History of Engagement Rings
I wanted to inherit my great-grandmother's engagement ring. When I asked about it, I was told that she had never had one. I was informed that when she was engaged engagement rings were not in style. I decided that I was going to investigate this. I did some research and I found that the diamond company De Beers had started the whole idea of engagement rings as an advertising slogan to make more money. They started the advertisement campaign "A diamond is forever." in 1938. They have continued using this type of slogan since then.
The DeBeers' website states "The diamond is a sparkling, celebratory symbol of continuity and eternity, of reassurance and hope for the future, and De Beers brings this beautiful symmetry into the light with its classically elegant jewelry." The advertising campaign equated love with diamonds. It suggested that the groom didn't really love the bride-to-be unless he bought her a diamond. It also gave the impression that love, like a diamond, will last forever.
As the economy improved in America and Europe during and after WWII, the diamond engagement grew in popularity. Unemployment was dropping and money was more readily available for such luxuries. The diamond ring has become a common tradition today and we assume that it has always been this way.
My great-grandparents were married in the early 1920s. Such a luxury would have been unthinkable. It also would not have been very fashionable during that time. That would explain why my great-grandmother never had a engagement ring.
I wanted to inherit my great-grandmother's engagement ring. When I asked about it, I was told that she had never had one. I was informed that when she was engaged engagement rings were not in style. I decided that I was going to investigate this. I did some research and I found that the diamond company De Beers had started the whole idea of engagement rings as an advertising slogan to make more money. They started the advertisement campaign "A diamond is forever." in 1938. They have continued using this type of slogan since then.
The DeBeers' website states "The diamond is a sparkling, celebratory symbol of continuity and eternity, of reassurance and hope for the future, and De Beers brings this beautiful symmetry into the light with its classically elegant jewelry." The advertising campaign equated love with diamonds. It suggested that the groom didn't really love the bride-to-be unless he bought her a diamond. It also gave the impression that love, like a diamond, will last forever.
As the economy improved in America and Europe during and after WWII, the diamond engagement grew in popularity. Unemployment was dropping and money was more readily available for such luxuries. The diamond ring has become a common tradition today and we assume that it has always been this way.
My great-grandparents were married in the early 1920s. Such a luxury would have been unthinkable. It also would not have been very fashionable during that time. That would explain why my great-grandmother never had a engagement ring.