History of Engagement Rings

What is the history of engagement rings? A sparkling journey through time 

Getting engaged to be married is one of the most memorable moments in our lives. At Hoskings we ADORE hearing stories from our customers about how the proposal happened and we’re privileged to play a role in helping people choose an engagement ring that makes it all official! Although each engagement is uniquely special, there are long-held traditions that come with this magical event. Not least the giving and receiving of a stunning engagement ring! 

But do you know when and where this romantic tradition of exchanging engagement rings came from? In this blog post we’ll explore the fascinating journey through the history of engagement rings and how traditions have evolved over time. Plus, our Master Jewellers will share some trends that are emerging to see if we can predict what’s next for engagement rings.

Choosing an engagement ring

Even if history’s not your thing, it’s really interesting to see how it’s led each of us to making decisions about what style of engagement rings we prefer. Despite hundreds of years of history, engagement rings are still a very important part of our culture. These timeless pieces of jewellery symbolise love, commitment, and the promise of a shared future. 

If you’re choosing an engagement ring, Hoskings Jewellers is the very best place to start. Since we first opened our doors in 1945, our family-run store has always prioritised making our customers happy. And nothing feels happier than choosing an engagement ring that’s perfect for you. You can browse our fabulous collection of engagement rings here, or click here to find your local Hoskings store. 

Engagement rings ancient beginnings

In investigating the history of engagement rings we can confidently trace the tradition of giving engagement rings back to ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians worshipped Horus, the God of the sky, sun and moon. They believed that circles symbolised eternity, as the round shape (like the sun and moon) has no beginning and no end. It’s understood that couples exchanged rings made from braided reeds, leather, wire or ivory to signify their union. The Egyptians also started the trend of wearing these early engagement rings on the fourth finger of the left hand, due to their belief that this finger has a vein connected directly to the heart.

In ancient Rome, the engagement ring, or "annulus pronubus," was first made of iron to symbolise strength and permanence. We also know that the Romans were the first to engrave their metal rings with messages or names. Over time, iron was replaced by gold and other precious metals to proudly display the wearer's wealth and social status. 

Engagement rings in medieval times and during the renaissance 

New and improved engagement rings emerged in medieval Europe with the introduction of ‘Posy’ rings that were inscribed with romantic verses or poems. Messages like "Vous et nul autre" which means ‘you and no other’ were engraved on rings as early as the 14^th century.

During the Renaissance, the emergence of a new level of sophistication in art, architecture and other intellectual pursuits meant equally inspired engagement rings. Renaissance engagement rings featured intricate designs and gemstones and even diamonds! Although at the time, diamonds were very rare as they were only successfully mined in India. We believe the first diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to his fiancé, Mary of Burgundy in 1477, with an "M" shaped diamond ring. Who could have predicted that more than 500 hundred years later, diamonds would still be the jewel of choice for many engaged couples.

Diamond engagement rings

In the late 19th century, diamond mines were discovered in South Africa. These mines revolutionised the engagement ring industry as this extra availability made diamonds more accessible. In 1947, a very savvy marketing campaign by De Beers created the iconic slogan "A Diamond is Forever” and since then diamonds have become the ultimate symbol of enduring love and commitment.

Hoskings has a carefully curated collection of diamond engagement rings to suit every taste and budget. From the classic solitaire engagement rings, to diamond cluster and multi-stone engagement rings, to the delightful diamond bridal sets. And, we even have stunning lab-created diamond engagement rings that are fast becoming favourites with many of our customers.

How much to spend on engagement ring

It was at this stage in history that the question of how much to spend on engagement rings came up. Prior to the 19^th century, only the elite could really afford to have rings made with precious metals and precious stones. It was De Beers who answered that question of how much you really ought to spend on engagement rings. In one of their advertisements, they asked “How can you make two months’ salary last forever?”

But it’s unreasonable to think that everyone will follow this rule. After all, many of our budgets look very different. Our blog post about how much to spend on engagement rings (click here to read) might help you work out how much you should spend on your engagement ring.

Modern engagement ring styles

Modern technology has played a significant role in the innovation of engagement ring styles. More precise cutting techniques have allowed the creation of new diamond shapes, such as the princess cut and the cushion cut. And, computer-aided design (CAD) has allowed for personalised ring designs, catering to each couple’s unique preferences.

