The History Of Engagement Rings

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. 

Most historians agree that the first engagement rings to be routinely used by a particular culture came from the Romans. Roman men would provide a ring, usually of a type of steel, to a woman as a way to keep her heart pure. The reason the third finger of the left hand was used comes from the belief that a vein ran directly from the heart to the hand through this finger. The rings were meant to keep the woman betrothed or true to her partner to be.

The Middle Ages saw the continued use of engagement rings, although they started to look a bit more like modern engagement rings. Diamonds were still so rare as to be impossible to get, so other precious gems such as emeralds or rubies were used. Only the very wealthy were able to afford these rings, but they were highly prized.

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. 

Up to the late 18th and early 19th centuries there were definite diamond shortages, meaning few could afford these precious gems. When mines were found in South America and Africa, diamonds of all shapes and sizes became more popular and affordable and the modern engagement rings came into vogue.

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.

With so many diamonds of different quality on the market a grading system was then developed. Certified diamonds, those that have be recorded, graded and evaluated are now available in any type of engagement rings or diamond jewelry items. The certified diamond is also described meaning that authenticity of the diamond is never in question. 

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.