It may not be what most people expect but the history of the tradition of engagement rings is actually rather foggy and definitely rather unromantic. The earliest types of what would now be called engagement rings were used to symbolize that the woman was no long free to seek a husband, rather than the symbol of love associated with engagement rings of today.
As with many of our modern traditions, the Romans are likely the origin of the use of engagement rings. These very plain steel bands were placed on a woman’s left hand, third finger, to keep her true to the man she was going to marry. The reason this particular finger was used is because the early doctors and healers believed that a vein connected this finger to the heart, which was seen as the center of truth and honesty.
The more modern style of decorative and detailed type of engagement rings started to surface in the Middle Ages. Precious stones such as rubies or sapphires were used in place of diamonds which were very rare. Only the wealthiest of royalty could afford to present these types of rings to their future spouses.
The first actual gift of an engagement ring with a diamond is attributed to Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in 1477. He presented his betrothal ring to Mary of Burgundy and is largely credited with starting the diamond engagement ring tends. Soon everyone that could afford diamonds was including them on the betrothal rings. Poorer, average people continued to give rings that featured symbols, which is were the tradition of the claddagh ring started.
Within the 18th and 19th centuries, diamond mines in Africa and South American started producing large quantities of diamonds that came in many shapes, colors and sizes. Adding diamonds to engagement rings for average income earners was now both possible and highly desirable.
Diamonds are some of the hardest gems, resistant to almost any type of damage. While the saying diamonds are forever was a marketing slogan, it is also one of the reasons they become so essential in engagement rings. Since there were many different qualities of diamonds on the market, the next step was to develop some type of grading for the stones.
Now consumers can buy diamond engagement rings with confidence since gems in the rings are certified. Certified diamonds have been full described in the document of certification, allowing the buyer to know every aspect of the diamond before purchase.
While the history of engagement rings may be more practical than romantic, they are now a true and lasting symbol of love and commitment. Buying engagement rings with certified diamonds helps to protect your investment and help you determine the ring that is just right.
