The Romance of Engagement Rings
Caroline Graham Swann
Engagement rings and wedding rings are thought by most to be the most important jewelry ever acquired or bought. Girls dream of the time their engagement ring is presented to them with the proposal of marriage, which is certainly the most romantic time of one’s life. I am such a romantic and join with the throng of family and friends that rush to see the ring, the remarkable symbol of true love.
The ancient Egyptians believed there was a direct line connecting to the vein of the third finger left hand to the heart. Metal wire wrapped around the third finger of their left hands is found in ancient burial sites. I found this to be so touching, a symbol of love that defies time.
1477 is the date most historians agree that a diamond ring was used to mark an engagement, when Archduke Maximally of Austria gave Mary, his love, a gold ring with the letter M spelled out in tiny diamonds.
1600s and 1700s brought lovers in Europe to often exchange a poesy ring, A silver ring would be given to mark an engagement and would be replaced with a gold ring with a line of poetry or a love message engraved inside on the wedding day.
The 1800’s brought a very romantic time. Queen Victoria was very much in love with Albert, which was rare for royal marriage, as most were arranged for diplomatic or economic reasons. During the end of the Victorian era a large deposit of diamonds was discovered in South Africa by Tiffany and Co.
Tiffany introduced the six prong ring setting “Tiffany Setting” which raised the diamond above the band to maximize the brilliance of the diamond. This is still a very popular choice of mounting today. Timeless, one may say, for engagement rings.
During the second World War, platinum was very scarce, so most rings were designed in gold. Ornate with small scattered stones was the popular design of this era.
When Princess Diana chose a sapphire for her engagement ring, colored gem stones became a most popular choice for the special symbol of love. Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring was a 2 carat emerald cut diamond with the beauty of green emeralds banking the sides of the brilliant diamond.
It does not matter what stone or style, women have been smitten with happiness and the most romantic time of dreams coming true: when the love of their life presents an engagement ring. This tradition has thrived through ancient times until today. Yes, love and romance is endless and timeless.
