Giving a ring as a symbol of betrothal is an age old practice that dates back to ancient Rome. But did you know that proposing with a diamond engagement ring is actually relatively new? It may seem hard to believe, as diamond engagement rings are the standard today, and any other kind of engagement ring is considered unusual. But diamond engagement rings only became the norm in the middle of the 20th century.
So, how did diamond rings end up in the spotlight?
‘SOFIA’ Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring with Wedding Band
Diamonds have always been known for their beauty and desired for jewelry. But a famous advertising campaign by the diamond company De Beers is often credited as revving up the desire for diamond engagement rings, specifically. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “a diamond is forever,” you may have heard of it. Their ads emphasized that diamonds are the perfect symbol for love: something unbreakable, timeless, and beautiful. This idea was wildly popular with American men and women, and diamonds quickly became the gemstone of choice for almost all engagement rings.
‘LILLIAN’ Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
This idea of diamonds as a symbol of “forever” has truly stuck in the minds of most people today. It makes sense— diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, which beautifully represents the strength and endurance of the bond of love. Many people also find the symbolism in the long journey of a diamond’s creation (carbon is heated and pressured underground for more than a billion years to create a diamond) incredibly meaningful.
‘JUNIPER’ Modern Diamond Engagement Ring
Today, the idea of diamonds as a symbol for love is engrained in the hearts and minds of most people. Most women in the western world (as well as many other parts of the world) expect that they’ll get a diamond from their beau at least once in their life. And lucky April babies who have their birthday this month probably expect at least two, as their birthstone is the diamond. Though diamonds reached their massive level of popularity only last century, the place they’ve found in the hearts of woman across the globe has ensured that they are a staple that’s here to stay.
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