Engagement rings have been a tradition ever since Ancient Egypt. Egyptians believed circles were symbols of eternity. Wedded couples exchanged rings made out of braided reeds. These were worn on the left hand ring finger, which apparently had a vein that ran directly to the heart, later named Vena amoris. In 2nd century B.C. the ancient Romans are believed to have started the tradition of betrothal rings instead of giving the bride money or a valuable object. But its symbolism wasn’t so much about love as it was ownership. According to Pliny the Elder, the groom first gave the bride a gold ring to wear during the betrothal ceremony and at special events, then an iron ring to wear at home, signifying her binding legal agreement to his ownership of her. Diamonds didn’t appear on engagement rings until centuries later. One of the first recorded uses of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477. Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring set with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M.” This set a glamorous precedent for European nobility, who added more precious gems to their jewelry.

When did diamonds become so popular and appreciated for engagement rings?

Everything changed when diamonds were discovered in South Africa. In 1880, Cecil Rhodes founded the DeBeers Mining Company with other investors. Within the decade, they controlled 90 percent of the world’s diamond production—and turned diamond engagement rings into nothing more than an ad campaign. In 1947 Frances Gerety wrote the slogan “A Diamond is Forever”. It instantly became the lasting symbol of eternal love. The line was so elegant and efficient that De Beers is still using it. In the following years brides started wearing beautiful diamond engagement rings on their finger.

Leila Sheikha