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The History of the Engagement Ring
The custom of giving an engagement ring didn’t appear overnight. The engagement ring is a tradition that has slowly evolved over thousands of years. In this article, Benjamin Khordipour—renowned author and one of the world’s foremost experts on vintage jewelry—traces the remarkable history of the engagement ring from its earliest beginnings to the modern designs we know today.
Engagement Rings in Ancient History
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that the ancient Egyptians exchanged rings, often worn on what we now call the “ring finger.” They believed this finger held a direct connection to the heart.
The Bible also records gifts of jewelry in betrothal. In 1059 BCE, for example, Eliezer presented Rebecca with a golden nose ring and bracelets when she was chosen as Isaac’s bride.
The Romans later added their own interpretation. They believed in the “vena amoris,” the vein of love that supposedly ran from the fourth finger of the left hand straight to the heart. But Roman engagement rings carried a different message than ours today. Rather than symbolizing romance, the ring was often a sign of ownership and agreement between families.
History of the Engagement Ring
Engagement Rings in the 1200s
By the 13th century, the engagement ring was becoming an official part of marriage customs in Europe. It was decreed by law that marriages must include a waiting period between the betrothal and the wedding.
These rings were usually plain bands of gold or silver. They weren’t meant to dazzle or impress, but to signal a binding promise between two families. Marriage during this era was less about romance and more about alliances, property, and responsibility. Still, even the simplest band carried meaning. Its circular shape stood for eternity, an unbroken bond that would last through life.
Interestingly, many people in the 1200s wore their engagement rings on the right hand instead of the left, a custom that would change in later centuries. Some rings were also engraved with short prayers or Christian symbols, tying the commitment of marriage to its spiritual foundation. Though plain in design, these early bands laid the groundwork for the engagement ring as we know it today.
Engagement Rings in the 1300s
In the 1300s, engagement rings began to take on a more personal touch. Instead of serving only as a legal marker between families, they started to reflect emotion, belief, and even superstition.
Gemstones appeared more often during this century. Rubies were believed to stir passion, sapphires stood for loyalty and purity, and diamonds—though still extremely rare—were linked to strength and permanence. A few rings even had small hidden compartments, thought to hold herbs or relics for spiritual protection.
Another trend was engraving. Couples inscribed their rings with short phrases or religious verses, sometimes just a single word like love or faith. This marked an important shift in how society thought about marriage: not only as an arrangement, but as something that could be rooted in personal affection and devotion.
Engagement Rings in the 1400s
The 1400s brought one of the biggest turning points in engagement ring history: the first documented diamond ring. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring to mark their engagement. This moment set the trend for royalty and nobility across Europe, linking diamonds with wealth, prestige, and lasting love.
For the elite, diamonds quickly became a prized choice, though they were usually small and set in simple designs—sometimes even arranged to form the initials of the couple. For most people, however, diamonds were far too expensive. Instead, enamelwork and colorful gemstones decorated their rings. Many designs even included coats of arms, reflecting how marriage was still seen as the joining of powerful families.
By this century, the “vena amoris”—the vein of love believed to run from the fourth finger to the heart—was widely accepted, and rings were worn on the left hand more often than before. The 1400s firmly established the idea that diamonds represented eternal commitment, a belief that continues to this day.
Engagement Rings in the 1500s
The Renaissance of the 1500s changed the way engagement rings were designed. Jewelry became more elaborate, and rings were no exception. Goldsmiths created intricate patterns, added fine engravings, and sometimes even included miniature portraits or romantic verses in French or Latin. These details showed that marriage was beginning to carry more emphasis on love and self-expression.
One of the most fascinating designs of the century was the gimmel ring. It was made of two or three interlocking bands. During the engagement, each partner wore one part, and on the wedding day the pieces were joined together and worn as a single ring. Hidden messages and secret compartments also became fashionable, a mix of romance and playfulness.
Gemstones were common, too. Rubies and sapphires remained popular, emeralds gained favor as a symbol of renewal and fertility, and diamonds held their reputation for strength and endurance. Often, rings combined several stones in creative designs, making them both beautiful and symbolic.
Engagement Rings in the 1600s
By the 1600s, engagement rings were becoming more personal and sentimental. This was the era of the posy ring—simple gold bands inscribed with short poems or phrases. The words, often in French or Latin, could be romantic (“A token of my love”) or spiritual (“God above increase our love”). From the outside, the rings looked plain, but the hidden inscriptions made them deeply meaningful to the couple.
Diamonds also began to appear more frequently during this time, thanks to new supplies from Brazil and India. The stones were still small and roughly cut compared to today, but they carried enormous symbolic weight. Even then, diamonds were prized for their durability and association with eternal love.
Engagement Rings in the 1700s
The 1700s reflected the elegance of the Georgian era, when jewelry was designed to impress with sparkle and detail. One of the most popular styles was the cluster ring—a central stone surrounded by smaller gems arranged like flowers or stars. Diamonds were often the centerpiece, but jewelers loved pairing them with colorful sapphires, rubies, or emeralds for extra brilliance. Rose-cut diamonds, with their domed tops and flat bases, shimmered beautifully under candlelight, making them perfect for evening gatherings.
