The History Of Engagement Rings
Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings On The Left Hand?
Legend has it that there is a major vein, called the vena amoris (vein of love), that runs from the ring finger of the left hand directly to the heart.
an iron ring at to wear at home and a gold ring to be worn in public.

What Was The First Diamond Engagement Ring?
Sometimes rings were worn on the right hand, and sometimes the thumb.
when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring to celebrate their betrothal.
This inspired a small fashion for giving diamond rings, but because diamonds were still very rare and diamond cutting was very difficult, this trend was contained to only to the upper echelons of society and nobility.

This ring was presented to Judith Crommelin (1739-1803) by Samuel Verplanck (1739-1820) at the time of their engagement in 1760. This ring has rose cut diamonds set in closed-back settings, which was typical during the eighteenth century.
What Is A Posy Ring?
These were usually given earlier in a relationship, and were symbols of affection and regard, but were not binding like an engagement ring.

They often featured poetry, quotes, and phrases in Old English, French, or Latin, such as 'KEPE FAYTH TEIL DETHE'.
Another popular item was 'lover's eye' jewelry, where a miniature of your lover's eye was painted on a ring or in a locket.

What Is A Tolkowsky Cut?
In 1919 the physicist Marcel Tolkowsky figured out the mathematical system to reflect the most light out of a diamond, whatever its shape.
The 'Tolkowsky cut,' as it is known, created the basis of all the incredibly radiant brilliant diamond cuts that we have today.

Why Do Engagement Rings Have Diamonds?
As decades have passed people have added or altered the tradition to suit their needs. A stack of bands, an additional ring at an anniversary, or a gemstone ring are all popular.
Ultimately your engagement ring needs to fit your style and your life in order to be something that you will want to wear everyday.
