The history of diamond engagement - article about The history of diamond engagement

The History of Diamond Engagement Rings

How It Began

The start of the diamond engagement ring can be traced back to the year 1215. This was when the Fourth Lateran Council decided that there should be a longer waiting period between betrothal and the actual marriage. Back during this time period, plain bands were most often used rather than the diamond engagement we see today.

Laws were actually passed forbidding the use of gems in these rings by all but the upper-class. Eventually those laws were lifted and gems were available to be used by any that could afford them. At this time, however, most rings were generally made of gold, silver, or iron. Generally the type of material used in an engagement ring was determined by social rank.

From this point, engagement rings evolved throughout the decades and centuries into many different types and styles that have been used. The wearing of the engagement ring on the left, rather than the right hand has evolved more recently. The origin of this practice can be traced back to a Parisian named Baron d'Orchamps. He was a known Oracle and said that by wearing one's diamond engagement ring on their left hand, a person could ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

How Diamond Engagement Rings Became Standard

Throughout history, the diamond engagement ring was never actually the standard type of engagement ring that was used. More often, either plain bands or less expensive gems were used. The actual diamond engagement ring, seen most often today, became the standard type of engagement ring in the middle of the 20th century.

The diamond engagement ring became the standard mostly due to a fantastic marketing campaign (or a series of campaigns) conducted by a large diamond trader De Beers Group. DeBeers Group and their slogan “a diamond is forever” became one of the most successful marketing campaigns in the history of the world.

Diamond engagement rings today have changed somewhat since they first became popular. Generally speaking, in the past diamond engagement rings were generally made with either gold or silver bands. Gold bands were actually reserved for only the wealthiest. In recent years, mounts for these diamonds have started being created from even more expensive metals such as platinum and titanium.

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