The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in the imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy. This then influenced those of higher social class and of significant wealth to give diamond rings to their loved ones.

When did engagement rings become popular?

In fact, diamond engagement rings didn't become popular until 1947 when De Beers, the British company that mined diamonds in South Africa, launched an advertising campaign. With the help of Hollywood stars and the slogan, "A diamond is forever," diamond engagement rings skyrocketed in popularity.

When did rings become a symbol of marriage?

Wedding ring traditions were widely adopted into Christian marriage ceremonies during the European Middle Ages, around 900 AD. Many of these early Christian rings were heavily engraved and stylized, which caught the ire of the Church.