewelry. The Victorian era is known for large cluster settings with diamond bands. Symbolism was popular as well, with Queen Victoria herself donning a snake engagement ring with coils representing eternal love. It was in 1886, the middle of the Victorian era, that Tiffany & Co. premiered its still-classic six-prong diamond solitaire engagement ring.

 

Most of the classic engagement rings, antique diamond engagement rings, and estate jewelry engagement rings found today are from the early 1900’s. During this period of time, filigrees made with white gold and platinum were the most common. Many women today look for classically style diamond engagement rings that have a style of yesteryear – Art Deco-inspired rings with geometric shaped bands and accent gems, or the Edwardian look of simple lacey details and engraving are exceedingly popular now, but give a hint of sophistication and class that stands out from today’s modern designs.

 

Yellow gold diamond engagement rings were common during the 1930’s and 40’s. These heirloom style rings often had delicate engravings in the bands and were accented by diamond solitaires or other gem accents in different colors like ruby, sapphire or emerald. Delicate flowers, leaves, and ivy often accented cut diamonds and added to the enhancement of the custom wedding band. The settings during the period become more sophisticated, often using the setting to best showcase a particular diamond cut.

 

Over the years, the diamond setting and cut, as well as the overall ring design has changed depending on the style of the women wearing it. After all, it’s a piece of jewelry a women hopes to wear for her entire life so it should match her personality. The styles can range from antique, to classic, to modern and contemporary. Among all of the possibilities in diamond engagement ring designs, there is at least one perfect engagement ring that will match every woman’s taste and style.

 

How about a genuine vintage ring for your engagement? AntiquesAvenue offers a selection along with vintage jewellery for your wedding day.