Diamond Engagement Rings – And Some Valuable Information About It

By Author: Ricardo Lumbardo
Total Articles: 1135
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History of Diamond Engagement Ring

The first known diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgandy by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477. Diamond rings became a more common form of engagement present in the 1930s. There is a variety of different styles: solitaire rings have only one diamond, whilst the trinity ring has three. The three diamonds in such rings are said to be symbolic of the soon-to-be-wed couple's past, present and future. The diamond is often seen as representing eternity, and as such is a perfect gesture as part of an engagement ring. There is some rationality to this - diamonds are incredibly durable, and will outlive any marriage. However, the popular adage "diamonds are forever" is not strictly accurate - diamonds will start to sublime at temperatures of 5,000 degrees Celsius.

Some Bitter History behind Diamond

Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Unless, of course, the girl in question is one of the estimated 3,500,000 people estimated to have been killed in the wars surrounding the acquisition of so-called 'blood diamonds'. The territorial disputes surrounding Africa's ...
... diamond mines have also driven an estimated 6,500,000 people from their homes in countries such as Angola and Sierra Leone. The UN has thankfully moved towards enforcing a more ethical diamond trade and the issue is now more prominent on the world stage. But the scars left of the African continent as results of these precious stones have still yet to heal.

Diamond has Its Own Glamour

What is it that makes diamonds an object of such desire? Why has Western civilization placed such high value on these glistening lumps of mineral composite? The idea of diamonds as a symbol of glamour and success has been strengthened by images of Hollywood actresses throughout the decades, and their extremely high price tag speaks for itself. But as for why such a prestigious reputation came to be bestowed on something so inanimate and actually fairly commonplace - this seems to be down to social construction.

Diamond & Its Value Among the General People

The present association of diamonds with wealth, prestige and power has not always been the case. Perhaps because of their high durability, diamonds have previously been thought to have magical properties. Indeed, in Roman times, they were thought to be parts of fallen stars. The Ancient Indians refused to cut diamonds for fear of diminishing their magical properties. So it is no wonder that the gift of a diamond ring is thought today to be one of the ultimate expressions of love.

Whilst some people shun diamonds and other precious gems as materialistic and vulgar, it seems that society is not yet ready to stop valuing them. Rough diamond sales are estimated to have risen by 50% in 2010, despite global economic pressures. Diamond prices, too, are continuing to rise, reflecting the high value that society places on such objects.

So it seems that diamonds may well be forever: or at least their popularity may never die. And since they are a girl's best friend, perhaps we should all start putting some cash aside to show our loved ones how much we really value them. And when you give a diamond engagement ring to your dear one, then it not only reflect your love but also give you a valuable & priceless moment in your life.

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