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.
In ancient Rome, there were a few notable traditions regarding engagement rings. 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 involved giving the prospective wife a ring attached to small keys belonging to the groom — a symbol of ownership. While we have found pictures of early Roman ‘Key Rings,’ 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.
In Rome, 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 — 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 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. However, diamonds were initially too rare and expensive for the less wealthy to afford. This changed dramatically with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1870, which led to a significant increase in availability. 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 — 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.
The Eureka Diamond
The first diamond discovered in South Africa was found by 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, after helping his father unclog a water pipe, Erasmus sat under a tree to rest. It was during this moment of respite that he spotted something shining in the afternoon sun — a glimmer that would change the course of history. He picked up the stone with curiosity and placed it in his pocket.
After 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 its beauty, he offered to buy it from Erasmus, who instead generously gave it to him, saying: “You can keep the stone if you want it.” Little did they know, this would soon be recognised as the remarkable 21.25 carat Eureka Diamond — the first diamond discovered in South Africa, sparking a rush that transformed the global diamond industry.
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