The History of the Engagement Ring

At some point in human history, a Diamond Ring became the symbol of engagement. It marks the start of a new life together, that you are planning an official ritual in which you mark the start of the rest of two people’s lives with each other. While we don’t know the exact history behind them, we have some ideas from myths, legends, and superstitions that float about. But here are some interesting things you should know about if you are thinking about Engagement Rings, and proposing to your beloved.

Where does the Engagement Ring go?

The ring finger (next to your little finger) on the left hand contains the Vena Amoris, or the vein of love. This vein is supposedly the only finger which has a vein that goes directly to the heart, and has various mentions throughout the world’s history. By wearing the ring on this finger, it is meant to symbolise eternal love, with the vein believed to have magical properties. It is thought the Ancient Egyptians were the first to come up with this ritual, which takes us nicely on to…

Ancient Egyptians take on Engagement Rings

It is thought the tradition of Engagement Rings dates back 4,800 years ago to Ancient Egyptian times. The materials were less luxurious than the Gold & Silver we use today, with materials such as reeds, sedges, ivory, bone and leather all being used to represent love. The more expensive the material, the more it signified a couple’s wealth, which explains how gold and silver came to be common practise for engagements.

A time when Engagement Rings meant ownership

In Roman times, the Engagement Ring symbolised ownership. An item or money would be exchanged in place of a bride, with two rings being worn. A gold ring would be worn for ceremonies and other formal occasions, with an ivory ring being worn in the home to show that she is under someone’s ownership, not to symbolise love.

The first recorded diamond Engagement Ring

Diamonds were first introduced as Engagement Ring materials in 1477. The earliest recording of such a ring, Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy, taking the symbolisation of wealth through engagements to a whole new level.

How much are you expected to spend on an Engagement Ring?

Supposedly, anywhere between 1 month and 3 months salary is expected to pay for an Engagement Ring. The average salary in the UK is £28,000, meaning anywhere in the region of £1750 to £5250 is expected. Yes, this may seem like a lot of money, but it means you will be required to save a lot of money over a large amount of time, meaning it solidifies your commitment to your loved one as you were willing to make sacrifices in order for the big question.

Hopefully you have enjoyed our little history lesson about Engagement Rings, and we hope you only take our first and last points into account! Check out our website to check out our range of Engagement Rings, and Contact Us with any enquires you may have.