Why We Give And Wear Diamond Engagement Rings? 

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT

In short: The diamond engagement-ring tradition starts in 1477 (Archduke Maximilian gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring), spreads slowly through European aristocracy, and becomes a mass tradition only after the 1947 De Beers "A Diamond Is Forever" campaign. The "three months' salary" rule was also invented by De Beers — not an ancient custom.

Fantastic news this week that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have at last announced the news that the nation has been waiting for – they are officially engaged to be married! The engagement ring is, as expected, beautiful with Prince Harry thoughtfully choosing a trilogy design with a trio of diamonds. The ring sits on a gold band and the centre stone is from Botswana (where the couple recently holidayed together) and is flanked by two diamonds from the personal collection of Princess Diana, Prince Harry's mother. Prince Harry explained to the press at their official engagement announcement that this ring is ‘symbolic of life’s crazy journey that they are embarking upon together’. Like many couples Prince Harry chose a diamond engagement ring to symbolise his commitment to his future wife. But have you ever stopped and wondered why do we give and wear diamond engagement rings?