Does anyone know what the history of the diamond engagement ring is?

Question

I'm curious to know because I've been looking at antique engagement rings and I've noticed that many have colored stones instead of diamonds. I'm now considering purchasing a non-diamond antique style engagement ring because I think that they are much prettier. I'm sort of curious, though, as to when diamonds became the "traditional" stone.

Answer 1

Here's what Wikipededia had to say;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engagement_...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond

But I kind of like this history better. It talks about when it became "all about the diamond";

http://www.slate.com/id/2167870/

They've actually been valued for centuries, but for different reasons;

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Value-and-...

Answer 2

Here you go - "Slate" did a whole piece on the history of the diamond engagement ring. Enjoy!

Answer 3

Diamonds have only been "precious" stones over the past 150 years as a result of the DeBeers family and the South African diamond cartel.

Answer 4

Queen Victoria of England had the first i think.  She changed a lot of the traditional customes like the white new dress, and catherdal style veils. but before that, i haven't read too many things about diamond rings.