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100
Even Cavemen Got Engaged
In Prehistoric times, cavemen would tie string around their mates' wrists, ankles, and fingers in order to bring her spirit under his control. This was aslo used to show others who had already been "claimed" and who was available. -
Jan 1, 1115
It's a Family Affair
During this time, arranged marriages were the norm throughout civilizations. Due to the culture of arranged marriages, the groom's entire family was often involved in the proposal to the bride's family. In fact, the bride and groom themselves were rarely involved in the engagement rites. -
Jan 1, 1477
Mary Got a Diamond
In one of the first recorded uses of a diamond in an engagement ring, an Austrian Archduke proposed to Mary of Burgundy. The ring is simple, and unpolished by today's standards. -
Pretty Poesy Rings
Poesy rings, or those with short poems inscribed wiithin them, were vogue in Europe during the 1700's. The Puritans in America, however, saw them as frivolous, and gave their betrothed the more practical gift of a thimble instead. -
Diamonds Everywhere!
A diamond mine is discovered in Cape Colony, Africa. This discovery will begin a massive increase in diamond supply around the world. -
DeBeers Mining Company
Cecil Rhodes, along with other investors, founded the DeBeers Mining Company. They will soon control over 90 percent of the worldwide diamond market. The company is still in business today. -
Tiffany
Tiffany and Co introduces their iconic "Tiffany Setting", a six-pronged ring designed to make the center diamond appear as large and as brilliant as possible. -
GIA
To adress inconsistencies in the qualities and sizes of diamonds being sold, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) was created. They would soon establishe standards that would change the way diamonds are bought and sold forever. -
Loop the Loupe
Researchers at GIA develop and patent the modern jewelers loupe, a magnifying tool used for closely examining diamonds and gemstones. -
Bestsellers
Engagement rings become the most popular line of jewelry in jewelry stores around the world. -
Men Too?
Although men have not begun to wear engagement rings. they have began to wear wedding bands. An American Catholic Priest calls this practice into question, and he is approved by the American Ecclesiastical Review to perform "double ring" ceremonies. -
Gem Reports Introduced
GIA issues the first diamond grading reports. These become an industry standard, and are still issued today as proof of a diamond's color, cut, and clarity. -
The 4 C's
GIA introduces "4 C's" as a standard of determining the quality of a diamond. The C's stand for cut, color, clarirt, and carat, all of which are used to determine the value of a stone. This international grading system is now industry standard, and is the most useful tool for consumers to date. -
There's an App for That
GIA creates an app that educates consumers about the 4 C's. The app is very interactive, and allows consumers to practice grading diamonds and gives clear examples. -
Today is the Day
Today, engagement is a very common practice before marriage. Nearly every couple utilizes an engagement ring, and 92% of the time features a diamond. According to Huffington Post, the average length of engagement before marriage is between 13-18 months.
