The evolution of engagement rings

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The power of your ring to communicate volumes about you and your partner is quite magical. It has a long history dating back to ancient times.

The first wedding ring

Since early Roman times, an engagement ring has symbolised eternity – a circle with no end and no beginning. It is used to honour love, mark betrothal, or seal a bargain. The early Romans gave their loves a simple iron hoop to wear as a sign of dedication. Centuries on this became the gold band we now know.

The first diamond

Diamonds, even though they are as old as the earth itself, were discovered in the riverbeds of the Golconda region in India just 4000 years ago. Made from pure carbon, diamonds are harder than rock, and dazzlingly beautiful, capturing and reflecting a myriad of light and colours. Diamonds were endowed with magical properties and named for the Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable.

A rock for the royals

Because of its scarcity, the stunning diamond ring was impossible to get your fingers on and so was reserved only for princesses until relatively recently. The first record of a diamond engagement ring was that given by the Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg to Mary of Burgandy in 1477. The couple sparked a fondness for diamond engagement rings among nobles and royalty.

Diamonds become the official engagement jewel

Thanks to the discovery in Brazil in the 18th century, Diamonds became available to the masses… you still needed money of course!
In the Victorian age, large clusters and bands of diamonds were favoured in engagement rings belonging to those who wished to display their wealth. Queen Victoria herself chose an impressive snake engagement ring, with diamond encrusted coils to symbolise eternity.
It was in the 20th century when the diamond became widely enough available to be established as the official engagement sparkler.