What’s the deal with diamonds? And why “Diamonds are Forever!”

Why diamonds? The story behind engagement rings you never knew

People are very creative when it comes to proposals…. Public places are often the scene of these moments, or a romantic declaration in front of family and friends…And usually when someone proposes, a diamond ring is presented!  Have you ever wondered why we give and wear this specific jewelry as a symbol of love?

Here’s the answer and its steeped in an interesting history. It’s really a simple answer- People love wearing sparkly things in almost every culture, says one historian….The modern engagement ring stems from several cultures and civilizations throughout time. “The whole concept of a ring signifying a marital bond began in ancient Greece and Rome.  Then in the Middle Ages, there was the fede ring, which showed two hands clasped together.”

But what about the gems?

“People who had money would put a precious stone in one of the fede rings, but not everyone had money,” she says. “When the mercantile society grew (in the 18th century), there was more money to spend.”

An increased budget coupled with the fact that “an abundance of diamonds were discovered in South Africa in the 1860s” gave more people access to diamonds. “A simple shopkeeper could go and buy a small diamond ring,” Singer explains.

What really solidified the diamond as the stone of choice, however, comes down to a marketing campaign. It’s one you may have heard of: “A diamond is forever.”