Diamonds have been used in engagement rings for centuries, but they didn’t become the mainstream choice until the mid-20th century. The custom of giving a diamond ring to mark an engagement can be traced back to the 15th century, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. The first diamond engagement rings in the modern sense were created in the late 19th century, when diamonds became more accessible.
The rise of diamond engagement rings began in the 1930s, when the De Beers diamond company launched an advertising campaign aimed at convincing people of the importance of giving diamonds as a sign of love and commitment. This campaign was based on the slogan “A Diamond is Forever”, which is still used today. The campaign was extremely successful, and the popularity of diamond engagement rings skyrocketed.
By the 1940s and 50s, diamond engagement rings had become the norm. This was due to the influence of Hollywood and the glamor associated with movie stars wearing diamond rings in films. The advertising campaigns of De Beers had also convinced people of the importance of diamonds as symbols of love and commitment.
Today, diamond engagement rings remain the most popular choice for couples getting engaged. Although other stones are also used, diamonds remain the most popular and traditional choice. The tradition of giving a diamond ring to mark an engagement continues to be an important part of many cultures, and it is a custom that will likely remain for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: When did diamonds become engagement rings?
Answer: Diamonds became popular in engagement rings in the late 19th century due to the advertising campaigns of the diamond company De Beers.