The Fascinating History of Engagement Rings (2024)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Engagement rings are a time-honored, romantic custom, especially when a beloved antique engagement ring is passed down through the generations, adding new chapters to its unique love story with every “will you” and “I do” it is part of. But how did the tradition of engagement rings begin?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Ancient Engagement Rings
- The First Diamond Engagement Ring
- Engagement Rings in the 1800s
- Victorian Rings
- 20th Century Engagement Rings
- Edwardian Rings
- Art Deco Engagement Rings
- Retro Rings
- Today's Engagement Rings
- Beginning Your Own Engagement Ring Story
Ancient Engagement Rings
Engagement rings have been noted in ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures in different ways. In ancient Egypt, the circlet of a ring was associated with eternity, symbolizing the enduring bond between a couple. In ancient Rome, the rings signified the ownership of women as property, and an iron ring was worn at home while doing household work, while a gold or silver ring was worn in public. Bone and copper rings were also common. Other ancient cultures often used braided reeds or other materials to create rings that could be associated with engagements, marriage, or other relationship bonds, though the exact intention and meanings behind many of those rings is unclear or has been lost to history.
The First Diamond Engagement Ring
While different societies and cultures have long had variations on engagement rings, it wasn’t until the fifteenth century that the first diamond engagement ring was recorded. When Archduke Maximilian of Austria was betrothed to Mary, Duchess of Burgundy in Vienna in 1477, he presented her with an elaborate ring featuring diamonds forming an M shape. This expensive gift and the royal status of the couple strongly influenced jewelry trends of the era. Diamond engagement rings quickly became more popular among royalty, nobility, and other members of high society who could afford such extravagant luxuries.
Engagement Rings in the 1800s
Because diamonds were so rare, valuable, and expensive, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that diamond engagement rings became more popular and widespread. At that time, large diamond deposits were discovered in South Africa, making the gemstones more affordable and more easily attainable. Other gems, including rubies and emeralds, were also featured in engagement rings.
• Victorian Rings
Victorian rings in the late 1800s were often characterized by intricate designs featuring floral motifs, scrolls, and symbolic gemstones such as opals, garnets, and diamonds, reflecting the romantic and ornate style of the era.
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20th Century Engagement Rings
After World War I and during the Great Depression, the desire for diamond engagement rings declined drastically because of the stones’ cost. Other engagement ring styles, including art deco rings and other designs featuring colored gemstones and elaborate metalwork, remained popular even as diamonds fell out of favor.
• Edwardian Rings
Edwardian rings, popular in the early 1900s, were distinguished by their delicate and intricate designs, often featuring filigree, milgrain details, and the use of platinum for its strength and ability to hold fine details.
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• Art Deco Engagement Rings
Art Deco rings, emerging in the 1920s and 1930s, are known for their bold, geometric designs, often incorporating sharp angles, clean lines, and vibrant, contrasting colors.
• Retro Rings
In the 1940s, however, the diamond company De Beers created an advertising campaign with the catchphrase “a diamond is forever” and took steps to educate the public on the four Cs of diamond quality. This generated great interest in diamond engagement rings and quickly turned these rings into an indispensable part of romantic, committed relationships.
Today’s Engagement Rings
Today, more than 80 percent of brides-to-be prefer a diamond engagement ring, and there are a wide variety of styles to suit different personal preferences. A growing trend includes engagement rings for men – “mangagement rings” – though it should be noted that men’s engagement rings have long been popular in parts of Europe and South America. Today’s couples are increasingly conscious of the social stories of their engagement rings, and are often favoring vintage engagement rings and antique rings that are not associated with blood diamonds or other unscrupulous practices.
Beginning Your Own Engagement Ring Story
The story of engagement rings is evolving every year, with every newly engaged couple adding to the history of these romantic and meaningful rings. Vintage Diamond Ring is here to help you find the next chapter of your romance with the perfect ring to represent your love and commitment, whether that be with a true antique ring, a colored engagement ring, or a special era such as a Victorian engagement ring. No matter which style you choose, you can add a beautiful piece of history to your own personal romance with the right engagement ring.
ANTIQUE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE:
No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:
Antique diamond cuts are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of vintage engagement rings today.
SUZANNE SACHS
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