Diamond Engagement Rings Throughout History

The scenario is played out thousands of times a day throughout the world; young men present diamond engagement rings to the ladies they desire to marry. This tradition, which dates back centuries in one form or another, has many variations. Nonetheless, diamond engagement rings continue to be a symbol of betrothal in much of the Western world.

Where It Started

Diamonds themselves have been available to ordinary people only for the past 150 years or so, although the idea of diamond engagement rings - without the diamonds - goes back much further - almost 800 years, in fact.

It was in 1215 that Pope Innocent III, presiding over the Fourth Lateran Council, decreed that there should be a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage. These rings consisted of plain bands worn by both the man and the woman, and depending on socio-economic class of the couple, were made of gold, silver, bronze or iron. Although precious gems would have been unavailable to peasants in any case, laws were in place to make sure only those of "high rank" were allowed to wear such treasures.

Diamond Engagement Rings?

Although not used for betrothal, diamonds were mounted in rings as far back as Roman times. The earliest example of diamond engagement rings (which were actually wedding rings) date from 1477, the year in which Archduke Maximilian I of the House of Hapsburg married Marie of Burgundy. However, the practice of a man presenting his intended with a diamond engagement ring was only became common as the result of a major sales campaign by a huge, transnational corporation.

De Beers

Today, the DeBeers company controls about half of the worldwide diamond market. It was founded in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes, British-South African business magnate for whom the nation of Rhodesia (now Zambia and Zimbabwe) was named. It was the middle of the 20th century when a creative ad executive created the most memorable catch-phrase of all time: "A Diamond is Forever." Since the 1950s, average working men have been spending about two months' salary (the standard rule of thumb, according to the industry) for diamond engagement rings.

There was a similar . marketing attempt by the U.S diamond jewelry industry to create a market for similar diamond engagement rings for men by creating a "historical precedent" (which never existed). The effort was not successful, although the campaign did eventually result in a market for men's diamond wedding rings and "his and hers" sets.

How Much?

Even today, diamond engagement rings come in a wide range of prices. Some can be purchased for as little as $300 - $400, while others can run as high as five and six figures. Setting, as well as size, clarity, color and quality of cut are all determining factors in the price of diamond engagement rings.

By Jonathon Blocker

Engagement Ring-wedding Ring Buying Guide

Buying diamond rings was never too easy. Especially, when you plan to purchase diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding ring, the task becomes tougher. Because, you are not purchasing another diamond ring for you, in-fact you are going to choose an asset as well as a memorabilia of lifetime for you.

Value and Importance of Engagement Ring

The decision of buying an engagement ring is a onetime decision. Your engagement ring is the delegate for all your love, feelings, affection and lifelong commitments towards your would be life partner. You express your willingness to spend whole life with your fiancée with this engagement ring, and she accepts your proposal and expresses her gratitude by presenting back you another engagement ring. This tradition of exchanging rings carries loads of sentiments in itself, so you have to justify its importance by taking utmost care before buying engagement rings.

Things to consider before buying Engagement Ring

You should take care of a few things before buying a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring, like:

• Your budget

• Sufficient idea of choosing the best diamond for you

• The choice of your fiancée or would be better half

• Latest trends in terms of design, and

• Materials used in making of diamond rings.

Buying Engagement Ring Online from Online Jewellery Stores

If you have decided to buy your engagement ring or wedding band from one of several online jewellery stores, then it is a wonderful decision, you just need to take care of few things to make your online engagement ring shopping experience better and pleasant.

First, verify that the store has certified for selling quality jewellery or not, whether they sell hallmarked diamond engagement rings or other diamond jewellery products not. Never forget to check other additional attractive offers by online jewellery stores, enquire about after sell guarantee or services.

Before making final decision, check several online jewellery stores. Compare their offerings and details of diamonds attached with your engagement ring. Having a glance over previous customer’s feedback or testimonials or views of press would be helpful in clarifying the dependability of an online jewellery store.

Online Jewellery Shopping Tips

Some online shops also provide money back or return of items in most of the cases. You can also avail free cleaning and polishing facilities for your diamond engagement ring. During wedding season, most of online jewellery stores provide either free shipping or some amount of discount. Check all these things and you will end up with best diamond engagement ring for your fiancée along with a satisfactory experience of online jewellery shopping.

By Rivazge.com

Importance of Wedding Jewellery for Couples

Wedding is matter of joy and excitement for wedding couples. After their wedding, they are authorized to spend whole life with each other, sharing love, happiness, sorrows and every difficulties of life. Wedding couple plans everything related to their wedding ceremony together with consent of their families. Right before the engagement ceremony, they become busy in thinking, planning and deciding about their dresses for wedding and engagement ceremony, bridal jewellery selection, decoration of venue and everything.

Importance of Bridal Jewellery

Among all related matters, choosing jewellery for bride and groom is really tough and time taking process. Engagement and Wedding both are one time event in wedding couple’s life, and they want to make it special and cherished moment for whole life. Wedding Jewellery is not only meant for bride, it becomes an asset for coming generation. Every bride inherits jewellery from her parents or grandparents. Therefore, the value of bridal jewellery is much more than general.

Choosing Wedding Jewellery

Choosing jewellery for engagement and wedding purposes is tough task, due to involvement of two key persons. At the time of shopping for engagement ceremony, would be bride and groom want to include things according to their individual choices. Jewellery manufacturers understand the vital importance of exclusiveness as well as mutual interest of wedding couples. They present Engagement Rings in pairs, one for bride and another for groom. They use same material, style and design with special masculine touch for groom’s and feminine touch for bride’s engagement rings.

Pairs of specially designed diamond engagement rings are an essential element of jewellery manufacturer’s collection. Each Jewellery manufacturer designs specialized pairs of Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Wedding Ring, Diamond Bracelets, Diamond Necklace, Diamond Earrings, Watches and other jewellery products needed to complete a bridal jewellery set. It makes cumbersome task of choosing wedding jewellery easier for wedding couples.

Sell Engagement Ring - A Way to Earn Much Needed Cash

It's a recession and you have some how been managing so far. But, suddenly you're stuck with bills to pay without a solution in sight! Quit biting those nails and dig into some of your stash of gold jewelry instead. Luckily, heirlooms rarely go out of fashion. Most importantly, they can always be relied upon to raise some much-needed emergency funds.

So, look at what you can come with. Sell your engagement ring, maybe? Or maybe your grandmother's uninspiring locket that you didn't think much of anyway? However, before you start turning your stylish assets into liquid cash, check out some basics of successful online selling.

To avoid getting lost, try and look out for unique pieces to sell. This will help it stand out of the crowd and serve to convince a buyer that it's genuine stuff and not bought at a bulk sale of worthless fakes.

Are you selling old-world charm or young, trendy stuff? The answer will help you determine whether to pitch to the little old ladies or college students.

You need clear photographs of your jewelry. Look at it as a customer would as the picture decides whether it gets bought or not since there's not much else to go on in the virtual world! If you're selling your engagement ring, ensure it looks good!

Spread the word. Don't restrict yourself to one website, but deliver your sales pitch on several online options. The more you are seen, the more your chances of being making a sale and getting a good price!

Think hard before you choose what to sell. The best bets are jewelry pieces gathering dust in your cupboard. The idea to sell your engagement ring might not be a bad one. Why not exchange them for some emergency cash instead?

There are many more ways to earn money but if you need to earn money today, then you should explore these options.

By Travis Thomason