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The history behind the very romantic tradition of men presenting the women they love with engagement rings is a bit less appealing than what happens now. In reality the earliest forms of engagement rings were more practical rather than romantic and were largely a sign that the woman was considered to be owned or part of the man’s property.  

Most historians agree that the first engagement rings to be routinely used by a particular culture came from the Romans. Roman men would provide a ring, usually of a type of steel, to a woman as a way to keep her heart pure. The reason the third finger of the left hand was used comes from the belief that a vein ran directly from the heart to the hand through this finger. The rings were meant to keep the woman betrothed or true to her partner to be.

The more modern style of decorative and detailed type of engagement rings started to surface in the Middle Ages. Precious stones such as rubies or sapphires were used in place of diamonds which were very rare. Only the wealthiest of royalty could afford to present these types of rings to their future spouses.

Recording history indicates that the first diamond used in engagement rings occurred in 1477. Mary of Burgundy was presented a diamond ring by Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, which caused quite a fad. Only the very wealthy could afford diamonds, but even the working people exchanged engagement rings, many using the traditional claddagh Irish ring.  

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	Illustrated Guide to Jewelry Appraising, 3rd Edition: Antique, Period, and Modern List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $24.51 You save: $15.48 (39%)
	Description In this companion volume to GEMS AND JEWELRY APPRAISING, 2ND EDITION, the first comprehensive book on appraising, Registered Master Valuer Anna M Miller offers a comprehensive guide to antique, period, and contemporary jewellery identification and appraisal...

After diamond mines in South American and Africa were discovered and went into production in the 1800s and 1900s, diamonds become more available to the average working person. Smaller sized diamonds were now affordable, and marketing engagement rings became practical.

Diamonds are some of the hardest gems, resistant to almost any type of damage. While the saying diamonds are forever was a marketing slogan, it is also one of the reasons they become so essential in engagement rings. Since there were many different qualities of diamonds on the market, the next step was to develop some type of grading for the stones.

Now consumers can buy diamond engagement rings with confidence since gems in the rings are certified. Certified diamonds have been full described in the document of certification, allowing the buyer to know every aspect of the diamond before purchase.  

While the history of engagement rings may be more practical than romantic, they are now a true and lasting symbol of love and commitment. Buying engagement rings with certified diamonds helps to protect your investment and help you determine the ring that is just right.

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