The history of the diamond engagement ring is fascinating, with styles changing significantly over time. Find out more about the evolution of engagement rings and get inspiration for the design of your own ring.
History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
For centuries, the diamond engagement ring has been a symbol of love and commitment. But where did this tradition come from? And how did diamonds become so associated with marriage? Let’s take a look at the history of the diamond engagement ring and find out!
Delving into the engagement ring’s history reveals some interesting facts. Did you know why engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand? It was romantically believed that the vena amoris (veins of love) ran directly from this finger to the heart.
The First Diamond Engagement Rings
One of the very first recorded examples was presented to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477. It had flat diamond pieces known as hogback diamonds forming a letter M shape and looked a little like the ring below.
Brilliant Cut Engagement Rings
Charles I presented a classically simple design to Henrietta Maria of France, in the form of a signet ring with a large diamond and a gold band. She was only 15 years old at the time.
The first brilliant cuts were introduced in the mid 1600s. They had 17 facets on the crown and were originally known as Mazarins after Cardinal Mazarin who invented them.
Vincent Peruzzi, a Venetian polisher would later increase the number of crown facets to 33. Although these were much more brilliant than past cuts, today they appear quite dull.
Marie Antoinette Engagement Ring
Marie-Antoinette’s engagement ring from Louis XVI was an enormous 5.64 carat Pear-cut blue diamond solitaire. She had a large collection of jewels, including the Hope Diamond.
One of the most expensive diamonds ever, many believe that the Hope Diamond is cursed. It was stolen as the French Revolution began.
Joséphine de Beauharnais’ Engagement Ring
Joséphine de Beauharnais was the famous first wife of Napoleon I. He presented her with this stunning pear cut contrasting gemstone, a one carat diamond and one carat blue sapphire.
In 2013, it outsold the estimated value by more than 47 times, fetching £660,000 at auction.
Victorian Engagement Rings
The Victorians sometimes spelt out words of endearment with gemstones, such as “dearest”, represented by a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, sapphire and topaz. They also favoured half-hoop and three-stone designs.
Queen Victoria famously proposed to Prince Albert in Windsor. She later received a striking engagement ring from Prince Albert – a serpent with an emerald set-head. Whilst it might seem like a strange choice, serpents are an ancient symbol of eternity and protection, and the emerald was Victoria’s birthstone.
Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
In the late 18th century, the gemstone became a status symbol, with a classic single stone (solitaire) open-prong setting. Tiffany & Co. introduced the 6 prong solitaire design known as the Tiffany setting in 1886. Diamond rings became more accessible, and appeared in mail-order cataloges.
Art Deco Engagement Rings
Rings were typically set in platinum, or white gold after 1926. The Asscher and Emerald cuts were introduced and from the mid 1920s, fishtail rings were introduced, where the prongs fork at the end, creating the illusion of a fishtail.
Wartime Engagement Rings
Platinum was reserved for military use during the war, so 14k gold became a popular option. In 1948, De Beers’ launched their famous advertising campaign ‘A diamond is forever’.
1950s Engagement Rings
Celebrity engagement rings really took off in the 50s. Mike Todd presented Elizabeth Taylor with a 29.4 carat Emerald cut diamond, and the same year, Grace Kelly received a 10.47 Emerald cut diamond from Prince Rainier.
Diana, Princess of Wales’ Engagement Ring
Charles and Diana chose a £28,000 12 carat Ceylon sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold. Prince William gave the ring to Kate Middleton in 2010. She had the ring resized from a size H to a size I.
Contemporary Engagement Rings
Colored diamonds became popular in the nineties. Ben Affleck proposed to Jennifer Lopez with a 6.10 carat Cushion cut pink diamond.
Heidi Klum received a 10 carat yellow canary oval diamond from Seal and Nick Cannon proposed to Mariah Carey with an Emerald cut pink diamond featuring two half-moon white diamond side stones and 58 pave set pink diamonds surrounding three central stones. Beyoncé, Eva Longoria and Angelia Jolie all opted for Emerald cut engagement rings.
Color change gemstones are becoming popular luxury engagement rings. They change hue depending on the light.
Resurgence of Vintage Style Engagment Rings
Vintage styles have become popular again. Mary-Kate Olsen received a vintage 1953 engagement ring from her now ex-husband Olivier Sarkozy in 2014. This was an Old European cut, diamond-framed by 16 sapphires with side petals set with single cut diamonds.
Johnny Depp previously wore an engagement ring with a vintage looking setting, which displayed a centre Round Brilliant large diamond surrounded by baguettes and smaller round diamonds.
However, the Solitaire diamond is still the most popular style, and accounts for 85% of engagement ring sales.
Final Thoughts on the History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
Altogether, the history of the diamond engagement ring reveals centuries and cultures molded together to create a unique practice, so steeped in sentiment that it seems it will never change. From diamonds mined from India’s Golconda riverbank to modern rings featuring pink or yellow gold, there are countless stories to tell about the diamond ring.
But despite all its illustrious variations, it still stands for one-true lasting meaning: everlasting love. If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating history of engagement rings and other thoughtful style choices, you should check out our other style articles—we provide essential information on fashion trends and tips on shopping smartly.
Which type of diamond engagement ring do you prefer?
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Do you know the history behind Ely Place when you step over the threshold beyond the gate you are in Cambridge. Jewellery I think is personal and I personally don’t really like walking around with something that everyone has. The jewellery here is beautiful lovely post Lucy x
That’s interesting, I didn’t know that Ely Place belonged to Cambridge!
Thanks Rafaela, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
Thanks Katherine, glad you liked the history of the rings