On One Knee The Historical Trends Concerning Engagement Rings
Engagement rings and wedding bands have existed for the longest time due to their enduring tradition. History provides several accounts on the trends of jewelry and matrimonial exchanges. The tradition began in the Roman Era. Macrobius promulgated the belief that a vein released blood from the heart and directly to the fourth finger of the left hand, where the Romans began wearing the rings.
Engagement rings and wedding bands have existed for the longest time due to their enduring tradition. History provides several accounts on the trends of jewelry and matrimonial exchanges. The tradition began in the Roman Era. Macrobius promulgated the belief that a vein released blood from the heart and directly to the fourth finger of the left hand, where the Romans began wearing the rings.
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In the Third Century CE, the Romans began to introduce elaborate designs in<br />
the fabrication of engagement rings. <strong>The</strong> band grew wider through the use of<br />
more gold, providing enough surface area for figurative designs relating to<br />
marriage. And going into 860 CE, during the Middle Ages, engagement rings<br />
had grown to be a cultural norm in society. Its significance, then, relied on its<br />
material, such as the issuance of an edict by Pope Nicholas, that gold<br />
legitimized the engagement.<br />
During the medieval period in Europe, engagement rings began to sport<br />
gemstones, like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds — turning jewelry into<br />
treasure-like relics. Moving forward, the use of gemstones spread. <strong>The</strong><br />
Renaissance exemplified the beginnings of extravagance. <strong>The</strong> Italians, during<br />
this time, had to provide three rings to the bride at an engagement ceremony<br />
wherein the groom had to swear his intent under a sword. This was also the<br />
era that first saw a diamond engagement ring.
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