RAPAPORT... The story of the engagement ring is rich in history with many fascinating cultural nuances. Sharing some of the origin stories of bridal rings may be a way to further engage the happy couple during the sales process and set your store apart — not only for its diamond expertise, but for its personal touch as well. On the following pages, you’ll find some talking points on the historical evolution, legends and myths associated with the engagement ring.
• In ancient times, the engagement was often marked by the exchange of gifts or property.
• In some ancient cultures, marsh plants, leather or other natural resources were braided and used as an engagement ring to show a couple’s association to the earth or place where they lived. It is thought that the ring was replaced yearly.
• The Romans used iron rings for engagements to represent strength and the enduring nature of marriage.
• The Greeks are thought to be the first to put the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, where the “love vein” leading to the heart is located.
• Gold rings came into play when the precious metal was used as currency. The ring was a symbol of partial payment for the bride and of the groom’s intent to marry.
• During the Middle Ages, rings were placed on three fingers to represent the Holy Trinity.
•In the ninth century, Pope Nicholas I endorsed gold rings between betrothed couples as a way to show that a man was able to take care of his wife. During that time, different metals were used, indicating wealth and status in society.
• The first diamond engagement ring on record was given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477 as the gem represents purity and love.
•During the Renaissance, the Gimmel ring — three interlocking bands — was traditional for betrothed couples, as was the clasped hands of the Claddagh ring.
•Victorians, known as romantics, often inscribed messages in engagement rings. Some rings had several stones of different colors spelling out a word such as dear by using the first letter of the gemstone — diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby.
• As diamonds became more readily available after the discovery of the South African mines by De Beers in the late 1800s, wealthier couples began to buy diamond engagement rings.
•It was in the mid-twentieth century, however, that diamonds became culturally ingrained as the must-have engagement ring. A copywriter at N.W. Ayers advertising agency came up with the slogan “A Diamond is Forever” for De Beers Consolidated Diamond Mines. That phrase has been used in diamond engagement ring advertising ever since, creating a cultural imperative for modern couples to purchase a diamond engagement ring to show their love and commitment.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - June 2009. To subscribe click here.