 For years it has been customary that an engagement ring have a diamond. Where did this idea come from, and are diamond engagement rings still the trend?  In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria created the first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This initiated a trend for diamond rings among the European elite. In early years, diamond rings were paired with other jewels, typically in the shape of a flower, and were referred to as “posey rings.” During the Edwardian era, this trend continued. In 1947 the diamond company De Beers released its slogan “A Diamond is Forever” in order to connect the relationship between a diamond ring and a marriage. They wanted to associate the implied durability of a diamond to the idea that marriage is forever. The purity and sparkle of a diamond started to become a symbol of the amount of love and commitment a man has. Diamonds eventually became more accessible. During the 1930’s the diamond ring demand declined due to hard economic times in the U.S. In an effort to increase the demand, the De Beers Company started a forceful marketing campaign using celebrities. They would take photos of celebrities wearing diamonds and within three years the sales of diamonds had gone up by 50%. To this day, diamonds still represent the celebration of a marriage and the meaning of a man’s love (American Gem Society). However, over the past few years we have seen several “non-traditional” rings start to appear on more and more women’s hands. It seems that everyone is still in agreement about the beauty of a diamond ring, but many are wanting to have something different and unique to them. Today many women are no longer leaning towards the traditional round cut diamond. They want something more “vintage” looking that will stand out next to all the other diamond rings out there. Couples are also not as interested in spending an incredible amount of money on a ring. They are opting to spend less money on a “non-traditional” ring that in the end will be just as durable and beautiful as a traditional round cut diamond ring. So what should we do…? Should we continue down the path of the round cut diamond or dare to be different with something that might not have that traditional forever love mentality? In the end it does not matter what kind of ring you have or how much it cost. What matters is the person that gave you the ring and the love, commitment, and relationship you share. Comment below and let us know which style ring you prefer. Recently engaged? Looking for a venue? Reach out to see what your wedding could look like at Four Oaks Manor!
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Header Image: Zelia Zhou Photography
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