Although the solitaire diamond ring will forever remain a classic choice, other styles have gained popularity in recent years. Halo settings, where smaller diamonds encircle a central stone, and three-stone trilogy rings, symbolising the past, present, and future, are just a couple of examples that couples can choose to reflect their personal style.

Explore the enchanting range of modern engagement ring styles at Hoskings Jewellers engagement ring collection.

The future of engagement rings

Our Master Jewellers are always looking to the future to seek out the most brilliant jewels and innovative settings so we can continue to offer our customers the best choice and quality engagement rings. For example, we range a stunning collection of Australian Argyle pink diamonds. Here are some more trends and technological advancements we’re keeping our eyes on:

Technology that makes choosing an engagement ring easier 

Although we wouldn’t trust ChatGPT to make us an engagement ring just yet, there’s no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise custom jewellery design. AI algorithms could generate bespoke engagement ring designs that perfectly match a couple's vision. 

Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality allows anyone with a smartphone to ‘virtually’ try on rings from the comfort of their home. Although we don’t think it’ll ever replace the magical moment of choosing your engagement ring in person, it’s a great place to start.

There are also online customisation tools that allow couples to have a go at designing their own engagement rings. They can create bespoke designs to suit their tastes or recreate a style of ring they may have seen before but want to see what it looks like with different stones for example. Of course, it’s always best to check with a professional jeweller by speaking to one of Hoskings Customer Service Team to make sure the design is good quality and can withstand everyday wear.

Ethical and sustainable engagement rings

There’s growing demand for ethically sourced materials and sustainable practices in the jewellery industry. And we’re all for it! Our range of lab-grown diamonds (aka lab-created diamonds) are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds. And it’s not just diamonds, we have lab-created sapphire engagement rings, lab-grown ruby jewellery, created emerald engagement rings and there will be more to come. These offer an attractive alternative without the ethical concerns associated with mining. We’re sure that lab-created gemstones are here to stay. 

Remodelling your jewellery is a creative and meaningful way to transform old or unused pieces into something new and cherished. Whether it's updating the design, combining multiple pieces, or repurposing gemstones, the goal is to create a unique piece that reflects personal style and sentiment. The result is a beautifully customised piece that carries both the history of the original jewellery and the freshness of the reimagined design. Reach out to our Customer Care Specialists who’ll be delighted to assist you with a custom order.

Engagement ring design and materials innovations

From the earliest days in the history of engagement rings when they were made from reeds and leather to iron and then gold, jewellers have always sought to use new, durable materials to craft their precious jewellery. In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of lesser-known metals like tungsten and zirconium, especially for wedding bands. 

Cultural shifts, including personalisation and same-sex marriage

We’ve noticed in recent years how there has been a cultural shift towards individuality and personal expression in engagement ring selection. Many modern couples opt for non-traditional designs that reflect their personal stories and values. For example, a century ago, most brides-to-be would only see the ring for the first time at the proposal. However, it’s far more common now for couples to choose their engagement rings together.

And where once engagement rings were thought of for women only, it’s become much more common for men to also wear an engagement ring. It’s particularly evident that in many same-sex relationships both partners will choose to wear engagement rings.

What the history of engagement rings means for your future

The long and lustrous history of engagement rings is a testament to their enduring significance as symbols of love and commitment. And we’re sure that engagement rings will continue to be a profound expression of love in the future. It’s possible that the timeless classic style like the solitaire will still be adored in 200 years or we may all be choosing bespoke designed engagement rings made with cutting-edge technology and new materials. At least we’re certain that people will continue to celebrate their relationship with this most precious of gifts. 

If you’re in that exciting stage of your life where you’re looking for an engagement ring, then we’ll help you find the perfect engagement ring to symbolise your forever love story right here in Hoskings.

You can speak with a Hoskings customer care specialist on the number below:

VIC/ NSW/ QLD & TAS: 1800 819 796

NT/WA or SA: 08) 8981 8895

Written by Niamh Hislop

Cover image: Photo by Rachel McDermott on Unsplash
Image 1: Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
Image 2: Photo by Melody Zimmerman on Unsplash
Image 3: Photo by Katelyn MacMillan on Unsplash