The History of Engagement Rings
The tradition of proposing with a ring dates back to ancient Rome. Couples exchanged simple metal rings , with the iron ring symbolizing commitment. They believed that the ring finger on the left hand was connected to the heart. In public, the bride wore a gold ring, but at home, it was made of iron.
The solitaire ring originated in the 15th century, when Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg gave a diamond ring to his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy , in 1477. He chose diamonds for their rarity and durability, thus starting a fashion among wealthy couples to use gemstones in engagement rings, establishing the diamond ring as a symbol of fidelity.
In the mid-19th century, the discovery of diamonds in Africa made them popular among all social classes. Around 1940, De Beers' campaign , "A Diamond is Forever," solidified the diamond solitaire ring as the standard for marriage proposals. De Beers advised spending the equivalent of two months' salary on engagement rings, leading to a dramatic increase in diamond sales in the United States, from $23 million in 1939 to $2.1 billion in 1979.
Throughout history, celebrities have continually shown off impressive engagement rings adorned with diamonds, striking stones or unusual shapes. Today, the solitaire ring remains a timeless choice to symbolize commitment, making it an iconic piece that will continue to captivate generations to come.
In April 1955, Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco in Cannes, which led to their engagement. Originally given a classic Cartier ring, Grace wanted a larger ring for her role in "High Society" (1956). Prince Rainier then commissioned a $4 million Cartier ring with an emerald-cut diamond of nearly 10.5 carats, now estimated at $40 million, and still in the Grimaldi family collection.
In 1953, John F. Kennedy commissioned a distinctive engagement ring from Van Cleef & Arpels for Jackie Kennedy . Featuring a 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald surrounded by diamonds, Jackie later modified it in 1961 with marquise diamonds in an Art Deco style. This iconic ring is now part of the collection of the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.
Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection tells a love story, highlighted by her famous ring—the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond , formerly known as the Krupp Diamond. Gifted by Richard Burton in 1968, this 33-carat Asscher-cut diamond became a personal treasure that she often wore as a wedding ring. Sold for $8.8 million at Christie’s, it remains an enduring symbol of romance.
Probably the most iconic engagement ring in history, the one Prince William gave to Kate Middleton in 2010. Previously worn by Princess Diana, it was chosen by the latter for her engagement to Prince Charles in February 1981, from a selection by the royal jeweler Garrard. This famous ring is adorned with a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds mounted on 18-carat white gold.
