The history behind the very romantic tradition of men presenting the women they love with engagement rings is a bit less appealing than what happens now. In reality the earliest forms of engagement rings were more practical rather than romantic and were largely a sign that the woman was considered to be owned or part of the man’s property.
Most historians agree that the first engagement rings to be routinely used by a particular culture came from the Romans. Roman men would provide a ring, usually of a type of steel, to a woman as a way to keep her heart pure. The reason the third finger of the left hand was used comes from the belief that a vein ran directly from the heart to the hand through this finger. The rings were meant to keep the woman betrothed or true to her partner to be.
The Middle Ages saw the continued use of engagement rings, although they started to look a bit more like modern engagement rings. Diamonds were still so rare as to be impossible to get, so other precious gems such as emeralds or rubies were used. Only the very wealthy were able to afford these rings, but they were highly prized.
Recording history indicates that the first diamond used in engagement rings occurred in 1477. Mary of Burgundy was presented a diamond ring by Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, which caused quite a fad. Only the very wealthy could afford diamonds, but even the working people exchanged engagement rings, many using the traditional claddagh Irish ring.
Up to the late 18th and early 19th centuries there were definite diamond shortages, meaning few could afford these precious gems. When mines were found in South America and Africa, diamonds of all shapes and sizes became more popular and affordable and the modern engagement rings came into vogue.
Diamonds are some of the hardest gems, resistant to almost any type of damage. While the saying diamonds are forever was a marketing slogan, it is also one of the reasons they become so essential in engagement rings. Since there were many different qualities of diamonds on the market, the next step was to develop some type of grading for the stones.
With so many diamonds of different quality on the market a grading system was then developed. Certified diamonds, those that have be recorded, graded and evaluated are now available in any type of engagement rings or diamond jewelry items. The certified diamond is also described meaning that authenticity of the diamond is never in question.
While the history of engagement rings may be more practical than romantic, they are now a true and lasting symbol of love and commitment. Buying engagement rings with certified diamonds helps to protect your investment and help you determine the ring that is just right.
