I often wonder how traditions start, their origin, meaning and why they last for as long as some do. The diamond has been one of the most valuable stones throughout history and has had symbolic meaning for quite awhile. The first thing that may come to your mind is engagement, in recent history the diamond has been used as a symbol of love, devotion, passion, commitment and wealth. The use of diamonds in engagement rings is a rather new concept. Historically the first recorded diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 worn by Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg and Mary of Burgandy growing the popularity of the stone in engagement rings. Many doubt that they started the trend, but it could be noted that they started the trend among the royal and wealthy at that time. This trend would actually not catch on for hundreds of years.
I did a little investigation to find out more about this coveted stone. The beauty, strength, and durability of the diamond have given it a lasting effect in many cultures. Before the diamond was placed on engagement rings it was simply a band braided out of copper to be placed on the fourth finger of the left hand. This tradition was started in the Greek culture, they believed that a vein (vena amorous) runs directly to that finger from the heart. Later on during the middle ages men traditionally wore a betrothal ring suspended from the band in their hats ready to give to their chosen bride. These betrothal rings were usually inscribed with poems or messages until the Victorian era.
During the Renaissance the popular ring was called a “gimmel” (twin rings) which consisted of two or three interlocking rings. Each ring went to the bride, the groom and occasionally the third for the witness. Later on, a diamond cluster ring was popular during the time of Luis XVI (1754-1793) and remained popular for 150 years after.
The heart stone was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries and often accompanied rubies or other gem stones. The rubies signified love and the diamond signified eternity.
In 1888 The De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd. was founded and during this time the demand for the diamond would rise and fall several times until 1939. At this time the first advertisement for the diamond engagement ring was published which shaped the public opinion on diamond engagement rings. Around the 19th century the Tiffany or solitaire ring was introduced and a while later the princess ring was introduced. The princess ring consisted of three to five diamonds across the top and was popular in the during the 20th century. In 1953 Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell stared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes performing the famous “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, which sparked the popularity of diamonds for years afterwards. Even today there is a high demand for platinum diamond engagement rings as the ultimate sign of love and engagement; with 78% of all engagement rings sold every year are diamonds engagement rings.
Reference:
- Engagement Ring Guidewww.theweddingengagementring.com
