Engagement rings have long been a symbol of love, devotion, and the promise of a shared future, but their story stretches back thousands of years.
From Ancient Egypt to Ancient Rome
Image courtesy GIA
The earliest origins can be traced to ancient Egypt, where rings were exchanged as tokens of eternal love. The Egyptians believed that the circular shape represented infinity, a never-ending bond between two souls. They often wore rings made of braided reeds or leather, sometimes even adorning them with simple stones.
The tradition later took root in ancient Rome, where betrothal rings became a formal part of marriage agreements. Roman women would wear iron rings as a sign of their binding promise to wed, symbolising strength and permanence.
The Diamond Ring
The modern concept of the engagement ring truly began in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a stunning Diamond ring. This royal gesture set a powerful precedent, Diamonds became synonymous with romance, luxury, and lifelong commitment, and started the movement for having a Diamond ring when proposing.
A Diamond is Forever
Fast forward to the 20th century, and the world saw the birth of one of the most influential marketing campaigns of all time. The De Beers company coined the iconic slogan “A Diamond is forever.”
The phrase was created to link diamonds with eternal love and commitment, and it has been used in every De Beers engagement advert since 1948. This phrase not only reinforced the idea of eternal love but also solidified Diamonds as the ultimate symbol of engagement and marriage.
Modern Engagement Rings
Today, engagement rings come in countless designs, gemstones, and personal touches. From the classic solitaires to more modern bold designs, including the use of coloured Diamonds and gemstones. Engagement rings have become something that is - and should be, truly unique to each individual. Yet, beneath every sparkle lies a shared legacy, thousands of years of history, tradition, and the timeless belief that love, like a circle, has no end.
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