The Dazzling History Of Natural Diamond Engagement Rings
Have you ever wondered why diamond engagement rings got started as the jewel to have? Given that natural diamonds account for more than 80% of the market for engagement rings, you would have assumed the solution had to do with bridal customs, such as donning a white wedding attire.Â
While the trend in engagement rings has accelerated recently, natural diamonds and colored diamonds like green diamonds and blue diamonds have consistently held the top spot.Â
Recently, green diamonds have come back in trend after Jennifer Lopez’s engagement ring. The 6.10-carat stone, estimated to be worth $1 million at the time, sparked a craze for colored diamond rings. Find out more about the beauty of green diamonds and other colored diamond jewelry
Maybe you thought that because genuine diamonds are so stunning, they were the most popular jewels for engagement rings. The inflection points of the romantic jewel are shown by the history of diamond engagement rings, which originates in the Renaissance and advances at an elegant rate. Continue reading to learn more about it.
The First Diamond Engagement Ring
The first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 by her husband, Emperor Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire. The ring he gave her was a solitaire diamond ring, considered one of the most important historical rings from the 15th century. The stone in this engagement ring was a large stone weighing an estimated 45 carats (10 grams), which would be worth about $4 million today.
The first recorded use of diamonds for engagement rings came from Turkey and India, where they were used as an element in elaborate headdresses for brides-to-be during their wedding ceremonies.
The Wide Range of Historic Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamond engagement rings have a long and romantic history. From royalty to film stars, from the famous Tiffany setting to the solitaire that is so popular today, there are many different styles of diamond engagement rings available for you to choose from.
If you’re looking for something traditional and elegant, consider going with an antique-style ring. These styles range from the Victorian era up through Art Deco period pieces (from 1920-1940). The most common materials used in antique settings are platinum or yellow gold, but sometimes we see white gold as well.Â
Antique settings often feature old European cuts like Old Mine Cut diamonds, which were popular during this time because they were considered rarer than modern cuts, such as round brilliant cut diamonds or princess cut diamonds.Â
They also tend to have smaller stones set lower into their mounts which gives them an overall softer appearance compared with today’s modern designs that are often sleek and shiny without much embellishment around them at all.
The Tiffany Setting That Changed Everything
The Tiffany setting is a diamond ring setting with a halo of smaller diamonds around the main stone. It was first invented in 1895 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young for the engagement ring of Aida Schiff, daughter of financier Otto Hermann Schiff.Â
The idea was to make the diamond look larger by placing smaller stones around it. The name “Tiffany” comes from its creator, but not just because he invented the design. He also trademarked it and made sure that no one else could use this popular style in their products without paying royalties to him or his company.Â
The First Blockbuster Hollywood Engagement Rings
The first blockbuster Hollywood engagement rings were made in the 1940s when diamond engagement rings were becoming increasingly popular. The style was a bit different at the time than it is today: they featured a single stone set on top of a ring instead of multiple stones. This style is still very popular today and has been adopted by many celebrities over time.
In contrast to the modern-day diamond engagement ring, these antique pieces have one large rock set atop the band and nothing else. No other gemstones or side diamonds are included in their design.Â
This unique look makes them stand out from other contemporary pieces because they don’t have as much bling as other designs do; however, some people like this minimalistic element because it does not distract from their center stone or overpower its beauty.
Diamond Engagement Rings Are All About Individuality Today
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that’s just as unique as you and your partner, it’s time to rethink your approach. When it comes to selecting a diamond engagement ring, the old rules don’t apply anymore.Â
Sure, diamonds are still the most popular gemstones among engaged couples: in fact, they’ve been favored by brides-to-be for centuries now. However, with so many options available today, including synthetic diamonds and lab-created stones that cost less than real ones. You can make a statement without having to spend thousands of dollars on something flashy or overblown.
If you want something truly special but don’t have much money in the bank (or if you simply prefer smaller jewelry), consider using colored gemstones instead of diamonds. Emeralds are often used in place of rubies, sapphires can substitute for blue topaz, and aquamarines, pink tourmaline, or amethyst could also work well as an alternative color choice.Â
If these aren’t quite your style, but you still want something that reflects who both partners are individually together as one unit, consider getting multiple rings instead of one larger piece so both partners feel like their individuality has been reflected during this exciting time.
A Long And Romantic History
There is no denying that diamonds have long been considered a symbol of love and commitment. The origins of this tradition are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have come about in medieval times when diamonds were used as a pledge of eternal fidelity.Â
The tradition continued into the Renaissance and became popular again during the Victorian era; at this time, diamond engagement rings were given by men to women they hoped to marry.
Diamond engagement rings are still popular today, though they now come in many different shapes and sizes as well as colors (white and yellow). Today’s brides-to-be can choose from both traditional styles like solitaires or princess cuts or opt for more nontraditional options such as halo settings with smaller stones surrounding the center stone.Â
In addition to providing sparkle and shine on your finger, diamond engagement rings also symbolize strength through adversity, a fitting reminder for those who plan on weathering the storms of life together.
Diamond engagement rings are a symbol of love for many couples, and you can see how the history of these beautiful rings is intertwined with the history of human romance.Â
From Queen Victoria’s wedding to Marilyn Monroe’s ring, there have been countless stories about these precious heirlooms since they first appeared on our fingers. While they might seem like they just popped up out of nowhere one day, it really took centuries before diamonds became what they are today.
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