Short story of an engagement ring
Author: Veronika Kulíková
On the occasion of International Engagement Day, which falls on March 2, let's talk a little about the history of this commitment between two people – and the rings that are now an inseparable part of it.
Rings have likely adorned people since the dawn of history. The oldest jewellery of this type is known from sites of Bronze Age civilisations, such as in the Indus Valley, as well as from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. People of that time wore jewellery not only for decorative purposes – rings, in particular, often had protective, magical, or even purely practical functions – in this respect, signet rings are the most famous.
The history of engagement rings is not so straightforward. Although findings suggest that people gave rings to each other out of love or as a promise of a future relationship several thousand years ago, it’s not possible to determine whether these were actually engagement rings as we understand them today. From ancient Rome, we know jewellery with the motif of joined hands, as well as rings with romantic engravings. However, the first documented engagement ring with a precious stone, specifically with a diamond, is often considered to be the one given by Maximilian I of Habsburg to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477.
Not only in the Middle Ages – even much later, engagement rings for future brides were not exactly common. In many cultures, a girl received a piece of jewellery as a promise of marriage several centuries ago, but in the Czech lands, the custom of asking for a woman's hand with a carefully selected ring became widespread only in the second half of the 20th century. Before then, it was common to arrange the marriage with the bride’s parents, and many couples would then save for wedding rings, if they even had any. The engagement rings, made of precious metals and adorned with gemstones, were primarily given by men from the "upper classes" of society to their chosen ones.
Nowadays, things are a bit different. While American cinema may lead us to believe that an engagement ring still requires spending a fortune – there are countless ways to propose to your significant other. A grass ring may not last long, and not every woman will be thrilled with costume jewellery, but you can surprise your loved one with a gold or platinum ring with any size gemstone. Bands with solitaire brilliant-cut, square-cut, or other cut diamonds are particularly popular, but coloured gemstones or combinations with diamonds have also gained popularity in recent years.
If you are planning to propose to your girlfriend and are considering purchasing an engagement ring, it’s a good idea to know her taste. What colour of metal does she prefer? Does she have a favorite gemstone? Would she prefer a classic band with a single stone, a unique designer ring, or a piece with its own history? If you’re really unsure, ask for help from her friend, sister, or another close person, and take a trip to Antiques Cinolter. In our store, you’ll find rings with diamonds and other precious stones made from platinum or white or yellow gold in many designs. They come from different periods, but all of them are waiting for perhaps your new story.
And if, ladies, the topic of engagement doesn’t concern you at all, come treat yourself. Unique diamond rings look good on every hand. See you in Maiselova 9!
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