The inception of the engagement ring itself can be tied to the Fourth Lateran Council presided over by Pope Innocent III in 1215.

Pope Innocent declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage. Plain rings of gold, silver or iron were used. Gems were important and reassuring status symbols to the aristocracy. Laws were passed to preserve a visible division of social rank, ensuring only the privileged wore brilliant jewels. As time passed and laws relaxed, diamonds and other gems became available to the middle class.

At one time, engagement rings mounted sets of stones. One traditional sentimental pattern mounted six to celebrate the joining of two families: The birthstones of the bride’s parents and the bride (on the left), and the birth stones of the groom and his parents (on the right). The parents’ stones were mounted with the mother to the left of the father. The bride and groom’s birthstones would be adjacent in the center. Another similar pattern, for four stones, mounted the birthstone of the parents’ marriages, and the birthstones of the bride and groom. These token rings often disassembled, to expose a channel in which a lock of the suitor’s hair could be treasured.

A Victorian tradition was the Regards ring, in which the initials of the precious gems used spelled out the word “regards”. Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire.

Another Victorian tradition was the Dearest Ring, which spelled the word “dearest” using the first letter of each jewel. Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Emerald Sapphire Topaz

The origin of the custom to use diamonds in rings, and more recently, in engagement rings, can be traced back to the Middle Ages and even the Romans. The Romans valued the diamond entirely on account of its supernatural powers. A diamond baffles poison, keeps off insanity and dispels vain fears. The medieval Italians copied these beliefs and added some to it: they called it the “Pietra della Reconciliazone” because it maintained harmony between husband and wife. On this account it was recommended as the stone to be set in wedding rings

In old Jewish customs betrothal rings were given by the man as a pledge of the pre-marriage contract. These rings were inspected by the rabbi and other synagogue officers to ensure they were of a certain value and the property of the bridegroom as claimed.

In Victorian times the ring sealed a legal commitment, and could be sold if the woman was jilted.

14K White Gold Antique Style Diamond Engagement Ring
Price: $5199.0
This 14k white gold ring makes a great addition to any jewelry collection and can be worn on many occasions. This ring is prong set with 41 round shape diamonds. The diamonds have a total carat weight of 1.08 carats. The diamonds are G-H color and SI clarity. The center diamond has a total carat weight of 0.65 carats.

Antique Vintage Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring 1.01 Carat (ctw) in 14K White Gold
Price: $1895.0
This classic 14 karat white gold engagement anniversary ring has a unique vintage quality to it. A glistening arrangement of luminous diamonds play a supporting role to a gleaming center stone, adding to a total diamond weight of 1 carat (ctw).

Antique Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring 1 Carat (ctw) in 18K White Gold, Size 6.5
Price: $2295.0
Crafted in 18 karat pure white gold, this ring comes equipped with a stellar arrangement of ninety-four brilliant round diamonds set fancily along the front half of the glistening shank. Total diamond weight here equals 1 carat (ctw).

18kt. Yellow Gold 2.3 – 3.7mm Antique Bezel & Pave Set Engagement Ring
This antique ring features round brilliant cut diamonds that are bezel and pave set in an elegantly taperd design that will accent the diamond of your choice. *Ring price does not include center diamond.

White Gold 2.3 – 3.7mm Antique Bezel & Pave Set Engagement Ring
This antique ring features round brilliant cut diamonds that are bezel and pave set in an elegantly taperd design that will accent the diamond of your choice. *Ring price does not include center diamond.

Antique Style 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
One .5 carat sparkling diamond sits a top a halo of round and baguette diamonds. A full gallery backing gives this vintage styled ring a comfort fit feel. Set in 14 karat white gold, this tapered ring totals 1 full carat of diamonds.

Antique Design Diamond Engagement Ring
Elegantly fusing the smooth and sculpted look of contemporary designs with the intricacy of antique jewelry, this engagement ring is truly lovable. One triumphant prong-set round diamond rises above a 14 karat white gold mounting, crafted into substantial bezel-settings for four round diamonds. Flanking these are rich arms of yellow gold. The white gold shank bears the distinctive etching reminiscent of earlier jewelry designers. The center round weighs 1/2 ct along with four rounds weighing 1/3 ct tw. Diamond Carat (Weight) 0.85 Color G-H Clarity SI Cut (Shape) Round Metal Type 14K Two-Tone

Antique Vintage Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring 9/10 Carat (ctw) in 14K White Gold with Princess Cut, Size 5.5
Price: $2295.0
One square princess cut diamonds highlights this glittering engagement anniversary ring that dons a true vintage aesthetic. A supporting cast of sixty-six additional diamonds (9/10 carat (ctw)) takes this piece into glittering heaven, while a 14 karat white gold foundation completes the look.

Antique Vintage Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring 1.01 Carat (ctw) in 14K White Gold, Size 7.5
Price: $1895.0
This classic 14 karat white gold engagement anniversary ring has a unique vintage quality to it. A glistening arrangement of luminous diamonds play a supporting role to a gleaming center stone, adding to a total diamond weight of 1 carat (ctw).

14K White Gold Antique Style Round Diamond Engagement Ring (0.75 ctw, G-H, SI)
Price: $489.0
This 14k white gold diamond ring is prong set with 20 round diamonds. The total carat weight is 0.75 cts. The diamonds are G-H color and SI clarity.

18K White Gold Antique Style Diamond Engagement Ring
Price: $4599.0
This 18k white gold ring makes a great addition to any jewelry collection and can be worn on many occasions. This ring is prong set with 25 round shape diamonds. The diamonds have a total carat weight of 1.01 carats. The diamonds are G-H color and SI clarity. The center diamond has a total carat weight of 0.57 carats.

18K White Gold Antique Style Diamond Engagement Ring
Price: $4799.0
This 18k white gold ring makes a great addition to any jewelry collection and can be worn on many occasions. This ring is prong set with 41 round shape diamonds. The diamonds have a total carat weight of 1.20 carats. The diamonds are G-H color and SI clarity. The center diamond has a total carat weight of 0.57 carats.