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Engagement Rings
The custom of giving an engagement ring goes back a long way but the origin is unclear. Many societies have used some form of betrothal ring, however its exact meaning varies between cultures.
Sometimes the engagement ring has been seen as simply a romantic symbol of desire, at others as a definite statement of intent or legally
binding contract. For example, early Roman betrothal rings indicated a definite intent to marry. For the Greeks however it simply indicated deep and lasting
friendship and/or love without necessarily implying marriage.
Diamond Rings
When you go to buy an enagement ring today you will probably find that most include diamonds. For many people a diamond ring is synonymous with engagement. White gold or silver rings set with a single solitaire diamond or an arrangement of three stones are currently popular however there are many alternatives available to buy. Some people like to use an antique heirloom ring that's been handed down the generations, others prefer something new and possibly unique.
The "tradition" of the diamond engagement ring is relatively new. The first such ring known was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian to Mary of Burgundy, however
that was an isolated incident. Their popularity only really took off following a mid 20th century advertising campaign: The slogan A diamond is forever was
introduced by De Beers in 1947. In the year 2000 this slogan was declared to be the best of the 20th century by Advertising Age magazine; the continuing sales
of diamond engagement ring would seem to support this award.
