Engagement rings began as something to mark ownership, an unromantic gesture compared to today. Luckily, times have changed and now it’s all about the romance and the beauty.
In ancient Rome, women were given rings of ivory, flint, bone, copper and iron to signify their mutual love and obedience (and ownership). It was common for women to have 2 rings- an iron ring to be worn at home and gold for wearing in public. It wasn’t until 850 that gold was declared the most popular material for an engagement ring. It represented a man’s intent to marry. In 1447, the Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring, this was the first instance of a diamond engagement ring.
After this, engagement rings started to become more ornate with designs that mixed diamonds with other gemstones, precious metals and enamels. The rings were crafted into unique, floral shapes and therefore received the name “posey rings”. Throughout the Edwardian era, this tradition continued however they were traditionally mounted in filigree settings, a slight shift away from the floral approach.
Skipping ahead a few years, diamond rings were officially on-trend, thanks to De Beers coining the iconic slogan “diamonds are forever”. Diamond engagement rings were the most popular option when it came to selecting a ring.
Clayfield Jewellery has been supplying gorgeous engagement rings for many years, and will work with you to create the perfect ring!
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