In modern Western society, an engagement ring is traditionally accepted by a woman as a symbol of her engagement to be married. This tradition dates back to Roman times, but can only really be considered to have become embedded in popular culture during the twentieth century.
The Romans called their engagement ring the betrothal (Truth) ring. This ring was worn on the third finger of the left hand, based on the belief that the vein from this wood flooring finger, known as the vena amoris, leads straight to the heart. The use of diamonds in engagement rings can be traced back to this time, when diamonds were valued purely for their supernatural powers.
The medieval Italians also believed in the supernatural powers of the diamond, calling it the "Pietra della Reconcilliazone". It was believed to maintain cordial relations between man and wife, so was recommended for use in wedding and espousal rings. One of the earliest recorded examples of the diamond engagement ring dates back to 1477, when Maximillian I gave one to Mary of Burgundy. This marked the start of a trend amongst European royalty and the wealthy elite.
During the eighteenth century, diamonds were discovered in Brazil, which led to them becoming more fashionable. However, the discovery of the Kimberley diamond region in South Africa in 1870 led to an oversupply, which in turn led to a plummet in prices and popularity among the wealthy. At this time, other precious stones became more highly sought after, and we can see examples of elaborate engagement rings displaying sapphires, emeralds and rubies, with diamond accents, dating back to this time.
A company that was to play an integral part in the future of the diamond industry, De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd, was formed in 1888, taking effective control of the global diamond supply. After a difficult period during the first half of the twentieth century, De Beers launched a marketing campaign in 1947 that would change the face of the diamond industry forever. The famous marketing slogan "A Diamond Is Forever" was born, which, together with other clever marketing campaigns, changed the public perception of the diamond. People were now encouraged to cherish diamonds as family heirlooms, which meant a reduction in the supply of used diamonds, which in turn had a positive effect on the demand for new diamonds. De Beers also educated jewellers, albeit unofficially, to instruct men that they should be spending between two and three month's wages on a diamond engagement ring.
The 1950s marked the beginning of an era of Hollywood glamour personified by actresses such as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, both of whom appeared in the famous film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Diamonds, and diamond jewellery, became an essential part of this image, perhaps wood flooring best illustrated by Marilyn Monroe in the song Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend. Other famous films to glamourize diamonds included: Breakfast at Tiffany's, High Society and Diamonds Are Forever.
The tradition of giving an engagement ring is now very much accepted as part of our culture, and there is an array of designs and styles of ring to choose from, to suit all tastes and budgets. The diamond engagement ring is still the most popular choice of ring, accounting for 75% of all engagement rings, so it is perhaps one of the most successful marketing stories of all time!