Have you ever wondered why we give and wear a diamond ring as a symbol of love? We have to go back over centuries to find an answer.
How did a ring become the symbol of marriage?
The romance of the ring was born in ancient times. The pharaohs of Egypt are believed to be the first to use the circle, a shape with no beginning or end, as a symbol of eternity. However, it was the Romans were the first to wear a ring as a symbol of marriage. The earliest rings were made of iron, and then gold and were set with gemstones such as sapphire and rubies.
Do you know why engagement rings and wedding bands are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand? Because the Egyptians believed the vena amoris (vein of love) ran directly from the heart to the top of this finger.
Diamonds Are Forever
The Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring in 1477. This sparked a trend for diamond rings among European aristocracy and nobility. During the Victorian age, ornate engagement ring designs featuring diamonds with other gemstones and set in precious metal became popular. Diamond rings crafted during the Edwardian age continued the tradition of pairing diamonds with other jewels.
Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend
The characteristics of the diamond, a hard and durable stone, made this gemstone the perfect symbol of an everlasting love over the centuries. In 1947 De Beers coined a catchy slogan, ‚Diamond is Forever‚ for its advertising campaign that perfectly cast the diamond as the stone of a promise. Now you know all about the long tradition of a diamond ring. Are you ready to pick the perfect ring for you?
Browse the Paul Sheeran Jewellers engagement ring collection.
