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

Diamond Engagement Ring Size - What Is The Average Carat Weight of a Diamond Engagement Ring in 2008

The diamond engagement ring is a symbolic gesture usually received by the bride to be from her future spouse. Diamond engagement rings come in a variety of styles and sizes these days and no matter what one may desire with regard to this type of ring they are sure to find one which perfectly suits their tastes. Some individuals who are shopping for an engagement ring may wonder what carat weight is the appropriate one to purchase and what most people buy when it comes to diamond size. The following will highlight some trends with regard to carat size and focus on what the average carat weight of a diamond engagement ring is in 2008.

Past Carat Weight Trends

In the early 20th century, diamond carat weights were quite generous. In 1939, the average carat weight of engagement ring diamonds was 1 carat. A couple of decades later in 1976, the average carat weight of diamond engagement rings actually decreased to a ¼ carat. The fluctuation in the average size amounts can be seen for a few different reasons such as the cost of the diamonds and the overall average income of the population at that time.

Current Carat Weight Average and Differences Seen in Various Areas

Today, the national average for the diamonds chosen for engagement rings with regard to carat weight is 0.38 carats. In general, the carat weight averages of engagement ring diamonds are increasing. However, in order to truly understand the average relating to diamond carat weight for engagement rings it is important to look at the specific regions in which the engagement rings are being purchased as trends can be seen throughout these areas as well.

Larger cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and New York City have an average of 1.6 carats as it relates to diamond engagement rings. When viewing diamond carat weight averages in some of the Southern states and "Bible Belt" regions, the carat averages are anywhere between 0.25 and 0.40 carats. The state of Alabama has an average of 0.50 carats when it comes to diamond carat weights for those who are about to be married. When considering the entire state of California, the diamond carat weight average has been seen as over 1.0 carats. Focusing in on a more specific region within California such as the La Jolla/Del Mar area, the carat size is quite generous and is stated to be around 2.75 carats. When looking at carat weights with respect to engagement rings outside of the United States, such as in Europe, the average there is 0.30 carats and the stone within the engagement ring is not always a diamond gemstone.

In general, the average size of one's diamond engagement ring is increasing. With regard to the cost of such a beautiful ring, the average price spent on a diamond engagement ring these days is somewhere between $2500 and $3000. Although many have heard the notion that a diamond engagement ring should be at least 1 carat in weight, this is a relatively new sentiment. The fact of the matter is that a diamond engagement ring should suit the individual it is being given to and should be affordable to the person buying it. The true purpose surrounding it is the thought and love with which it is given.

By James Greene

Diamond Engagement Ring

The establishment of diamond rings as engagement rings as a standard in Western culture is a result of one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history, by one of the world's leading diamond producer in the 1940s.

An engagement is incomplete without a beautiful diamond ring which bonds two people into their relation. But a diamond ring has to be unique and beautiful yet solid and durable. A diamond engagement ring is a charming product to be flaunted around which adds value to your relation, and we all should thanks to the diamond engagement ring for striking your heart with love as it is believed that diamond rings worn on the third finger of your left hand are very much connected to a certain vein of love in that finger which directly flows to your heart and making a unique space within itself. Design of diamond rings and especially diamond engagement rings have varied a lot over the years and are continuously evolving with current times and its trends. Current fashions for engagement rings are for a gold, platinum, or silver band with a single diamond, but may change in a couple of years again.

An engagement ring is often significantly expensive and acts as a visible demonstration of a man's commitment to his betrothed.

There is nothing that can be replaced with an awesome diamond engagement ring to celebrate this delicate occasion to offer your would be ‘significant better half’ as a promise to be with her in good and bad times and support her with love, care and tenderness and have a flourished life together. A diamond engagement ring and any diamond rings as well are just not a lifeless product but they speak a lot about your relation in silence words between two hearts. That’s the reason why diamond rings have to be chosen with a lot of care.

By Gerald

Diamond Rings for your Engagement – know what she likes

Diamond Rings for your engagement is the most fitting Gift to show your love you have for your fiancée. It is natural on your part to gift her something that is priceless as your love to her. Your idea of presenting her with a Diamond Ring for her engagement is the best decision and it seems to you that your Love is as priceless and unique as a diamond born millions of years ago.

From olden days engagement Rings have continued to make the statement for unity and everlasting love between a man and his Woman. Now the time has come to buy your fiancée that special engagement Ring that will captivate her Heart. Many tools are available to help you avoid the pitfalls when shopping, and show you how to make use of the knowledge that made possible to educate you, and guide you on your quest.

First you must know what she likes and to know this take your fiancée to the Mall or Jewelry store in your local area, on some pretension and watch her glide across the other side of the Shop where the Diamond Rings are being displayed. Allow her to feed her curiosity, and/or try on a Ring or two, or three and keep your Ears open to the Jeweler's lingo, listen for clues like Ring size and the style of Diamond she admires, whether that be brilliant round , emerald cut, Pear, Oval, Heart, etc.

You must also know whether she likes a solitaire Diamond Ring, or a three stone diamond ring? After walking away from the Jeweler you should have gathered enough info on what type of Diamond your fiancée desires.

Most of the Women want a large diamond; remember that a larger diamond that creates the illusion of Power, Wealth and Influence. But to some women that may not be comfortable to wear. So it is always better for your fiancée to be humble with a smaller diamond which will not clash with her persona, something she may feel at ease wearing that is more humble to her soul. This will avoid a gaudy yet risky to wear engagement ring also in fear of having it stolen.

The size of the Ring has to be decided as per the size of the finger also, and bigger the finger the bigger the diamond, the smaller the finger the smaller the diamond otherwise the ring may once again look overawing unfit to her beautiful finger.

By John Gibb