engagement rings and tradition

ENGAGEMENT RINGS TRADITION

Engagement ring, it is a romantic gift by a partner to their prospective spouse when they propose marriage. Engagement ring tradition can only be reliably traced back to ancient Rome. Historical rings were often made of simple materials.

FIRST ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Official credit for using first engagement rings hold ancient Egyptians. It was a simple circle made of metal, that represented infinity. Egyptians used to wear engagement ring on the ring finger of the left hand. They believed that this finger contained a vein that led to the heart. Ancient Romans wore engagement rings made of iron or gold. They started the tradition to engrave messages into the rings.

MIDDLE AGES

First documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Arch Duke Maximilian of Austria. In 1477 he gave to his future wife Mary of burgundy ring with diamonds. This act influenced people in higher social class to give rings with diamonds and other precious stones to their loved ones.

DIAMOND IN ENGAGEMENT RING

Engagement ring tradition spread widely after 1870, when diamonds in Africa were first found. For a long time diamond engagement rings were the domain of the nobility. The popularity of diamonds has risen also because of improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns.

DIAMOND AS SYMBOL

Diamond is called "Regina gemmarum" – The Queen of Gems, the most precious gem. Its name is delivered from the ancient Greek "adamas", that means "unbreakable" or "unalterable". In many cultures it is a symbol of purity, perfection, strength of character. In combination with engagement ring, it is a symbol of eternal love.