An engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry: It signifies a major commitment in your relationship and gets shown off a lot on the ‘gram. But the history behind why engagement rings exist dates all the way back to Ancient Rome. Find out how this piece of jewelry came to be and see how the styles have evolved over the centuries.
In Ancient Rome, women were given rings made of ivory, flint, bone, copper, or iron “to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience,” according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It wasn’t until 1477 that the very first diamond ring was commissioned by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria for his bride, Mary of Burgundy.