The Engagement Ring’s Colorful History
Engagement rings have a long and colorful history. They started as a sign of ownership in ancient Rome, and their popularity has grown over the centuries to a mainstream token of professing love. In this journal we will go over the brief history of where the idea came from, what made it mainstream, and where the trends are going in the future.
The tradition of giving an engagement ring to one's betrothed can be traced back to ancient Rome. It is said that the first engagement rings were made of iron, and that they were a symbol of ownership. Gold rings have also been found in the ruins of Pompei, which lends credence to this theory. Around 800 years ago, the engagement ring was given an official meaning! It was the Pope that declared an engagement ring should be a symbol of betrothal, and thus born the modern tradition.
In the 14th century, diamond engagement rings became popular among the European elite. It is said that this trend was started by Archduke Maximilian of Austria when he gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. This started a trend among the royals of Europe, and diamond engagement rings became all the rage, with every aristocrat lusting after one.
The 19th century actually saw a decline in the popularity of diamond engagement ring. This was due to a number of factors, such as the Napoleonic Wars, financial instability in Europe, that mess call World War II. However, this all changed after the wars ended in the early 20th century when DeBeers started a marketing campaign that would change the course of history.
In the 1930s, DeBeers launched an advertising campaign with the slogan "A Diamond is Forever." This was a very successful campaign, and it helped to make diamond engagement rings the commercial preference. Diamonds became synonymous with eternal love, and they remain so.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more unique engagement rings. This is likely due to the fact that people are becoming more individualistic in their taste, and because there are some colored gemstones that equally have the same if not better brilliance and glimmer. Gemstones such as sapphire, tourmaline, and tanzanite are becoming increasingly popular choices. Since colored diamonds are high-priced and have limited availability, colored gemstones make a great option and a considerable price point.
So, what's the trend towards color and bolder statements? Celebrities recently have been going for a rainbow of colors, such as those worn by Megan Fox, Blake Lively, and Princess Diana. People are looking for a show stopping burst of refreshing color to remind them of their vows, and they want a bolder statement for a better price point. Besides, color carries an emotion, and allows self-expression. Being a designer in South Florida, I've always had an affinity with color, so I might be a little impartial!
What's your take on colored engagement rings? Do you like the classic diamond ring, or are you more drawn to the colorful options? Let us know!