The Interesting Story of the Origins of Engagement Rings

Much has been said about the rising popularity of engagement rings online in recent times: from their growing adoption in the developing world, the use of various types of gemstones, and their presence as a stylistic addition to luxurious jewellery collections of celebrities and nobility. However, what do we know about its origins

In this post, we will briefly outline the origins of not exactly engagement rings per say-as it is almost impossible to exactly pinpoint when people started attaching that specific emotional and relational value to the ring of engagement but to the wider adoption of the practice giving the said jewellery for the stated intention.

How the Giving of Engagement Rings Started

When searching for information on the origins of engagement rings one is likely to run into content that dates the beginning of this practice to 15th century Europe, to the reign of Maximilian of Austria. Where he is told to have authorised the making of a diamond ring that was meant to mark his forthcoming union with Mary of Burgundy.

However a closer look at the role and function of engagement rings, it becomes apparent that engagement rings, or at least cultural norms associated with the practice of giving rings that capture this message began long before the emergence of engagement rings Melbourne.

Interestingly further back in history where the giving of engagement rings can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Arguably the oldest civilization, where the practice of placing a ring or a jewellery type that captured the essential idea of a ring, was shared between prospective couples. And it was believed to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

This is quite interesting, as it was the same finger where the special vein that connects to the heart, known as ‘vena amoris’ was believed to be located. No doubt the Romans, who we shall see next, took some inspiration from this older civilization when they adopted the practice of giving rings that communicated love and commitment.

In Roman Times: The Formalisation of the Giving of the Ring of Commitment

Rome was one of the great achievements of human civilization. Whilst much has been made of its military power and political accomplishments in establishing an empire, and rightly so. One of the central features of Roman society was the family unit.

In ancient Rome, the family was the basis of its society. And familial arrangements were governed by strict laws of the state. And it meant that marriage as a union was a firmly established bond and it hence required a physical symbol, one that could be worn, and that could visually communicate the union between the couple. Learn more about engagement rings in our Education pages.

Of course, the rings at the time, wedding or engagement (as they were often confused) were rather simple in their character: often metallic rings of gold or sometimes iron or other precious metals. The key, however, lies with what the rings signified. Understandably the ring designs did not capture the romance and meaning of the precious rings of today, nonetheless, these were a key stepping stone in the development of modern engagement rings online.

From the Post Enlightenment Era to the Industrial Era

This is a relatively long timeline so let us summarise the main points that marked this period. The years following the enlightenment marked a period in European and Western history where there was greater freedom of the mind. Whilst religion and religious symbolism held sway, the elevation of the fruits of the mind, meant that there was greater freedom given to personal expression. Which in those times manifested notably in the various cultures of Europe.

Marriages and relationships between couples were marked by the exchange of fine jewellery, or some jewellery item that carried special meaning and/or value in minds of the givers. This meant that new ring designs emerged, and couples who wished to seal their union, or proposal chose to do so with variety of ring types. Thus in this period, the idea of an engagement ring started to become real, at least conceptually. A concept that would later take in the form of engagement rings online.

As more and more people recognized the idea of celebrating not just the marriage and the union but the period proceeding it, the idea of getting to know someone at a deeper level, and having something of value to symbolise it became more pertinent. These shifts laid the basis for the later emergence of engagement rings online Australia.

And this intent was strengthened by the coming of the industrial revolution: which in addition to effecting a number of transformative effects on society, over time contributed to rising income levels. With improving quality of life brought about via industrialisation these benefits naturally translated into more attention towards and spending on jewellery items, with significant events like marriage and proposals being matched by jewellery, like prototype engagement rings which would later develop into proper engagement rings Melbourne that we see today.

The Contributions of Charles Tiffany

No discussion of the origins of engagement rings is complete without the company that took the concept of engagement rings global. Whilst the first major diamond company in the world is De Beers. That began life as a Dutch company in Boer Africa. And was one of the driving forces in the world of diamonds, on how it commercialised the trade.

When it comes to engagement rings and their global popularity, a key driver has been the global adoption of diamonds. The rare carbon gemstone entry into the world of fine jewellery, and notably their use in engagement rings was driven by Tiffany and Co. The Company founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1837, which thanks to the artistic sensibility of the American businessman, soon took off as one of the top jewellery stores.

Using his success in the trade of Royal jewellery, and his access to upmarket jewellery buyers in the United States, he was able to expand his reach in the world of fine jewellery. Charles Tiffany and his company made the tactically effective move to market diamonds. Making them the center of the buyers' attention.

In the world of fine jewellery, Tiffany is recognised for being the pioneer of the modern diamond ring. All the way back in 1886. And from this time the concept of diamonds as valuable gemstones for fine jewellery, and by extension the use of diamonds for engagement rings took off.

Engagement Rings Today

A lot has changed over the decades since the dawn of Tiffany and the advent of diamond engagement rings. The popularity of Tiffany and other major diamond mining and jewellery companies meant that engagement rings and diamonds were viewed synonymously. This was due to the industry being dominated by a few major players along with the lack of awareness of other small jewellery companies and other gemstone options.

The adoption of rings online Australia began to change with greater awareness, notably with the rise of the internet. The growing supply of top gemstone alternatives like rubies, emeralds, amethysts, and of course sapphires. Which are great gemstone options for engagement rings Melbourne.

Today with the emergence of smaller and fast-growing fine jewellery companies that operate online, the supply of quality engagement rings online expanded rapidly. And with it the variety of designs and innovation. Thus customers looking for quality rings online Australia are pretty much spoilt for choice.