Why do women more often receive diamond engagement rings to indicate the beginning of a relationship than any other kind of acknowledgment? And why don't men get a diamond ring too? That would, after all , be only fair in these days of equality for all.
By some guesstimates, as many as 80 % of brides get a engagement ring before their marriage. In reality a diamond is still what most ladies expect. And in spite of price fluctuations, changing fashion sensibilities and the proliferation of non-traditional proposals and wedding ceremonies, diamond jewellery hasn't fallen out of favour.
But where does the custom of the diamond engagement ring come from? We've got some answers.
The History Of Engagement Rings
Diamond engagement rings have been used as symbols of commitment since ancient times. The Egyptians recognized the symbolism of a circle representing the unending cycles of life. And Greeks & Romans used betrothal rings through their ancient history as well. In fact , it may have been the Greeks who first used them.
Roman rings once included a tiny key as an element of the ring to symbolize the key to a man's heart or the unlocking of wealth. Of course, they also thought of the rings more as representative of ownership than of love.
The Egyptians are thought to have started the custom of the ring being worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because they believed there was a vein in that finger that led straight to the heart.
The first known use of a diamond engagement ring was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477. When he became betrothed to Mary of Burgundy, a diamond ring was given to her. The idea failed to immediately catch on nonetheless , since diamonds were scarce and expensive. As late as Colonial American times, something far more common â€" a thimble â€" was used to indicate the beginning of a relationship.
When diamond mines were discovered in Africa 1870, however, diamonds were no longer as scarce. They became available around the globe and prices became more reasonable. Then, the trend towards diamond engagement rings actually started to take off â€" and it is a trend that hasn't faded.
What About Men?
Some think engagement rings are sexist because men are expected to get one but do not receive a corresponding token in exchange. But that is not always the case any more. In some non-Western nations, it never was the case.
It's also no longer uncommon for couples to buy rings for each other to designate their mutual commitment. So what's a man to do when he suggests marriage to be sure he isn't being sexist and is offering his wife-to-be what's in style today?
That is a straightforward call. While there might be new customs and new trends that come along every day, a gorgeous, custom made diamond ring is rarely the wrong choice. Engagement rings are no longer limited in style or metal and there is no limitation on what stones can accompany the diamond in the setting.
Unless the lady is concerned with the making of her engagement ring, a man's best bet is to pick a diamond engagement ring of one kind or another. It's probably what his fiance is expecting â€" and she has decades of history and custom on her side. Then, she can buy him a symbol of her love later if she wants.
By some guesstimates, as many as 80 % of brides get a engagement ring before their marriage. In reality a diamond is still what most ladies expect. And in spite of price fluctuations, changing fashion sensibilities and the proliferation of non-traditional proposals and wedding ceremonies, diamond jewellery hasn't fallen out of favour.
But where does the custom of the diamond engagement ring come from? We've got some answers.
The History Of Engagement Rings
Diamond engagement rings have been used as symbols of commitment since ancient times. The Egyptians recognized the symbolism of a circle representing the unending cycles of life. And Greeks & Romans used betrothal rings through their ancient history as well. In fact , it may have been the Greeks who first used them.
Roman rings once included a tiny key as an element of the ring to symbolize the key to a man's heart or the unlocking of wealth. Of course, they also thought of the rings more as representative of ownership than of love.
The Egyptians are thought to have started the custom of the ring being worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because they believed there was a vein in that finger that led straight to the heart.
The first known use of a diamond engagement ring was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477. When he became betrothed to Mary of Burgundy, a diamond ring was given to her. The idea failed to immediately catch on nonetheless , since diamonds were scarce and expensive. As late as Colonial American times, something far more common â€" a thimble â€" was used to indicate the beginning of a relationship.
When diamond mines were discovered in Africa 1870, however, diamonds were no longer as scarce. They became available around the globe and prices became more reasonable. Then, the trend towards diamond engagement rings actually started to take off â€" and it is a trend that hasn't faded.
What About Men?
Some think engagement rings are sexist because men are expected to get one but do not receive a corresponding token in exchange. But that is not always the case any more. In some non-Western nations, it never was the case.
It's also no longer uncommon for couples to buy rings for each other to designate their mutual commitment. So what's a man to do when he suggests marriage to be sure he isn't being sexist and is offering his wife-to-be what's in style today?
That is a straightforward call. While there might be new customs and new trends that come along every day, a gorgeous, custom made diamond ring is rarely the wrong choice. Engagement rings are no longer limited in style or metal and there is no limitation on what stones can accompany the diamond in the setting.
Unless the lady is concerned with the making of her engagement ring, a man's best bet is to pick a diamond engagement ring of one kind or another. It's probably what his fiance is expecting â€" and she has decades of history and custom on her side. Then, she can buy him a symbol of her love later if she wants.
About the Author:
Petra Bierberg is owner of a jewellery design company and manufactures designer engagement rings. She also writes about engagement rings, wedding rings & other customs related to marriages, in an attempt to help both men & woman navigate this difficult time of their lives with grace & style.
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