Diamonds for engagement - why?

It started in the Middle Ages, when royalty used to give them as betrothal rings. They were just uncut natural octohedrons (8 facets) and didn't sparkle. Since ancient times they were thought to be magical because they could scratch every other kind of gemstone.

Then in the Renaissance Italian merchants began importing diamonds from India (the main source) at which point the richer merchants started using them for betrothal rings. That's also when diamond cutting got started, but it took a few centuries to get cuts that really sparkle.

For the next several centuries diamonds because popular with people who wanted to imitate those richer than themselves. By the 1850s the US had a big enough and prosperous enough middle class that they could afford diamond engagement rings. (That was engagements started to replace betrothals. An engagement is between two people. A betrothal is a legal contract between two families.)

They went out of style after World World I, and even more out of style during the Great Depression. Then De Beers launched a marketing campaign to bring them back in style again. That campaign ended about 10 years ago, but big jewelry chains have taken up the slack.

If i am going to marry someone, I would get them something special. not necessarily a diamond ring, something both of us think thats special is good you know. its a tradition to give diamond engagement ring, but i think its a bit too traditional for me.

Get her a ring but something special. Theres these different types of rings that signify stuff, ive seen one of the infinty symbol to signify love forever.

its not a need or compulsion but by doing so you can make your girl feel special and loved..she will remember you every time she sees the ring..

**** you.