Engagement rings have a long history and usually signify a couple's commitment of love.

In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. The couple was wed within 24 hours, and this has been labeled as the first recorded account of the engagement ring.

However, with continual historic discoveries being made, it seems that the symbolism of the engagement ring dates back even further than the 15th century; this story holds its title simply because of the incorporation of the diamond. The ancient Roman men gave rings to their lovers which they called betrothal (truth) rings, and they later began to inscribe or engrave the rings with their lover's name.

There was more than simply a symbolic meaning to this tradition. The tradition of the engagement being placed on the ring finger originated from the Egyptian belief that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart.

The Middle Ages started the tradition of having a diamond as a symbol for the union. A diamond is the hardest and strongest mineral on Earth. It has the ability to resist fire and steel. It is therefore perfectly symbolizes the unbreakable bond between a couple. However, the ability to express one's affection in such a grandiose style was limited to those with great wealth.

During the 19th century, diamonds became more widely available to the public. Diamonds from the Kimberly diamond mines in South Africa started to flood the market. Birth stones overtook diamonds in engagement ring popularity due to their rare and therefore more desirable nature. The general public was able to afford diamond engagement rings after the wealthy traded theirs for rings with sapphires, emeralds and rubies with diamond accents.

The 20th century brought with it a renewed desire for diamonds as Hollywood glamour influenced the public opinion. Blond bombshell Marilyn Monroe may be partly to blame with her hit song Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend.

The past shows that diamonds are not the driving factor behind the engagement ring. The popularity of the diamond rises and falls, but there is a single quality of the engagement ring that constantly remains popular. All girls dream of a prince sweeping them off their feet. A diamond on her finger given to her by her true love turns her into a true princess. While diamonds remind one of status and richness, the continuity of the ring is an indication of lasting and complete relationship.