Ancient Rome

The engagement ring can reliably be traced back to ancient Rome; however, some historians suggest that early man tied plaited circlets around the bride's wrists and ankles as a means to keep her spirit from running away, a fascinating notion that highlights the importance of binding a woman to her future husband in a symbolic manner. This practice reflects the deep-rooted beliefs and customs surrounding marriage and commitment in ancient societies.

In ancient Rome, there were a few notable traditions regarding engagement rings. For instance, in the second century BC, it was customary for the bride-to-be to receive two distinct engagement rings: a gold one that she would wear in public, showcasing her engagement to the world, and an iron one that she would wear at home while performing her household duties. This dual-ring tradition served to signify both the public and private aspects of her new status. Another intriguing tradition that symbolised ownership by the groom involved giving the prospective wife a ring that was attached to small keys belonging to him. While we have found these pictures of early Roman 'Key Rings,' it is important to note that there is no explicit mention that these were engagement rings. Nevertheless, they are extraordinarily beautiful and served a practical purpose, as the Romans did not have many pockets for their keys, making these rings both functional and decorative.

In Rome, as well as in many other countries, the engagement ring was typically worn on the third finger of the left hand. This practice stemmed from the belief that this particular finger contained a vein that led directly to the heart. Thus, wearing the ring on this finger symbolized a deep connection to love and a long, healthy marriage, reinforcing the emotional significance of the engagement ring as a token of commitment and affection.

Diamond Engagement Ring History

The ornate and sentimental Victorians played a pivotal role in popularising engagement rings, often incorporating mixed precious metals, enamels, gemstones, and, of course, diamonds. These rings were frequently crafted into intricate patterns and floral designs, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.

During the Edwardian era, diamond rings continued the tradition of pairing diamonds with other jewels, commonly mounted in delicate filigree settings that added an air of elegance and sophistication. However, diamonds were initially too rare and expensive for the less wealthy citizens to afford. This changed dramatically with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1870, which led to a significant increase in the availability of these precious stones. The De Beers company emerged as the sole owner of these mines, effectively controlling the diamond market and making diamonds more accessible to the general public.

Despite this newfound accessibility, diamond engagement rings are quite a recent innovation in the grand scheme of history, first becoming popular in the 1930s. By 1965, a staggering 80 percent of all new brides in the United States owned a diamond engagement ring, marking a significant cultural shift in the way engagements were celebrated and symbolised. The diamond engagement ring became a standard, a quintessential representation of love and commitment that continues to this day.

The Eureka Diamond

We found this captivating story of how the first diamond was discovered in South Africa, a region that has since earned the title of the diamond capital of the world. This tale begins with a 15-year-old boy named Erasmus Jacobs, whose father owned a farm on the banks of the Orange River near Hopetown.

One fateful day, Erasmus had helped his father unclog a water pipe by finding a long stick, a simple yet essential task that showcased his resourcefulness. After he had found the perfect stick, he decided to take a break and sat under a tree to rest. It was during this moment of respite that he spotted something shining in the heated afternoon sun, a glimmer that would change the course of history. This discovery marked the beginning of a diamond rush that would transform South Africa and the global diamond industry, leading to the establishment of a legacy that endures to this day. The Eureka Diamond, as it came to be known, was the first diamond discovered in South Africa, and it sparked a fascination with diamonds that continues to captivate people around the world.

He went over to investigate and saw that it was a stone, which he picked up with curiosity and placed it carefully in his pocket. After assisting his father with his chores, he began to play a game of “5 stones” using the diamond he had found. His mother, noticing the stone's brilliant shine, mentioned it to their neighbour, Shalk Van Niekerk. Intrigued by the stone's beauty, he offered to buy it from Erasmus, who, instead of selling it, generously gave it to him, saying, “You can keep the stone if you want it.” Little did they know, this would soon be recognized as the remarkable 21.25 carat Eureka Diamond.

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