History of Engagement ring in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2026

An engagement ring is a ring given as a gift during a marriage proposal, signifying a formal agreement to marry. Predominantly used in Western cultures, it's typically presented by one partner to their prospective spouse. In many Western countries, engagement rings are primarily worn by women, and often feature diamonds. While customs vary globally, in the Anglosphere, the ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand. In some cultures, matching rings are worn by both partners, and engagement rings can also serve as wedding rings.

1917: Jacobs v Davis case

In 1917, the case of Jacobs v Davis established that an engagement ring is presumed to be an absolute gift in England and Wales, unless it can be proven that it was given on the condition that it must be returned if the marriage does not take place.

1935: Repeal of Breach of Promise laws begins

Beginning in 1935, laws allowing a woman to sue a man for breaking off an engagement were repealed or limited in the United States, increasing the need for financial security, like a diamond ring, for women.

1938: De Beers initiates marketing campaign

In 1938, the De Beers diamond cartel started a marketing campaign to increase the sales of diamonds, which were declining due to the Great Depression and changing fashion trends.

1939: De Beers marketing campaign begins

In 1939, the De Beers Group initiated a marketing campaign that would significantly affect the popularity of diamond engagement rings.

1939: Advertising phase of De Beers campaign begins

In 1939, the advertising phase of the De Beers marketing campaign began, which included educating the public about the '4 Cs' of diamonds: cut, carats, color, and clarity.

1945: Rise in engagement ring sales after 1945

After 1945, the abolishment of "breach of promise" laws in the USA led to a surge in engagement ring sales, as women sought financial security in case of a break-up.

1947: "A diamond is forever" slogan introduced

In 1947, the slogan "a diamond is forever" was introduced as part of the De Beers marketing campaign.

1959: Massachusetts ruling on engagement ring returns

In 1959, there was a ruling regarding engagement rings in Massachusetts.

1979: Diamond sales surge due to De Beers campaign

By 1979, due to the De Beers campaign that started in 1939, diamond sales in the United States increased from $23 million to $2.1 billion.

1979: End of De Beers marketing campaign

In 1979, the marketing campaign by the De Beers Group that began in 1939 ended.

2000: Expensive engagement rings linked to early divorces

Scholarly research indicates that spending more than US$2,000 on an engagement ring is strongly associated with debt-related stress and early divorces.

2001: Meyer v. Mitnick case

In 2001, the Meyer v. Mitnick case in Michigan found that engagement rings are conditional gifts and should be returned if the engagement is broken, regardless of fault.

2012: Average cost of engagement ring in the US reported

In 2012, the reported average cost of an engagement ring in the US was US$4,000.

2015: Scholarly study on engagement ring spending

In a 2015 scholarly study, it was found that almost a quarter of couples did not buy an engagement ring, and another third spent less than US$2000 on it.