Generally an engagement ring is a symbol of building future together though it has got its own history.
An Austrian, Archduke Maximilian got a ring studded with diamonds for his beloved Mary of Burgundy in 14th century. The couple got married within a day of engagement and this the first recorded account of the engagement ring.
As we probe the more distant past, we find that the engagement ring and its meaning dates even farther back than the 1400s. In ancient Rome men gave betrothal (truth) rings and in time also used to engrave their lover’s name in the ring.
Symbolism played a large part int he establishment of this tradition. The Egyptians believed that they could connect their hearts to that of their loved ones by attaching their loved one’s name or symbol to their ring fingers, since the vein in their ring fingers led directly to their hearts.
The idea of diamond being used for engagement and for symbolizing blessed union started from the Middle ages. The diamond is the strongest and hardest mineral known and it can resist fire and steel too. Thus it is a perfect symbol to indicate the unbreakable bond between a married man and woman. Although, during this time period, only those people with wealth and power could afford to show their love in such a grand way.
During the 19th century, diamonds became more widely available to the public. Diamonds from the Kimberly diamond mines in South Africa started to flood the market. Birth stones overtook diamonds in engagement ring popularity due to their rare and therefore more desirable nature. The general public was able to afford diamond engagement rings after the wealthy traded theirs for rings with sapphires, emeralds and rubies with diamond accents.
It was Hollywood’s sense of style and glamour that saw the diamond make a comeback during the 20th century. Marilyn Monroe, the blond bombshell made the diamond very popular with the hit song Diamonds are a Girl’s best friend.
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Historically, engagement rings have been made up of more than just diamonds. While diamond engagement rings have gone in and out of fashion, one thing that has not changed is that there will always be a strong demand for engagement rings with some kind of stone. Every young girl has dreams of being swept off her feet by a handsome prince. With a diamond engagement ring on her finger, she will feel like a real princess. Today, the diamond symbolizes wealth and fashion and the ring is a symbol of the relationship.
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