Diamond Ring Only Recently Has Become Ultimate Symbol Of Love
A diamond engagement ring is the symbol many use today to show their unending love for one another, but it hasn’t always been that way.
The first “engagement rings” used by prehistoric men were braided lengths of grass rope. A prospective bride was captured, then bound at the ankles and wrists to keep her from running away. Not exactly the romantic ceremony most brides expect today.
It was the Egyptians in 1300 B.C. who first wore metal rings on the fourth finger of their left hand to symbolize a loving attachment. They believed the “vein of love” ran from this finger directly to the heart.
It would be 300 more years before diamonds would be discovered in India and become the stuff of legends.
Ancient Greeks believed diamonds were teardrops from the gods and called them adamas, meaning invincible.
Ancient Romans were the first to think of diamonds in romantic terms. They believed diamonds were falling stars from the tip of the arrow of Eros, the god of love.
In the Middle Ages, diamonds were actually thought to possess magnetic qualities that drew spouses closer together.
The first known diamond engagement ring was presented by the Archduke of Maximillian to his intended, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. But it wasn’t until the early part of this century that the diamond engagement ring became the accepted symbol of romantic love.
Until 1879, the diamond mining industry was operating in a state of chaos without clear direction. It was July that year when Cecil Rhodes bought out his main rival, the Kimberly Mining Co., and formed the DeBeers Company.
Besides mining diamonds, DeBeers developed a marketing plan to make the gems a part of almost everyone’s life.
Today, DeBeers controls 90 percent of the diamond market. They are also responsible for creating the new tradition of a diamond engagement ring.
Following World War II, young couples planning a wedding were bombarded with advertising from DeBeers, convincing many to forget the traditional plain gold wedding band and, instead, choose a diamond. So successful was the advertising plan that today more couples select a diamond wedding set than any other type.
Within the next 12 months, it’s estimated 2 million couples will become engaged to be married.
When considering the numbers, aren’t you glad 70 percent of them will choose a diamond engagement ring instead of the grass rope ambush to announce their intentions? Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist.
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