So, he opens the little box and there it is a small sparkly stone looking at expecting your answer. Engagement rings are an eternal proof of love, a lovely piece of jewellery that will stay on your ring in sickness and in health, in good or bad. The history of this tradition is much older than you think and goes way back to ancient Roman times. Do you have a prefered diamond cut for your engagement, or you’d be glad to wear any ring? Here are some interesting things about diamond engagement rings.
History of Engagement Rings
Anthropologists believe that the engagement tradition goes back to Roman times in which wives wore rings attached to small keys, showing their husbands’ ownership. But it was in 1477 that Archduke Maximillian of Austria requested the very first diamond engagement ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This set a trend for diamond rings among the European aristocracy.
In the Victorian era, this trend became incredibly popular. People started to lavishly decorate engagement rings, putting diamonds, gemstones and precious metals and enamels. During the Edwardian era, the rings continued being in demand. And in addition to diamonds, these rings were were also ornated with filigree.
But despite how engagement ring trends have changed, diamonds have remained to be the most popular decoration. The slogan “A Diamond is Forever” comes from 1947 De Beers. The durability of the diamond symbolised the meaning that the marriage is forever. Also, the diamond’s purity and sparkle are today’s symbols of people’s commitments to each other. Here are the different features the modern designed diamond engagement rings can have.
Types of Cuts
Princess-cut
The princess cut is one of the most popular and traditional diamond engagement rings. Its square shape with pointed corners looks perfect and people choose it because it’s timeless, elegant and goes well with everyone’s style. Ideally, it makes a perfect match with a diamond band. If the bride-to-be adores sparkling diamonds, you can get her a princess cut ring enriched with smaller diamonds set on the band.
Round
This cone-shaped ring with the top rounded off is the most simple of engagement rings. It’s ideal for brides who prefer calm and simple pieces of jewellery and can be constantly worn without disrupting the bride-to-be style. Not only for the wedding day, but this round cut diamond ring is excellent for everyday style and can be matched well with other pieces of jewellery and accessories.
Emerald-cut
Glamorous and vintage looking, this large rectangle-shaped diamond is perfect for ladies who love that vintage, Elizabeth Taylor vibe. The shape allows you to see the diamond’s clarity. It’s larger than the princess and round cut, so it’s the perfect show-off ring for brides who love massive statement pieces of jewellery.
Heart-cut
Made from a round brilliant stone, the heart is the ultimate shape that represents love. Some people consider it to be a bit tacky, but if you’re sure your loved one will wear it with confidence and love this shape, don’t hesitate to put your love into a diamond so she can wear it forever.
Pear-cut
A pear-cut diamond is somewhere in-between a marquise and an oval stone. The teardrop shape has one point with a rounded end, which makes smaller stones appear bigger. The pear cut is a noticeable and bold choice and is perfect for brides to be who simply love jewellery. This ring is a stand-out piece on its own.
Cushion-cut
The cushion-cut is also a popular diamond engagement ring. It is elegant and simple, but the rounded corners on the cushion cut create larger sides and add even more bling. This diamond is ideal for a vintage-inspired style but can also look equally beautiful on a modern band.
Baguette-cut
This one is like the emerald cut, only much narrower and smaller. This type of ring is ideal for ladies who prefer dainty pieces of jewellery. It’s excellent for every day and can be worn without adding weight to the finger, allowing the lady to do things without scratching herself.
Marquis-cut
This cut was originally modelled to resemble the woman’s smile and is one of the shapes that are perfect for people who want to choose something different. The long diamond with sharp ends looks flattering on the hand, but if you wear a wedding band, it may not be so comfortable (make sure the band is specially made so it can comfortably fit along this ring).
Metals
Platinum
Platinum is a white metal with a cool lustre that showcases the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds and other precious stones. It’s a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands and is considered the most precious of all jewellery metals. It is five times as rare and purer when used in jewellery. People choose it because of its durability (constantly wearing your wedding and engagement ring means doing things with your hands that could damage it; platinum can endure almost anything).
Yellow, Rose, White Gold
Gold is a versatile metal and the most common choice for engagement rings. The standard measurement of gold is a karat, which is divided into 24 parts. Pure gold is 24 karats. The tones of it vary from classic yellow to white and rose gold. Choosing the colour is up to you; what’s your bride-to-be favourite colour when it comes to gold? Is she into the classic yellow or prefers the silvery tone of the white gold? Rose gold is more romantic and has that vintage vibe.