It would be quite fascinating to know how and when did the tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage had started. As we look back into history, the whole practice of presenting a diamond ring had began long back in 1477 itself. The tradition kicked off with Archduke Maximilian of Austria gifting a diamond gold ring set to the love of his life Mary of Burgundy. The diamonds were considered as charms capable of enhancing the love of a husband and wife back then. The people during those times believed that even the cupid’s arrow had diamonds in the tips and therefore it had a magical power to win the hearts.

The word diamond has been derived from the Greek word "Adamas" which means unbeatable and everlasting. The practice of wearing the diamond engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand had been started in ancient Egypt where it was believed that the vein of love otherwise known as vena amoris ran from the fourth finger to heart directly.

It has been said that for thousands of years, the diamonds were attributed to some magical power for the ones wearing them like the Kings, Queens and their subjects. The diamonds suggested wealth, power, love and even spiritual powers. During battles, the wealthy kings wore breast plates which were heavily studded with diamonds and other precious stones. According to the Greeks, the diamonds represented tear drops of the Gods and the fire in the diamond portrayed the invariable flame of love. While the Romans regarded diamond as particles that had fallen from the tumbling stars aka star dusts.

The diamonds has been used to cast love spells from the earliest of times. From then, they have been sought the world over, worshipped and even fought over. Back then, the diamonds were a privileged enjoyed only by the elite class. Later with the discovery of diamond mines on the African continent in 1870s, the stone became widely accessible to the public. Thus the demand increased thereby many new designs came into place.

The size and shape of the diamond engagement ring had been the subject of interest since ancient times. The smallest diamond ring presented has been recorded as the one given to two year old Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. The ring was her betrothal gift as she got engaged to the infant Dauphin of France, son of King Francis I, in 1518. It was a tiny gold ring embellished with a valuable diamond fitting her tiny fingers.

During the 13th century, small numbers of diamonds were introduced in European regalia. They were paired with pearls in splendid settings. The size of the diamond became large and more prominent by the 16th century thereby enhancing the brilliance and fire. Later they dominated the small jewels during 17th century and the 18th century saw the complete flourishing of the flashy diamond rings. The diamonds replaced the much appreciated gold settings quickly and the trend seems to follow till now. Currently more than 6.7 billion dollars are spent annually in US alone. The diamond engagement ring comes in any setting, shapes and sizes imaginable.