History
of Engagement Rings
Rings
have been associated with love and marriage since ancient times. The
simple iron hoop used by the early Romans to symbolize a betrothal
was later followed by a plain gold band around the second century
A.D.
|
The
first diamond engagement ring was presented to Mary of Burgundy
in 1477. It was given to her by the Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg.
There are examples of engagement rings from the Renaissance
containing a single, polished rough diamond. Others from the
same time period contained several diamonds. These diamonds
were set in the form of flowers or fleur-de-lys. The gimmel
ring was a style popular during the 1500s-1600s; it had two
bands that slid together when closed. Posy rings were inscribed
with love poems or messages.
Eighteenth
century engagement rings often featured diamond bows, flowers
and hearts. A century later, the six-prong solitaire engagement
ring was introduced, and became a traditional favorite. In the
early 1900s, white gold and platinum filigree rings, with delicate
lace-like detail, became quite popular. These rings are set
with Old European Cut diamonds and are much sought after on
the antique market today.
|
|
The Art
Deco design movement influenced engagement ring design during the
1920s. Such rings often have geometric or step shapes, and are usually
made from platinum. They sometimes feature sapphires, rubies and emeralds
as accent stones.
Engagement
rings from the 1930s and 1940s often have small side diamonds or carved
detail, such as hearts and flowers. The center diamond is usually
round, but set in a square shaped mounting. Illusion settings were
common; they feature elaborately carved boxes holding the center diamond,
giving it a much larger appearance.
In recent
decades, engagement ring styles have been quite varied, and fancy
diamond shapes (such as the marquise, pear, oval, heart and princess)
have enjoyed periods of popularity.
Our next
article is about Edwardian
Engagement Rings >>
Other
Articles:
Diamond Carat
Diamond Clarity
Diamond Color
Diamond Cut
Antique Diamonds
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Jewelry Metals
Engagement Ring Styles
Celebrity Engagement Rings
Antique Engagement Rings Gallery
Proposal Guide
Proposing on a Grand Scale
Buying an Engagement Ring on a Budget
How to Clean and Care for Your Engagement
Ring
Home
