What Does an Engagement Ring Mean?

March 3, 2020

Millennials are now spending around $3,000 on engagement rings.

If you’re planning to propose or hoping someone will propose to you soon, now is a great time to stop and think about the answer to the question: “What does an engagement ring mean?”

Sometimes we feel pushed along to follow the crowd and buy products simply because other people are. But, to make your engagement ring mean even more, let’s take a minute to learn all about why we give rings to our loved ones.

A Little History

Amazingly, humans have kept the tradition of giving an engagement ring ever since Egyptian times!

The circle is a symbol of never-ending love and eternity. However, back in these times, rings were a lot more modest than they are today.

In fact, Egyptians would simply create a ring from reeds. See what your partner says when you propose with some weeds!

When the Romans carried on this trend many years later, the engagement ring became a sign of ownership, not everlasting love.

Why a Diamond?

Nowadays, over 80% of brides have a diamond engagement ring. This trend was started by Archduke Maximilian of Austria.

He proposed in 1477 to Mary of Burgundy using a ring with a diamond-shaped M, her first initial. After this, rich couples across the continent were so taken with the romantic gesture that it became a fashion that endures today.

What Does South Africa Have to do with Engagement Rings?

At the end of the 1800s, diamonds were found in South Africa. As a result, there were more to go around and more people started purchasing them.

Cecil Rhodes bought many diamond fields and set up the company De Beers Mining Company. It didn’t take long before this company owned all of the diamonds in South Africa.

As a result, Rhodes kept diamonds in short supply to increase demand and keep prices high. Ernest Oppenheimer stepped in to replace Rhodes after he died.

It was in the 1930s that we saw the De Beers marketing campaign that changed the way we see diamonds. The company’s motto, “A diamond is forever,” comes from this campaign –

Birthstone Rings are Growing in Popularity

We are seeing a rise in the number of people who are opting for alternative stones for their engagement rings.

For example, couples are opting for birthstones that represent anything from a special birthday to their first date.

Moissanite rings are a beautiful choice and look a lot like diamonds but are their own separate gemstone. These stones are rare in nature and not as mainstream as a diamond. Moissanite vintage engagement rings are an extremely romantic choice.

Perhaps there is a special ring in your family already? A vintage ring that has been passed down family lines could be the best way to say I love you.