The History of Engagement Rings

All throughout history, diamonds were considered a symbol of strength and protection. Diamond rings have had the connotation of representing love, prosperity, and spirituality. No doubt, diamonds are also used as engagement rings because of their extreme hardness symbolizing eternity and the circular band symbolizing unity in hopes of an unbreakable marriage. Though the exact history as to how diamonds became involved with engagement rings is quite unclear and muddled, it can be traced back to as early as 800 BC where they were first discovered in India.

In Rome, Pope Nicolas I made a law stating that a gold ring is required for engagements to confirm that it was an arranged marriage and also as a financial commitment made by the groom. The ring would mean that groom had paid for his wife, making her his property. In ancient Egypt, engagement rings were worn on the ring finger of the left hand because that was the finger which was believed to have the "vein of love" flowing straight from the heart. In ancient Greece, the ring was considered to be more of a promise ring between lovers, friends, and even masters and slaves. In catholic tradition, the priest will count the ring finger, after declaring "In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Did you know? The first diamond engagement ring ever to be recorded and begin its long tradition was in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to his future wife, Mary of Burgandy.