Engagement rings - how did it all start?

The ring has always been a symbol of love, commitment, and partnership between couples. However, when it comes to engagements, the engagement ring is much more than a gold setting or an exquisite piece of jewelry - it is a symbol of a commitment to marriage, the building of a shared future, and the recognition of the strong bond between the partners. In an engagement ring, we find not only a precious material but also the story of the past and the present, as well as the cultural significance behind it.

When Did They Start Giving Rings with a Diamond?
The tradition of giving an engagement ring began in ancient times, but the custom as we know it today—a ring with a diamond—became popularized in the 20th century. Until the 15th century, various peoples gave rings as a symbol of engagement, but these rings were not always adorned with a diamond. In fact, the first diamond used as an adornment on an engagement ring was presented in 1477 when Maximilian I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, gave his beloved, Mary of Burgundy, a ring with a diamond.
However, the rapid growth of the diamond market took place only in the 20th century when De Beers launched the famous “A Diamond is Forever” campaign in the 1940s. This campaign changed the way the public viewed the engagement ring and transformed the diamond into the most precious and sought-after stone to present during a marriage proposal.

Why Do They Do It?
Giving an engagement ring with a diamond carries several meanings. First, the diamond is one of the hardest and most durable substances in nature, symbolizing stability, endurance, and long-term commitment. An engagement ring conveys the couple’s desire to build a strong and stable family, and the diamond, being a rare and luxurious gem, communicates the great importance that the couple attaches to their relationship.
Furthermore, the engagement ring is a symbolic way of offering someone a shared life. In many societies, the ring symbolizes the promise of marriage and plays a central role in the social process of uniting couples.

An Overview of the Custom
The ring is seen as a tangible symbol of the agreement to marry and sometimes even represents an irrevocable contract. The custom of giving an engagement ring was not always as it is today. In the past, the engagement ring was not always set with a diamond, and it was not always made of gold. In certain periods, rings were made from various materials such as bronze or silver.

The history of the engagement ring is full of customs that have evolved over time. For example, in ancient Egypt, couples would exchange rings made of sugar cane or flowers as a sign of their commitment to marriage. Over time, rings made from precious metals like gold and silver became more common, and at the height of their popularity, the diamond engagement ring emerged as the unmistakable symbol of luxury and commitment.

The Connection Between Past and Present
Although hundreds of years have passed since the custom of the engagement ring began to spread, it remains significant and moving for many couples today. Even if not every couple chooses a diamond as an adornment, the engagement ring still enhances the moment of a marriage proposal and adds a dimension of seriousness and commitment.

In the past, an engagement ring was very expensive and was given only to the upper class. Today, however, anyone can choose an engagement ring that suits them both financially and in terms of personal taste. In addition to rings with diamonds, there are also rings with other gemstones and simpler, more modern designs, offering diverse and personalized options.

the engagement ring is much more than just a piece of jewelry: it is a symbol of love, faith, and the bond between partners. There were times when this ring was not adorned with a diamond, but today it is one of the most important traditions during a marriage proposal. The story of the engagement ring is a story of commitment, history, and culture, and it will continue to accompany couples at the time of a marriage proposal well into the future.