Diamonds….The Back Story: The History Of The E-Ring

Jan 07, 2016 05:33 PM Back

It all starts with showing off [to friends and family] that special someone who you just know is “The One” and…of course getting their blessing and approval. But…equally as important is showing off that special gem that he placed on your finger, and giving them a glimpse into the rock that rocked your world. But, have you ever wondered where this tradition stemmed from? Well, you may be surprised by its origins. Here is a timeline of how engagement rings came to be the popular matrimonial marker of everlasting love and how they became a Girl’s “best friend”. The Caveman Connection: Cavemen tied braided grass around their lady love’s wrist, ankle or waist to bring her “unbridled” (pun intended) spirit under control. Wedded Like An Egyptian: Circa 2800 BC the Egyptian “lovers” were known to wear a single band of gold or silver on the third finger of their left hand believed to be connected to their hearts by the vena amoris. The Role Of Wedding Rings In Rome: During the 2^nd Century BC Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naturalist, natural philosopher and naval and army commander documented the tradition of grooms presenting their betrothed initially with a gold band to wear during the matrimonial ceremony and at special events and another band, made of iron for the new Mrs. to wear at home representing their binding agreement and his ownership of her. A Tag of Honor: During the 1^st Century BC puzzle rings make an appearance in Asia where sheiks and sultans used them to tag each of their wives. 1217: The Bishop of Salsbury ends the tradition of seducing young girls with rush rings by declaring such unions legally binding. 1456: The Guttenberg bible is published but nowhere are rings as part of “Holy” matrimony mentioned. 1477: Probably the most memorable act giving engagement rings their “traditional” significance. Arch Duke Maximilian of Austria expresses his intentions of marriage to Mary of Burgundy with a ring set with flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an M. Euro-Chic Rings and Puritan Pride: Rings featuring flowery sayings are the “in-thing” for Europeans during the 1700s. Across the miles, the Puritans present their object of affections with useful thimbles in lieu of rings. Initially this was seen as an un-necessary gesture, but later the tops of the rings were sliced off, converting them into more traditional wedding bands. The Victorian Contribution: During the 1800s, the Victorians fashion, fashionable and sentimental jewelry using human hair and adding gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, amethyst, rubies, etc. to spell out names or sentimental endearments for their special loved one. Diamond Discovery: In 1867 Diamonds are discovered Cape May (a province in South Africa…not in New Jersey) leading to a boom in the world’s diamond supply. All Rhodes Lead To DeBeers: In 1880 Cecil Rhodes arrives in Africa and establishes (along with other investors) the DeBeers Mining Company. During the next decade DeBeers will be the most popular diamond distributor and will gain control of 90 per cent of the world’s diamond production. The Tiffany Tradion: In 1886 Tiffany & Co. inspires what’s now known as a Tiffany setting: a six-prong ring designed to maximize a diamond’s brilliance by raising it higher than the band. Sears and Roebuck steal the show: During the 1890s companies like Sears and Roebuck introduce affordable, mainstream wedding and engagement rings by featuring them in their catalog. The “Holy Matrimonial” Trinity: In 1918 Cartier introduces the Trinity Ring combining hoops of pink gold (love), white gold (friendship) and yellow gold (fidelity). The ring was initially designed for Jean Cocteau to present to his lover, (poet) Raymond Radiguet….and which until today remains the customary wedding ring in France. A 1940s Favorite: It is during THIS time that engagement rings become one of the most popular jewelry items featured in most department stores. The NEW Catholic Wedding Tradition: 1944 brings changes that allow for priests to marry couples with a double ring ceremony. Prior to this, the Roman Ritual calls only for the blessing of the bride’s ring. Boggie and Bacall: This popular 1940s icon decides to wear his first groom’s ring when he ties the knot for the fifth and final time to Lauren Bacall. Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Published in the 1950s Tiffany engraves a cracker jack ring that ultimately becomes Holly Golightly’s engagement ring. Modern Marvels: As of 2002…studies suggest that the diamond is in fact a “Girl’s Best Friend” with most couples spending at least two months’ salary on this special sparkler.