Engagement Ring - History

History

Engagement bands began in Ancient Egypt as the circle was used to symbolize a never ending cycle and the space in it as a gateway. Betrothal rings were used during Roman times, but weren't generally revived in the Western world until the 13th century. Roman men gave engagement rings that included a small key. Romantics believe that the carved key was a symbolic key to protect and cherish the husband's heart. However, the key most likely stood for the unlocking of wealth.

Rings are placed on the fourth finger on the left hand, because Ancient Egyptians believed that it contained a vein that led to the heart (vena amoris). Romans believed the ring to be a symbol for ownership rather than love. It meant that the husband would claim his wife. In second century B.C.E., the Roman bride was given two rings, a gold one which she wore in public, and one made of iron, which she could wear at home while doing house chores.

Greeks may have been the first to create engagement rings, but to them they were known as betrothal rings. The rings however were not required to be given before marriage, unlike traditional engagement rings of today.

In Europe, engagement rings were once known as a Posie ring. It was given as a form of promise of fidelity and love.

During the age of Colonialism in America, a thimble was given as a sign of eternal companionship. Women would remove the tops of the thimble in order to create a ring. The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy. This then influenced those of higher social class and of significant wealth to give diamond rings to their loved ones. Diamond mines in Africa were discovered in 1870, which then increased supply. As production increased with demand, those of lesser means were able to join in on this movement.

Historically, the uses of rings were for “betrothal” reasons such as for the Romans, as it didn’t always signify marriage. In fact, rings were a sign of affection or friendship. The history of engagement rings first originated in 1215, when Pope Innocent III established a waiting period between the promise of marriage, and the actual marriage ceremony. The rings were then signified the couple’s devotion to one another, in that period of time. During that period of time engagement rings often represented one’s social rank as only the rich were allowed to own or wear rings with jewels.

Before the 20th century, other types of betrothal gifts were common. Near the end of the 19th century, it was typical for the bride-to-be to receive a sewing thimble rather than an engagement ring. This practice was particularly common among religious groups that shunned jewelry (plain people). Engagement rings didn't become standard in the West until the end of the 19th century, and diamond rings didn't become common until the 1930s. Now, 80% of American women are offered a diamond ring to signify engagement.

Wedding rings amongst men were more common during World War II, as the men overseas wore their rings in reminder of their wives and families back home.

In the 21st century, especially within Western civilization, it has become a common expectation for the bride-to-be to permanently wear her ring as a means to maintain their commitment.