The History of Diamond Engagement Rings

In Western tradition, engagement rings are a ring worn by a woman indicating that she is engaged to be married. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, engagement rings are worn on the left-hand ring finger, while in other countries, such as Poland, it is customary for engagement rings to be worn on the right-hand. By modern convention, engagement rings are usually presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride when she accepts his marriage proposal. Engagement rings represent a formal agreement to future marriage

Engagement Rings

Designs of engagement rings have varied greatly over the years. Contemporary fashions for ring materials are a gold, platinum, silver or, rarely, titanium band with at least one diamond. Recently, three-stone diamond engagement rings and other multi-stone styles have become popular, in contrast to the more traditional solitary diamond, the solitaire, which once dominated the market in engagement rings.

Engagement rings are often significantly expensive and act as a visible demonstration of a person's commitment to their betrothed. The rationale for using a diamond is that it is the most enduring, beautiful and expensive gem.

Gold and platinum are recommended by many Jewellers as settings for engagement rings because of their inherently higher value and because these metals are more durable than silver. Often, gold or silver diamond rings will employ a platinum setting as it provides better protection for the stone.

Diamond Engagement Rings

The idea of engagement rings can be dated to the Fourth Lateran Council presided over by Pope Innocent III in 1215. Innocent declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage; engagement rings were at first plain rings of gold, silver or iron. Gems were included as status symbols by the aristocracy. Laws were passed to preserve a visible division of social rank, ensuring only the privileged wore precious jewels; as time passed and laws relaxed, diamonds and other gems became available to adorn the engagement rings of the middle class

The origin of our custom to use diamonds in rings, and more recently, in engagement rings, can be traced back to the Middle Ages and even the Romans. The Romans valued the diamond entirely on account of its supernatural powers. Pliny wrote that a diamond “baffles poison, keeps off insanity and dispels vain fears”. The medieval Italians copied these beliefs and added some to it: they called the diamond the "Pietra della Reconciliazone" because it maintained concord between husband and wife. On this account it was recommended as the stone to be set in wedding (or espousal) rings.

In more recent times a Parisian Oracle of mystic subjects, the Baron d'Orchamps, announced the diamond, if worn on the left hand warded off evil influences and attracted good fortune and since he had fashionable clients the word spread and the wearing of the diamond on the left hand became in itself a fashion

Diamond engagement rings did not become the accepted norm they are considered today until an extensive marketing campaign by De Beers, the world renowned diamond merchants in the middle of the 20th century, which launched one of the most famous advertising slogans of all time: “A Diamond is Forever

Diamond Rings – a Lifetime Gift

Diamond Engagement rings are a gift with a purpose. They signify lifetime commitment and love. As a loving relationship progresses what better gifts than diamond rings to mark the important milestones? The first anniversary, the births of children, a job promotion, or whatever important event takes place in a couple’s life together, diamond rings help to preserve the precious memory.

Diamond Dealer Settings

All our engagement rings and other diamond rings are available in 18 carat white or yellow gold, or platinum settings. At Diamond Dealer Direct we are happy to share our professional knowledge with our customers. If you would like more advice about the settings for engagement rings, or other diamond rings, please contact us on 0800 634 1570

Help and Information about Engagement Rings and other Diamond rings

At Diamond Dealer Direct we are happy to answer any of your queries about the care of engagement rings and other diamond rings. Just contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff on 0800 634 1570

Diamond Dealer’s Commitment to High Value

Our professionalism as diamond traders means that we are dedicated to providing the most superlative stones at unmatched value to our customers. We can provide the best graded stones for unquestionably the best value Here at Diamond Dealer Direct we believe that the beauty of well cut diamonds should be available to everybody. Please contact us to discuss your ideas and requirements