Engagement rings are now becoming extremely mundane and are hard-sought items of almost every wedding in many cultures throughout the world. With engagement rings now crafted from various types of precious stones, the most famous being diamond, gold, titanium, and tungsten – these jewelry items have not deviated far from their predecessors except on who currently wear them. The history of the engagement ring bears some aspects of royalty, as you will learn further.

The History Of Engagement Rings

The Romans began using engagement rings around 5B.C., although the archetypal kinds (made from wrought iron shaped into bands or rings) would hardly have any face value compared to the lavish rings of today. Betrothal or "truth" rings, as they were called, were worn by brides-to-be in the ancient times to signify that she was no longer available for courtship.

The history of the engagement ring in China connoted a family obligation. Should the engaged man die before his wedding, the bride-to-be had the status of a widow.

Goldsmiths, in the Renaissance, crafted betrothal rings with elaborate designs, which became known as "gimmel" rings. Gimmel rings generally had two designs; the first being a ring of three parts (called the "fede" ring) and created with a couple clasped hands, while the second design had two hoops that revealed tiny figures when flung open and slid to form one ring. The first design had three parts to be worn by the intended bride, the groom, and a witness. The bride would then wear the three on the day of the nuptial.

It was only in the later part of the 15th century that men started to give elaborate engagement rings to the women they were engaged to. The history behind engagement ring can be traced to the first recorded event when a royalty in Europe, Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg presented Mary of Burgundy (his bride-to-be) a diamond engagement ring. From then on, giving precious stones set in elaborate rings, as presents in engagements, became a widely practiced tradition.

While the discovery of the diamonds date back in the 18th century in South Africa, unearthing of Brazilian diamonds and its large-scale discoveries increased the global supply of diamonds and, consequently, to the popularity of diamond jewelry. It provided avenues for couples to obtain more affordable diamond rings.

In the 1800's, wearing a piece of diamond jewelry was considered fashionable, the stones sparkled in evening balls and candlelight, during social events attended by affluent families. Diamond engagement rings from this time were skillfully crafted into lovely and charming designs of diamond-set bows, crowned hearts, and flowers.

Officially, the history of the diamond engagement ring started in 1477, and since that time was a popular choice for engaged couples due its perceivable beauty and the timelessness it represents. It is also for this reason that diamonds are considered the ultimate token of love that goes with the adage, "a diamond is forever".

Modern cutting techniques for diamonds introduced in 1914, enhanced the gem's beauty and sparkle.

An alternative to these romantic rings is the "claddagh" ring, which consists of two hands to symbolize friendship as the cornerstone of love. The claddagh ring also holds its romantic tale in the history of the engagement ring that originated in the fishing village of Claddagh about five centuries ago.

The history of the engagement ring all associate with expressed love and affection that are represented in a variety of gestures universal to humans. Engagement rings are thought to measure your love to your partner and often meant that the more lavish and expensive an engagement ring is, the greater the love.

It is exactly this concept that is often used by jewelers nowadays to lure couples in buying the most expensive ring, set with precious stones in varying sizes. Before being caught in this trap, though, make sure to get extensive information on the gemstone you're eyeing as your engagement ring.