Historically Engagement Rings Served As Promise To Wed
Until the middle part of the 20th century, engagements rings were typically made of a simple metal band, worn by the woman as a promise from their fiancé. The ring was considered a promise or contract between the man and woman to marry at sometime in the future. There was little concern about the value of the rings, rather it was the promise it represented that the prospective bride held in high esteem.

In many European countries, engagements rings are simple bands of gold, silver or titanium and rarely are encrusted with any type of gemstone. In a few countries, the woman also gives the man a “promise” ring at the time of the engagement. In a few instances, the man will also wear a wedding band after the ceremony, but that practice is not widespread. In most of these countries, diamond rings are considered an American tradition and are rarely followed.

In the 13th century, the reigning pope declared longer waiting periods between engagement and marriage and rings of gold, sliver or iron were fashioned as a promise between the couple to wait until they could marry. At the time gemstones were only used by Royalty and aristocracy and were not available to most of the public.

Early Rings Focused On Family
After years of this practice, rules about using stones in engagements rings were relaxed and some couples used the presence of gems on their rings as a sign of two families being joined. A promise ring, as they were often referred to at the time, could have six birthstones mounted on the rings, representing the birthdays of the couple as well as the parents of the couple.

While mounting diamonds on rings may have been the idea of Maximilian when he married Mary of Burgundy in 1477, but the use of diamonds in engagements rings or wedding rings was still not common. Many in the time period thought diamonds had mystical powers an if worn on the left hand they could ward off bad luck and evil while inviting good fortune. As far back as the Middle Ages, Romans believed diamonds held supernatural powers and were valued for their ability to fight off spirits and evil thoughts.

With many men choosing the engagements rings prior to asking his love to marry him, if a woman is to refuse the offer of marriage, it is traditional to refuse to accept the gift of the ring. It is also tradition that is the woman calls off the engagement the rings is to be returned to the man.

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