The History of the Engagement Ring

Rooted in today's traditions, the engagement ring has undergone many changes throughout history... Let's take a little step back in time to better understand the history of the engagement ring.

Origin of the engagement ring

Giving a ring is a very old tradition that dates back to the time of ancient Egypt. At that time, The circular shape was seen as a symbol of eternity and infinity: without beginning or end. The shape fitting perfectly to the fingers of the hand, it was then that the young groom offered it to his destiny, thus accompanying it with a symbol of love and fidelity. This ring was worn on the left ring finger because it was thought that this finger was linked to the heart by a vein: “The Vena Amoris" either "The Vein of Love”. 

Later, we also find this tradition in Ancient Rome, in the 2nd century BC. The man offered his fiancée two knot-shaped rings symbolizing the bond that binds the two spouses. One, was in iron and was only worn at home when she was doing housework and the other when gold that she was to wear in public and especially during the engagement ceremony and at special events. 

This tradition lasted until 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond engagement ring for the first time in history. The ring was set with diamonds forming the letter "M", which appeared on both of the bride and groom's first names. 

At that time, the engagement ring began to have a stronger symbolism and value, while also becoming a sign of wealth and nobility. The tradition of the engagement ring before the wedding rings takes place, as a pact, a promise between two beings, because of the wait between the engagement and the marriage. 

Evolution of the engagement ring over the centuries

The democratization of the diamond engagement ring truly began in 1870, after the discovery of diamond deposits in South Africa. Those-these gave a symbol and an additional value to the jewel.

This jewel, once reserved for the elite, is now making its way to couples from more modest backgrounds.

17th century

The 17th century settings reflect a desire to make jewelry more illustrative, where the ring becomes enameled on the outside, then engraved on the inside. At this time, engagement rings were more often worn on the thumb and put on the ring finger at the wedding.

18th century

During the 18th century, ring settings became more refined, more elegant and adorned with stones representing symbols related to love. This period also marked the birth of emblematic engagement rings such as the "whirlwind"the ring"Daisy”, as well as the ring “you & me”.

19th century

20th century: a period rich in creation

With the 20th century comes the period ofArt Nouveau (1890) having deeply marked the history of jewelry, resulting from a collective movement that freed itself from the classicism of the time and where forms were freed, curved, coiled, adorned with baroque pearls, opals...

Then theArt Deco between 1930 and 1935, a significant period for the world of jewelry, with the appearance of fine and elegant models that fascinate for their compositions mixing symmetry and geometry. All made of platinum and white gold, these very graphic jewels are adorned with stones (in particular diamonds) in emerald, pear, navette, baguette and other perfectly cut cabochon shapes.

Then comes the Retro period from 1935 to 1960, where jewelry takes on very sculptural forms that break established conventions. Engagement rings are voluminous, sometimes asymmetrical with diamonds and synthetic stones.

Today's Engagement Ring

In recent years, newlyweds have taken a different approach to choosing an engagement ring.
First of all, the choice of metal is diversifying, with 18-carat gold engagement rings still in first position (yellow, pink, white), followed by the platinum, and finally in third position and the rarest: thesilver, which remains a more accessible metal, but which we consider not durable enough for an engagement ring.

Then, concerning the stones, despite the constant demand for diamonds For this purchase, more and more brides and grooms are opting for colored stones, whether precious stones like sapphire, emerald and ruby, or fine stones like aquamarine, garnet, tourmaline, tanzanite…and many more. 

Some engagement ring styles, including "Daisy"and the rings"Toi & Moi" are experiencing a resurgence of interest, where today's brides and grooms want to add a “vintage” dimension to this ring.

There is also a strong demand for custom engagement rings, with a desire to create a unique and personal piece, representing the couple's unique love. 

What is behind this change? Many celebrities have started this “unique” engagement ring trend: the most famous being the blue sapphire ring given to Kate Middleton by Prince William. Sure, engagement rings have come a long way since the ancient Egyptians, but one thing is for sure, the symbol of love and commitment represented by a ring!