Presenting your soon-to-be-spouse with an engagement ring is a tradition that dates back centuries. While you might be shopping for modern jewelry in New York, thousands of years ago, cavemen also sought to put a ring on the finger of their lovers. Prehistoric Times It is thought that prehistoric man used cords of braided grass to claim his mate. While sometimes wrapped around their fingers, they were also used as necklaces, belts, and bracelets as a symbol of his ownership of her spirit. Later in history, Egyptians began to forge rings made of silver or gold wire. They began to wear them on the 4th finger of their left hand due to their belief that it held a vein that lead directly to their hearts. Diamonds and Engravings The pioneer of the diamond engagement ring began in 1477. The Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. He presented her with a ring that held many flat diamonds in the shape of an “M”. However, this trend took many centuries to catch on; mostly because many people couldn’t afford such flashy rings for their spouses. In Europe during the 1700s, rings were engraved with flowers and referred to as “poesy rings.” They were followed with flowery, romantic proposals. However, in Colonial America around the same time, many women were given thimbles instead of rings. Then they could create their own rings out of the thimbles if they wanted. Widespread Popularity During the late 1800s, diamond rings became available and affordable to the public. Through DeBeers diamond production, companies such as Sears & Roebuck began carrying mail-order rings that were easily ordered and shipped. This later led to such developments as men’s engagement rings. No matter what the style of engagement ring, this is one symbol that has been around for thousands of years. When you begin shopping for jewelry in New York, remember all of the many men who have sought the same symbol for their women that you do.
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