Engagement Ring Evolution

The tradition of engagement rings evolved as a form of "virginity insurance." If the groom left a bride-to-be "damaged" and unwed, the ring would compensate. The notion of spending several months' salary on an engagement ring originated as a marketing campaign by De Beers in the 1930s. Before WWII, only 10% of engagement rings contained diamonds, but by the end of the 20th century, this figure rose to 80%.