carreradmin, Author at Carreras Jewelers

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August 22, 2014 5:26 pm Leave a Comment

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The First Engagement Ring

August 18, 2014 2:01 pm Leave a Comment

Did you know??

Diamonds signify a steady, enduring love simply because of their unmatched strength, and delicate beauty. The versatile look that variously sized or cut diamonds can have enables them to be worn with any outfit, from a chic cocktail dress, to a simple look with blue jeans. It’s no wonder diamond engagement rings are one of the most popular accompaniments to propose with!

But how exactly did the diamond engagement ring start as a tradition?
Engagement rings in general are credited by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, but can only reliably be traced back as far as Ancient Rome. In many countries at this time, engagement rings were placed on the finger nearest the little finger on the left hand, since it was once believed that this finger contained a vein that lead directly to the heart. In the second century BC, a Roman bride was to be given two rings, a gold one that she wore in public or to special events, and one that was made of iron that she wore at home. Both rings would symbolize the promise they made to one another.

However, it wasn’t until 1477 when the first well-documented diamond engagement ring was given. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy, his bride-to-be, a series of rough cut diamonds.

Over the years, the most popular diamond has been the round brilliant cut, which usually consists of 58 facets that divide the stone into a top and bottom half. In today’s society, a diamond’s shine, shimmer, and purity have now become symbols of the depth of a man’s commitment to the woman he loves. In fact, over 78% of today’s engagement rings are comprised of gold and diamonds!