The History of the Diamond as an Engagement Ring (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of diamond ring for engagement? ›

The wealthy and privileged classes were more free to romanticize marriage, and extend it beyond its practical economic, political, and social purposes. The first documented use of a diamond to represent engagement was in 1477, by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in Vienna to the betrothed Mary of Burgundy.

Diamond engagement rings remain the most popular choice for many couples, thanks to their symbolic beauty and sparkle. As one of the hardest substances in nature, diamonds represent strength, endurance, and permanence - all important qualities when it comes to marriage.

“A Diamond is Forever”: The Unforgettable De Beers Tagline That's Still Shining.

The future queen quickly accepted her beloved husband-to-be's proposal piece, which consisted of a three-carat center stone flanked by 10 additional diamonds (embedded into raised shoulders) all set in platinum.

The engagement ring is usually put on first, followed by the wedding ring. This is simply for practical reasons, because of the order the rings were given in. However, this custom can vary according to what feels most comfortable to the bride. In Germany, the fourth fingers of both the right and left hand can be used.

The tradition actually began 539 years ago when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned a diamond ring for Mary of Burgundy.

The engagement ring stands for the promise of marriage, it symbolises devotion and commitment to the beloved partner. The shape of the ring already indicates its meaning: it is circular - without beginning and end - and thus it has become a universal sign of eternal love and faithfulness, perfection and infinity.

An engagement ring's meaning to a woman is that it is a public symbol of love, commitment, and a promise of marriage. In addition, it represents her partner's love for her, the ring's ability to symbolize their relationship and its future, how it will look on her finger, and sometimes the cost of the ring.

Out of the 4 C's of diamonds, the cut of the diamond is the most important. This is followed by color, clarity, and carat weight.

In 1948, Gerety was assigned to create a slogan that encapsulates the security and eternal romance that comes with owning a diamond. Gerety scribbled the slogan “A Diamond is Forever” on a piece of paper late one night. The next morning, she presented the slogan to her associates at N. W. Ayers.

Why do people say diamonds are forever? ›

A DIAMOND IS A GIFT THAT LASTS FOREVER

The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means indestructible and/or invincible. Flowers fade, perfume dries up, clothing gets out of fashion, even cars do not last. But a Diamond… now that is a forever gift, it is true!

The eternity of a diamond reflects the eternity of love and a diamond is the ultimate symbol of enduring and everlasting love. 'A Diamond Is Forever' encapsulates the security and eternal romance that comes with owning a diamond and it marks the sentiment of responsibility and commitment between two people.

Engagement ring

Diana and Charles became engaged in February 1981. Her engagement ring consisted of 14 diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold. It was created by then-crown jeweller Garrard.

Lisa Levinson, head of communications at the Natural Diamond Council, told Metro.co.uk, "Her Majesty is an incredibly humble woman at heart who is unlikely to be dressed in anything but her simple Welsh gold wedding band to rest and a pair of pearl earrings."

Kate Middleton's engagement ring is an oval Ceylon sapphire ring set in 18-karat white gold. The 12-carat sapphire is surrounded by an impressive 14 solitaire diamonds. It has astonishing history, and it was once given to Princess Diana by Prince Charles.

Heart shaped diamonds are thought to date back to the mid-1400s, beloved by royals throughout history. A Heart shaped diamond was famously exchanged as a gesture of friendship between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I in 1562.

In the western world, it's now difficult to extricate the idea of an engagement from a ring – and specifically a diamond ring. But it's widely acknowledged that the tradition of the diamond as the engagement stone is a construct of relatively recent history.

The Western traditions of wedding rings can be traced to ancient Rome and Greece, and were first associated with the marital dowry and later with a promise of fidelity. The modern exchange of rings derived from the customs of Europe in the Middle Ages as part of Christendom.