The History of Engagement Rings Evolution

The history of engagement rings is a fascinating journey through time. Until today, engagement rings are the iconic symbol of love. Have you ever wondered how the diamond engagement ring evolved into what it is today? The practice of giving engagement rings stretches back thousands of years, even though diamond engagement rings as we know them today date back only a few hundred years. Join us as we uncover the captivating story behind these cherished symbols of love and commitment. Stay tuned for an insightful exploration of the history of the engagement ring.

Origin of the Engagement Ring 

The history behind why engagement rings exist dates back to the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use rings as a symbol of love and commitment. They believed that the circle symbolized eternity. Rings were often made in other materials. Rings made of ivory, braided reeds or woven rushes were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This is because they romantically thought that a vein ran directly from that finger to the heart, what was called the Vena Amoris, or vein of love.

These early rings were not made of precious metals or gemstones, but the sentiment behind them was just as meaningful. Wearing a ring on your left-hand ring finger symbolically connects your heart to the love of your life and shows the world that your partner is the closest person to your heart. That tradition continues today, even though we know that the vein in your ring finger doesn’t actually go straight to the heart.

Silver & Gold Rings in Ancient Rome

It wasn't until the ancient Romans that the use of valuable materials like gold and silver became popular. Engagement rings became an official part of the marriage contract. Romans wore rings to symbolize mutual love and obedience. In the second century BC, the Roman bride-to-be was given two rings, a gold one which she wore in public, and one made of iron which she wore at home while attending to household duties. At one time many Roman citizens wore iron rings. Gold rings and other jewelry were later found in the ruins of Pompeii, confirming that the tradition of exchanging rings was widespread.

Engagement Rings are Officially Recognized   

In the year 850, the engagement ring was officially recognized. The engagement ring symbolized the pledge to marry. This decree was made by Pope Nicholas I, establishing the significance of the ring in the realm of betrothal. During the Middle Ages, rings made of gold remained the favored choice for these special tokens of commitment. Their enduring popularity reflects the timeless allure and precious nature of this noble metal in the context of matrimonial promises.

The First Engagement Ring - Archduke Maximilian of Austria

The first diamond engagement ring ever recorded was given by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his future Queen, Mary of Burgundy in 1477. She requested the ring in a letter agreeing to marry him: “At the betrothal, your Grace must have a ring set with a diamond and also a gold ring.” The first diamond ring was in the shape of her initial, “M.” The irregular diamonds set, were faceted using the best techniques available at the time.

Gimmel Rings Surge in Popularity

In the 15th century, engagement rings became even more symbolic of the joining of two lives into one. Gimmel rings, with three connected bands, surged in popularity. First, two rings were worn by each of the engaged couple. On their wedding day, the two bands were connected with a third ring and the three joined rings were worn by the new bride as her wedding ring set.

Posy Rings Engraved with Love Notes

In the Age of Enlightenment, years 1685 through 1815, some couples instead chose to wed with posy rings, which had bands that were engraved with love notes. Sometimes a silver posy engagement ring would be exchanged for a gold version of the ring during the wedding ceremony.

The Addition of Diamonds

Diamonds were set in rings during this time, first as crystals then as crystals with a few facets. The history of the diamond explains how it was still very difficult to cut diamonds because of their extreme hardness. Only a diamond can cut a diamond. Eventually cutters realized they could use diamond dust to grind flat facets to make a diamond sparkle more.

Middle Ages and the Marquise Cut

Diamonds were extremely rare during the Middle Ages and mined only in India. By 1500, artisans developed tools to create facets on diamonds. By the mid-1700s, cuts were much more elaborate and creative. King Louis XV of France commissioned his jeweler to create a diamond cut inspired by the shape of the lips of his beloved, Madame de Pompadour. The resulting shape is now known as the marquise cut.

Engagement Ring Popularity Evolves

In the 19th century, engagement rings began to become more widespread among the general population. The Gemological Institute of America was established. Huge diamond mines were discovered in South Africa. As a result, diamonds were no longer a rarity for the aristocracy. Everyone could now own a diamond. Engagement rings were given more and more often. However, they were still not considered a necessity. Many couples exchanged other tokens of affection, such as lockets or brooches. Diamonds were popular but birthstones were the most common choice for engagement rings.

Tiffany Setting Introduced

In 1886, Tiffany & Co. introduced the "Tiffany Setting," which elevated a diamond solitaire above the band with six prongs to maximize its brilliance and fire. This innovation made diamonds the preferred gemstone for engagement rings and established Tiffany & Co. as a leading retailer of fine jewelry.

