History of Engagement ring in Timeline

An engagement ring, primarily in Western cultures, signifies a commitment to marriage. Typically given as a gift during a marriage proposal, it symbolizes a formal agreement to marry. Commonly worn by women, engagement rings 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, both partners may wear matching rings, and engagement rings can sometimes serve as wedding rings as well.

1917: Jacobs v Davis case

In 1917, the case of Jacobs v Davis decided that the gift of an engagement ring in England and Wales is presumed to be an absolute gift, unless there is proof that it was conditional on the marriage taking place.

1935: Repeal or Limitation of Breach of Promise Laws Begins

Beginning in 1935, laws allowing a man to be sued for breaking off an engagement were repealed or limited, contributing to the diamond engagement ring becoming a source of financial security.

1938: De Beers Marketing Campaign Begins

In 1938, diamond cartel De Beers started a marketing campaign that would significantly change engagement rings by impacting the price of diamonds and popularizing them.

1939: Advertising phase of De Beers campaign begins

In 1939, the advertising phase of the De Beers marketing campaign began to educate the public about the 4 C's of diamonds. Diamond sales subsequently rose.

1945: Engagement Ring Sales Surge in the USA

After 1945, engagement ring sales in the USA surged due to the abolishment of "breach of promise" laws and the rings becoming financial security.

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, contributing to the perception of diamonds as essential for engagement rings.

1979: Increase in US Diamond Sales

Between 1939 and 1979, diamond sales in the United States rose from $23 million to $2.1 billion due to the De Beers campaign.

2001: Meyer v. Mitnick case

The 2001 Meyer v. Mitnick case in Michigan found that engagement rings are conditional gifts and should be returned if the engagement is broken.

2012: Average Cost of Engagement Ring in the US

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

2015: Scholarly Study on Engagement Ring Spending

A 2015 scholarly study indicated that almost a quarter of couples did not buy a ring, and another third spent less than US$2000 on it. Less than 15% of couples spent $4,000 or more.

2024: Massachusetts Ruling Adopting No-Fault Return

A 2024 Massachusetts ruling adopted no-fault return of engagement rings (overturning a 1959 ruling), citing the state's adoption of no-fault divorce as a modern expectation.