Diamond Engagement Rings
The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage began in 1477 with the betrothal of Archduke Maximillian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy. At that time, diamonds were looked upon as talismans, or charms, that could enhance the love of a husband for his wife. Even Cupid's arrows are said to have been tipped with diamonds, which had a magic that nothing else could equal. From that time, the royal tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring began to be embraced by people around the world, eventually becoming as much of a milestone in one's life as the engagement itself.

Wearing a diamond engagement ring on the third finger of the left hand dates back to Ancient Egypt where it was believed that the vena amoris (the vein of love) ran from that finger directly to the heart. Wearing the ring on the third finger has since become customary in all English speaking countries.

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