A Brief Overview Of The Engagement Ring
The giving or receiving of a ring upon becoming betrothed goes back to the most ancient civilizations. However, these were usually just a simple band of metal rather than the elaborate gems modern brides consider today. The oldest known diamond rings was bestowed in 1477 by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian to his fiancee, Mary of Burgundy. Diamonds were then very rare and only the richest could afford them. But during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the supply increased dramatically. Average income also increased during the Industrial Revolution. The combination of the two factors allowed diamonds to be purchased by more people.
Solitaire engagement rings remain the most widely sold style. Although solitaire merely indicates that there is a single stone, most of them are round cut. The way it is mounted, however, can vary widely. Many jewelers consider that a round cut displays the diamond’s sparkle to its utmost.
A popular variation on the solitaire is the trilogy ring. This style has a large center stone with two smaller stones flanking it. These are normally all diamonds, but in recent times there have been many variations. Sometimes the center stone is a ruby, sapphire, or emerald. The bride’s birthstone is also sometimes used.
Many modern brides long for an antique engagement ring. Since they only have to be more than 50 years old to qualify, the majority are diamond rings quite similar to modern ones. However, during the twenties and thirties, the art deco movement led to the design of some novel mounts and the use of colorful stones. Rings that are older than a century or so may not even have any diamonds at all, especially those that date back to the 1600s and earlier. Most of the rings of this age use other gems, and many also have very elaborate mountings.
Princess cut engagement rings have been gaining in popularity in recent years. These diamonds are cut into a square shape and have a flat top. They are sometimes mounted flush with the band, but the typical mount places the prongs at the corners of the stone.
Rectangular stones are often referred to as emerald cuts. They are usually faceted on the sides and feature a flat top. A marquis cut refers to a stone that is basically round, but tapering to a point at both ends. Pear shapes are more commonly used in earrings, pendants, or with other stones due to their clunky shape. A pear shaped diamond is round at one end and pointed at the other.
Many of the modern conceptions regarding diamonds are due to promotional campaigns by major jewelers. One such example is the rule of thumb suggesting a groom buy a ring priced at 2-3 months’ salary. This was not known until a jeweler launched a marketing campaign to encourage spending. Regardless, diamonds are still the most popular choice for engagement rings, although mountings, size, and cut can vary. Today, diamonds are more affordable, plentiful, and varied, allowing virtually any bride to sport a diamond on her hand.