History reveals that the first recorded engagement ring, was given in 1477; a gift from the Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg given to his bride-to-be, Mary of Burgundy. He gave her a diamond engagement ring to grace her finger and announce their betrothal. Apparently that standard became the highest by which all other rings are measured, as the diamond engagement ring is still the most popular purchased gemstone for this occasion.

The "Vein to Her Heart" ~ Where to Place the Engagement Ring

It is believed that the fourth finger of the left hand was chosen due to the belief held by the Greeks that this finger contained the vena amoris, or vein of love, which lead directly to the heart. The circle shape of the ring is symbolic because its unending shape is representational of eternity and love everlasting. As these two beliefs were so popular, the customer of placing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because standard practice.

A Quick History of the Engagement Ring

Initially, diamonds and other gemstones were reserved for royalty and the wealthy so the gift of an engagement ring was not common practice until approximately 1870 when diamonds were discovered in South African mines. With this discovery, diamonds and other gemstones became much more accessible and affordable to the general public. In the 18th and 19th centuries, colored gemstones settings were very popular choices for engagement rings. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the "Tiffany" or "solitaire" diamond setting was introduced. Immediately, this style became popular and had remained one of the top choices for engagement rings to this day. The early 20th century brought larger and an increased number of stones in the settings of many of the engagement rings. The "princess setting" has three to five large diamonds in a row across the top and is a very popular style today. The diamond is still by far the most popular gemstone chosen for such an important occasion.

How to "POP" the Question

No matter what style of engagement ring is chosen, it is the proposal that will take the most preparation and planning. Even a "spontaneous" proposal is one that grows deep within the heart before the words are whispered to the intended bride-to-be. When it comes to a proposal of marriage, there are as many ideas and there are couples. Some might consider an on-camera proposal at a sporting event to be perfect; while others might prefer to hide the ring in a special dish at a favorite restaurant; another more private idea is to visit a special spot shared between the couple; while another opinion may hold that it is the one moment, above all others, when you just can't stop yourself from proposing that is best. No matter where you are, when the right moment grabs you, you will know. When you decide to make a proposal for marriage, your guide will be your heart and the idea or dream that you will want to remember for the rest of your life.