Tracing the Evolution of Engagement Rings from Ancient to the Modern World

From time immemorial humans have been expressing love for each other in several ways. At times in the form of presents, clothes, food or rings in some special cases. Ring(s) have been categorised among those special gifts which are usually given to someone you love or want to live together. These days various kinds of rings are available and surprisingly, for every occasion, we have a different kind of ring. But the history of rings is not new to the mankind. The trends may have changed today and different designs have come up but the core remains the same- the love and commitment for each other. Here in this article, we will be discussing about the history of the rings, how the designs changed from era to era. So, let’s get started and explore the long way that the rings have come through.

Love’s Earliest Embellishments

Rings have always been used by different civilizations to show love and affection. Often made of different elements, they have always been used for expressing the never-ending love and compassion that the two people have for each other. In the Egyptian civilisation, the couples exchanged braided hemp rings symbolising eternal love and the unbreakable bond of union between the two people. Similarly, in the Roman civilisation, iron rings were exchanged between the couples as a symbol of strength and endurance between the two.

The Middle Ages

The middle age was all about romance and love and therefore, stylish and designer rings came into fashion. Also, rings with romantic verses engraved on them started becoming popular and these rings started becoming extremely popular among the young generation. At this point of time, the gemstone rings also started coming into fashion. The medieval Europe was very fast in accepting the trends and fashion and therefore, this was the first place from where the trend initiated.

The Renaissance: A Golden Age of Art and Love

Renaissance led to the flourishing of art and literature and with the ways of expressing love also became creative. Intricate designs were made and precious and semi-precious gemstones were used in the making of these rings. Hearts and clasped hands were a few common designs which were engraved on the gemstone engagement rings in UK. Rings bought for such special occasions were made keeping in mind the latest trends and also the renaissance movement too.

Victorian Era: Sentimental Symbols

Queen Victoria presented her husband Prince Albert with a birthstone ring and this led to the trend of the birthstone rings, intricate designer rings and even hair work too. The hair work meant that tiny locks of the hair of someone you love were enclosed within the ring to keep the love of your life always close to you. In the same manner, gemstone rings such as diamond full eternity rings, emerald rings, etc also started becoming extremely popular as gemstones were gaining popularity and diamonds were of course the star of the era.

Contemporary Trend

The contemporary world already has a diverse option open. From the solitaires to the eternity rings everyone has a huge variety to choose from. Also, these days people opt for personalised rings in which they get things engraved, or the gemstones of their choice engraved on their rings. Each ring is unique and one of its kind in the contemporary era. Customisation has become the most loved and sought-after trend as through this one can express one’s sentiments through the rings or bridal set rings & even with any other jewellery of your choice.

Summing Up
Things have changed with time and era but one thing which has remained constant is the choice of the individuals to express love and affection towards their loved ones. With time, the design and the trends changed but the ring has forever remained the symbol of love and affection. Even to this day, people of every region and religion go to buy a ring to express their love and this is enough to assure that the trend will go on forever of course with certain modifications even in near future.