Engagement Rings - styles and designs throughout the ages
Nothing shines with the brilliance of a precious stone, truly one of Mother Nature’s gifts to mankind. Even the earliest cultures appreciated and prized all the gems we recognise as precious today. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and any number of precious and semi precious stones have been discovered in many early examples of jewellery belonging to civilisations long past, including Egyptian, Persian, Roman, Greek and Chinese amongst others. Although gems have been set in rings since these early civilisations it was not until the middle of the fourteen hundreds, in Northern Europe, that the engagement ring as we know it today came into being. Given in addition to the wedding band, which incidentally had already been in use for many centuries, the ring symbolised then as it does today one’s intention to marry. These early examples were the reserve of the wealthy and titled and far beyond the means of the general population. Thus the tradition remained the same until the idea was popularised in the early nineteen hundreds by a renowned diamond merchants. Now more affordable, engagement rings were no longer exclusively for the gentry but affordable for suitors everywhere. Originally the styles of rings available to the general public and the cut of the stone were limited to only a few designs. Simple bands in gold crowned with rather simple gems were the order of the day. But with the onset of the Art Deco and Avant Garde periods jewellers and craftsmen became more daring in their concept and manufacture of engagement rings.
Modern diamond ring
Styles began to emulate the boldness and the cutting edge fashions of the day. Ring designs featured dramatic angular styling, sharp cut stones and some eighty years on these styles still have the ‘wow’ factor. These styles are ever popular and are still manufactured today along with Victorian, Edwardian and modern designer rings. A visit to www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk is highly recommended, being a diamond merchants and jeweller of high regard they have an extensive range of engagement rings available. They offer for sale all the aforementioned designs and a stylish range of rings exclusive to themselves. For those clients looking for something extra special and unique their time served jewellers are available for individual commissions. However I’m sure most of us would be able to find a beautiful ring for our loved ones amongst their exotic range of ready to wear rings. Whether your preference is for solitaire engagement rings, multi stone rings or themed rings I’ll guarantee you’ll be spoilt for choice. www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk is the perfect choice for you and your beloved when searching for a ring that is ‘just that little bit special’. Plus being a jeweller of reputation and quality the piece you select comes with a full guarantee and can be treasured now and forever, perhaps one day even becoming a family heirloom.