History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
The history of the diamond engagement ring is a relatively new practice in the traditions of marriage proposals. The very first ring was believed to be given by the Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg to his betrothed Mary of Burgundy in 1477. At this time, diamonds were very rare, so they were reserved for the royalty and wealthy. Before this time, there are several theories about how the diamond ring came to be a prerequisite to marriage - some of the practices are seemingly barbaric by our standards.
In ancient history, the Romans gave a betrothal ring (not a diamond) to wear on the left hand's third finger. It is also believed that the Romans are the first people to start inscribing on the rings. The vein in this finger is believed to go directly to the heart according to ancient Egyptian beliefs, so that is why it is worn on this finger. This tradition still holds true today, as women proudly hold their left hand out to show off the beautiful diamonds.
As time went on, the “bond ring” was introduced. The word bond means held together. This is still not representative of our modern engagement rings, but the upper class would have incorporated other precious jewels into their rings, making this the beginning of an engagement ring. The lower classes used a Fede ring, which was two clasped hands (like the Irish claddagh ring of today) without diamonds, as an engagement ring. For the very privileged, however, diamond rings were given as an engagement ring because of the qualities it represented. This is how the “common” gift of a diamond started as a traditional element of proposals.
The diamond is the earth's hardest mineral, and it strength resists fire. The lasting value of the diamond is representative of wedding vows, so the tradition started among the wealthy to give a diamond when marriage was proposed. Diamonds became available more readily after they were found in Brazil, cluster engagement rings suddenly became a fashionable piece among the wealthy.
Once diamonds were found in South Africa in 1870, diamonds were suddenly available to a greater slice of the population. De Beers, the largest diamond trade company, has worked hard to balance supply and demand. As the market has suffered ups and downs over the past 100 years or so, the largest diamond seller has effectively run an advertising campaign with the slogan that “A Diamond is Forever”.
While the diamond market may be controlled by De Beers, the beauty of a diamond cannot be denied. The lasting beauty and value has no price for a bride, as can be found in the glowing face of the woman who has received it. The ability to withstand anything, the beauty, and the sentiment all combine to make this stone the perfect element for the beginning of forever.