Art Deco Era Evolution

Throughout the 20th century, engagement rings continued to evolve in style and design. During the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s, women wore rings vintage styled and estate styled rings. Geometric shaped rings were popular and in vogue.

DeBeers - A Diamond is Forever

Engagement rings started to become an engagement necessity in the 1940s. Because demand for diamonds was down during the Depression, in 1938 De Beers hired an ad agency, N.W. Ayer & Son, to promote diamond engagement rings for the first time. De Beers launched the slogan “A diamond is forever" was born. The popularity of a diamond engagement ring took off. This had a big impact on engagement ring sales and diamond engagement rings became a necessity. In the year 2000, Advertising Age magazine named "A diamond is forever" the best advertising slogan of the 20th century.

Breach of Promise to Marry Law Enacted

In the 1940s, the United States made significant changes to its legal system by abolishing the "Breach of Promise to Marry" law. This law had previously allowed women to sue men who broke their engagement and marriage promises. Recognizing the potential disadvantages women faced in such situations, a cultural shift occurred where the use of a diamond ring or tradition of giving a diamond ring as a symbol of engagement became more prevalent. These expensive engagement rings were also used as a form of collateral, emphasizing the seriousness of the promise to marry and providing a tangible representation of the commitment made between couples.

Engagement and Wedding Rings of the 50's, 60's & 70's

In the 1950s and 1960s, the concept of a matching set of an engagement ring and wedding band gained popularity. With this trend, coupled with the advent of mass production, engagement rings and wedding rings became more accessible to a wider audience. As the 1970s rolled around, more diverse designs began to emerge and captivate the public's attention. Among these was the rise of the square-shaped princess cut engagement ring. The princess cut engagement rings also added a contemporary and geometric touch to these cherished symbols of love and commitment.

Diamond Engagement Ring Trends of the 80's & 90's

During the 1980s and 1990s, engagement ring trends were greatly influenced by celebrities and pop culture. The addition of tapered baguettes brought a dazzling sparkle to engagement ring designs, capturing the attention of many. Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring, featuring an oval blue sapphire and diamonds, served as a remarkable inspiration for numerous ring styles. This made engagement rings featuring colored gems highly popular. Another popular choice during this era was the three-stone ring, symbolizing the past, present, and future. Furthermore, the surge in popularity caused a resurgence of engagement rings featuring platinum. Platinum was recognized as a luxurious and exclusive metal option for couples seeking an elegant and timeless ring.

Today's Engagement Ring Styles

Today's engagement ring styles encompass a rich history that has evolved over time. From ancient traditions to the modern era, the concept of engagement rings has transformed into a diverse range of styles. Classic designs exude timeless elegance, while cathedral settings add a touch of grandeur. Baguette-cut diamonds offer a sleek and sophisticated look, while halo settings provide a captivating halo of brilliance. Three stone rings symbolize the past, present, and future of a relationship, while fancy engagement rings explore unique and creative designs like Halo rings and hidden Halo engagement rings.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards inclusivity, with the rise of male engagement rings or engagement rings for men. The availability of a wide array of engagement ring styles ensures that every individual can find a symbol of love that speaks to their personal taste and style. This shift towards inclusivity allows for a greater expression of individuality and breaks traditional gender norms associated with engagement rings. Whether it's a classic design or a contemporary piece, the options are now endless, making it easier for everyone to find the perfect symbol of commitment and love, regardless of gender.

Modern Engagement Ring Styles by Ziamond

Although diamonds remain a popular choice, engagement rings may commonly feature colored gemstones or diamond simulants. More and more brides are opting for alternatives. One such alternative is Ziamond's lab-grown diamond alternative cubic zirconia, which offers an affordable option for those with eco-conscious sensibilities.

Ziamond lab-grown diamond alternative cubic zirconia engagement rings are a hidden secret for savvy shoppers. In today's market, consumers are more discerning and are reluctant to spend their hard-earned savings or accumulate debt for an engagement or wedding ring. A wide range of options includes classic solitaire, cathedral solitaire, baguette solitaire, halo, bridal sets, matching sets, eternity bands, and anniversary bands. Clients also choose to have their very own custom-designed engagement rings.

Ziamond presents up-to-date and popular designs. Each piece showcases hand-cut and hand-polished Russian formula diamond quality cubic zirconia, expertly set in 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum. These lab-grown diamond simulant cubic zirconia engagement rings provide the perfect alternative to genuine mined diamonds. Purchase an engagement ring of your dreams and allow yourself to save thousands without compromising on beauty.