Engagement rings have been symbols of eternal love and commitment for centuries, but when did they become the expected norm? It is believed that the origin of engagement rings can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where circles were seen as a symbol of eternity. During the medieval period, rings were given as a token of betrothal and were made of simple materials such as braided reeds. As the centuries passed, rings became increasingly ornate, with diamonds and other precious gems being added to create the engagement rings we know today.
The first recorded use of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy. This is believed to be the beginning of the modern trend of diamond engagement rings, as the diamond is now seen as a symbol of everlasting love. From this point onwards, engagement rings made with diamonds became increasingly popular and it wasn’t long before they became the expected norm.
By the late 1800s, the custom of giving a diamond engagement ring had become widespread, especially in the United States. During this time, the industrial revolution had provided the means to mass-produce jewelry and made diamonds more accessible to the average person. This allowed more people to purchase diamond engagement rings, and the trend of giving diamond engagement rings to those who were about to be wed soon became a norm.
Today, engagement rings are still an important part of the wedding proposal process and are given as a symbol of love and commitment. The tradition of giving an engagement ring is now seen as a given and is a testament to how deeply ingrained the tradition has become in our culture.
In conclusion, the custom of giving engagement rings has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that diamond engagement rings became the expected norm. This is due to the industrial revolution, which made diamonds more accessible and allowed more people to purchase them. Nowadays, giving an engagement ring is seen as a given and is a testament to how deeply ingrained the tradition has become in our culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: When did engagement rings become the norm?
Answer: Engagement rings became a common practice in the Western world in the late 19th century.