History of Engagement Rings in Houston

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The concept of giving and wearing engagement rings dates back to pre-history, but the rings of choice did not always have diamonds. Cavemen tied braided grass cords around the wrist, waist, and ankles of their chosen mate for the purpose of controlling her spirit. Ancient Egyptians were buried with gold or silver wire on their left hand's third finger because that part was believed to be directly linked to the heart through the vena Amoris. Pliny the Elder required grooms to give the bride a gold ring to wear on their wedding ceremony and at special events, and she must wear an iron ring at home to signify full ownership of her. Sheiks and sultans gave puzzle rings to tag their wives in the first century BC.

The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring is fairly new. In fact, people only began using diamond engagement rings when Austria's Archduke Maximilian proposed marriage to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. His ring was set with flat, thin pieces of diamonds to form a 'M' shape. Silver poesy rings were engraved with flowery sayings in Europe by the 1700s. Puritans used thimbles instead of rings to their betrothed, and many of those had their tops removed, so they were eventually worn as rings.

Victorians in the 1800s made jewelry from human hair, and they used gemstones to spell out endearments or names. Diamonds, rubies, amethysts, and emeralds were commonly used for that purpose. In 1867, diamonds increased in supply with the discovery of Cape Colony. Diamond engagement rings became more popular in 1880 because of De Beers, a well-known diamond miner, trader, jewelry manufacturer, and retailer. The company was founded by Cecil Rhodes who came to South Africa in 1873. Within a decade, De Beers would control about 90 percent of the global diamond production.

Other known retailers contributed to the popularity of diamond engagement rings. Tiffany & Co. introduced the six-prong setting, which maximizes the brilliance of a diamond. Sears & Roebuck introduced affordable rings in their mail-order catalog in the 1890s, and by 1918, Cartier created the romantic Trinity Ring, which is still considered a traditional and preferred wedding ring in France.

The long history of engagement rings all symbolize the beginning of a lasting union between a couples. Nowadays, you can purchase engagement rings from reputable jewelers in Houston. You have the option to buy loose diamonds and have a skilled jeweler craft it into a unique engagement ring for the person you want to marry. Search for reputable Houston jewelers online or use a wedding planning app.

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