Engagement rings
originated from the
Fourth Lateran Council headed by Pope Innocent III who stated that the
period between engagement and marriage had to be longer, in 1215. Since
then engagement rings had spread over all the groups of society, from
the aristocracy which preferred gold
or silver rings, to the working class wearing plain iron models. Jewels
have always been a distinguishing feature of the elite, emphasizing its
privileged status. That is why the aristocracy used engagement rings
not only to promulgate a betrothal, but also to show they can afford
the most luxurious designer
rings
mounted with diamonds and rubies. However, time passed, and exquisite
gems in engagement rings became available to ordinary people.
The Victorian style features the inception of the dearest ring spelling
the word “dearest” with the initials of each gem,
and the
regards ring with the jeweled inscription “regards”
correspondingly. Another tradition was the using of six jewels mounted
engagement rings. Two stones on the left side of engagement rings
symbolized the bride's parents, two on the right – the
parents of
the groom, and the rest two – the bride and groom themselves.
In the Middle Age diamond was considered a magic stone with
supernatural powers. The Baron d'Orchamps, an oracle of mystic subjects
claimed that wearing the diamond on the left hand, one became
unconquerable for devilish intrigues and attracted good fortune. Diamond
engagement rings
had grown extremely popular among those who could afford them. The
Italians called the diamond "Pietra della Reconciliazone" and believed
it brought harmony to married couples.
At the beginning of the 20th century an American jewelery company
started producing male engagement rings, referring to the ancient
tradition. In spite of the fact that this attempt miscarried, the idea
itself contributed much to the popularization of male wedding rings.
Though the well-known slogan “A Diamond is
Forever”,
introduced by De Beers in the middle of the 20th century, hasn't become
a general rule while choosing engagement rings, many people all over
the world still prefer diamonds to other elite gems.
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