Why we give Diamond Engagement Rings

The Diamond Engagement Ring history is cloudy until you reach the 20th Century when a series of events cemented the diamond engagement ring as the true betrothal gift.

Where did it all start?

Historians think they have the earliest records from The Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, a wealthy European, giving a diamond engagement ring to his beloved in 1477, Mary of Burgundy.

Ancient History

The Egyptians were the first to use a ring as a symbol of a union between a man and a woman. The common man used braided plant material which was not very durable. The wealthy used silver or gold. It was thought that a special vein ran from the third finger on the left hand straight to the heart. Therefore, it became the official ring finger.

Then along came the Roman's. The ancient Roman's called their engagement ring the betrothal (Truth) ring. They are credited with starting the trend to decorate, inscribe or engrave their rings. Of course only the upper classes used Gold as the material for their rings.

The Middle Ages

Sapphires, Emeralds and Rubies were introduced as a possibility for engagement rings.

But still the diamond was the stone of choice. It was the hardest, strongest and resisted fire. Not only was it practical for its unending life but also symbolized the eternal union.

Less wealthy couples would have given a Fede (faith) ring in the form of two clasped hands more akin to the more modern claddagh (clasped hands) engagement rings.

The 18th Century

In the 18th Century, Brazil discovered they had diamonds and the supply for the world grew. Diamond rings and necklaces became the norm at evening balls and social events. Candle light made the diamonds sparkle and even the newly invented gas lights added a warmth to the diamond. The designs of diamond rings were crowned hearts, bows and sprays of flowers.

The 19th Century

In the 19th Century, South Africa (1870), discovered they had diamonds in the Kimberley Region. They flooded the market with diamonds. Which made them not so rare a gem - causing the prices to fall.

A smart Englishman named Cecil John Rhodes realized the sale of diamonds needed to be controlled to keep their prices high. Within 10 years he formed De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. and to this day they control 65% of the world's diamond trade.

The flood of diamonds at this time made diamond sellers wishful for a new product valued the same as diamonds or more. Hence the invention of Birthstones. The Birthstone was seen to be rarer then a diamond. This marketing ploy propped up the precious jem market until De Beers could control the diamond market.

Elaborate engagement rings of sapphire, emerald and rubies (and other precious gems) with diamond accents were therefore more commonplace among those with appropriate wealth.

The 20th Century

De Beers had control of the supply and the prices of diamonds starting around 1880. How they were going to keep it through the 20's and 30's through the depression was another matter. Approximately 50% of diamond sales were lost during this time.

The slogan "A Diamond is Forever" introduced in 1947.

Advertising diamonds as family heirlooms.

Three Months Salary = a Diamond Engagement Ring.

These were all marketing tactics used by De Beers to control the sale of diamonds.

"A Diamond is Forever" was perhaps the turning point to get the masses back into buying diamonds.

Advertising diamonds as diamonds to be passed down as family heirlooms caused used diamonds not to be released back into the market. A clever ploy to keep the demand for new rings up.

Jewelers were unofficially educated by De Beers to instruct men that two to three months personal wages were an ideal price to pay for the diamond engagement ring that their prospective fiancee's would gladly accept.

In the 50's Movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell) and Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend undoubtedly influenced public opinion at the time and have advanced the popularity of diamonds for years afterwards through Hollywood glamour.

The 21st Century

The history of the engagement ring has moved on and demand for diamonds and platinum diamond engagement rings is still rising. The tradition is here to stay. It is estimated that 78% of all engagement rings sold every year are diamond.

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