Symbolism also played a big role in this century’s designs. Hearts, clasped hands, and serpents were common motifs, each carrying its own meaning—love, fidelity, or eternal devotion. The serpent design, in particular, became a favorite and would later be famously worn by Queen Victoria. Rings were sometimes engraved with names, dates, or poetry, turning them into tokens of both artistry and sentiment. The craftsmanship of the Georgian era blended romance with luxury, leaving behind rings that still captivate collectors today.
Engagement Rings in the 1800s
The 1800s were defined by the reign of Queen Victoria, whose personal taste had a huge influence on jewelry. Her engagement ring, shaped like a serpent with an emerald head, made serpents a fashionable symbol of eternal love and protection. Rings of this era often featured hearts, flowers, and intricate goldwork, reflecting the romantic spirit of the age. Yellow and rose gold were especially popular, with detailed engravings and filigree adding to their charm.
While diamonds remained desirable, many couples chose colorful gems like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Pearls also appeared frequently, offering a softer, more delicate look. Later in the century, after Prince Albert’s death, mourning jewelry shaped engagement ring trends. Dark stones such as jet and onyx became fashionable, sometimes paired with personal touches like braided hair or small compartments for keepsakes.
The discovery of diamonds in South Africa during this period further fueled their popularity, making them more accessible than ever before. Jewelers developed more advanced setting techniques, allowing stones to sparkle with new brilliance. The Victorian era was a blend of romance, sentimentality, and innovation—qualities still admired in antique rings today.
Engagement Rings in the 1900s
The 1900s transformed engagement rings into what most people recognize today. Diamonds truly took center stage—especially after De Beers launched their famous 1947 slogan, “A Diamond is Forever.” That campaign linked diamonds with eternal love and turned them into the standard choice for proposals worldwide. Solitaire rings became the symbol of engagement, and platinum, valued for its strength and clean look, rose in popularity as the preferred metal.
The early decades of the century also saw bold new styles. The Art Deco movement of the 1920s and ’30s introduced geometric shapes, sharp lines, and colorful contrasts. Rings from this era often paired diamonds with sapphires, emeralds, or rubies, creating striking designs that stood out. During the Great Depression, simpler rings became more common, but after World War II, glamour returned with full force. By the end of the century, the engagement ring wasn’t just a tradition—it had become a personal statement, a symbol of love, and a cultural expectation.
Learn More: If you want the complete breakdown of the 7 Eras of Jewelry, read our expert article.
Engagement Rings in the 2000s
The 2000s brought a wave of individuality to engagement rings. Couples no longer felt tied to tradition alone—they wanted rings that reflected their own style and story. Custom designs became increasingly popular, giving brides and grooms the chance to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Vintage-inspired rings also made a strong comeback, with many people drawn to the romance and charm of antique designs.
Ethics and sustainability became important themes as well. Some couples turned to ethically sourced stones, while others preferred vintage rings as a way to recycle history. Alternative gems—like sapphires, aquamarine, morganite, and even black diamonds—rose in popularity for their uniqueness. Halo settings, with a sparkling circle of smaller diamonds surrounding a center stone, became one of the decade’s defining trends. And with the rise of online shopping, it became easier than ever to browse, design, and purchase rings from home.
The 2000s showed that engagement rings didn’t need to follow a single pattern. Instead, they could be as personal, ethical, or unconventional as each couple wanted them to be.
Most Significance Engagement Rings in History
It is impossible to determine the most significant engagement rings in history, but here’s my list of some of the most famous ones.
- Archduke Maximilian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy (1477): The first recorded diamond engagement ring, setting a precedent for diamond rings in royal engagements. See above.
- Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (1840): Victoria’s snake-shaped ring with an emerald head symbolized eternal love and protection, sparking a trend for symbolic jewelry.
- Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco (1956): Her 10.5-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Cartier became an iconic symbol of royal elegance.
- Jacqueline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy (1953): A distinctive ring featuring both a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald set in yellow gold.
- Princess Diana and Prince Charles (1981): A stunning 12-carat sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds, now worn by Kate Middleton.
- Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (1964): Taylor’s legendary 33.19-carat Asscher-cut Krupp diamond became one of the most famous jewelry pieces in history.
- Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (2013): Her 15-carat diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz was one of the most talked-about engagement rings of the decade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When Did Diamonds Become Popular for Engagement Rings?
Diamonds began gaining popularity in the late 1800s, after large deposits were discovered in South Africa. But it wasn’t until 1947—when De Beers introduced the slogan “A Diamond is Forever”—that they became the classic choice for engagement rings around the world.
When Did Wedding Rings Start in America?
Wedding rings became common in America during the early 19th century. By the mid-20th century, it was standard for both men and women to wear a band as a daily symbol of marriage.
What Has Been the Historical Purpose of the Engagement Ring?
Historically, engagement rings weren’t about romance. They marked a formal agreement between families, often tied to wealth, alliances, and responsibility. Over time, however, the meaning shifted toward love, commitment, and personal devotion.
What Is the Oldest Known Ring?
The oldest rings discovered so far date back to around 2500 BC in the ancient Sumerian city of Ur. These early rings weren’t specifically engagement rings, but they were made of precious materials and symbolized status and power.
