Are Diamond Rings Only for Engagement?

Diamond rings are often touted as a symbol of love, commitment, and devotion—so much so that they’re considered the centrepiece of wedding engagements, but that doesn’t mean that they’re reserved for marriage proposals. Real diamond engagement rings can be used by any woman, for any reason—even without a promise of an eternal partnership. 

The History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamond rings became symbols of engagement in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned a diamond ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This started a trend among the European aristocracy, with noble Victorians popularising dainty engagement rings using diamonds, gems, and precious metals crafted in the shape of flowers. During the Edwardian era, the practice continued using the pairing of diamonds with other jewels in filigree settings.

However, the tradition of diamond engagement rings was truly engraved into popular culture in the 1940s when jewellery company De Beers launched its now-classic slogan, “A Diamond is Forever,” signifying the eternal nature of love and marriage. In the same period, De Beers began marketing campaigns that flaunted photos of glamorous movie stars swathed in diamonds, increasing the sales of the precious stone by 50% within three years.

How Diamond Rings Are Viewed Today

Diamond rings continue to be the symbol of marriage. People use them for wedding proposals, and families pass on diamond rings as heirlooms to the next generations. That said, the perspective towards diamonds has changed a bit in recent times. They are no longer reserved for commitments, and people are more open to purchasing pieces simply for fashion or as a piece of investment jewellery.

Can a Single Woman Wear a Diamond Ring?

Any woman can go to the best place to get an engagement ring, buy an immaculate diamond piece, and wear it on any finger. You may get a few sceptical looks or some confused congratulatory messages, but there’s no rule saying single women can’t don a diamond ring whenever they please. Learn more about which finger is for an engagement ring.

What to Consider When Buying a Diamond Ring

Buying a diamond ring is not as simple as getting any other piece of jewellery. It’s an investment, and therefore requires some research and planning. Here are some things to consider when purchasing diamond jewellery:

The Four Cs

The diamond is the star of a diamond ring. To choose the right one for you, you must think about the four Cs: carat, clarity, colour, and cut. The carat refers to its weight, the colour concerns its hue, the clarity regards its lack of blemishes, and the cut evaluates the jeweller’s skill in fashioning the stone itself. 

The best diamonds are the biggest, clearest, and cleanest-cut stones; these are the most expensive. If you’re working on a budget, pick one of the four Cs to prioritise and work from there. 

The Ring

You must also consider the diamond setting–how it’s set on the ring–as well as the precious metal that will be used for the band. Your choice will affect how your ring will look, how much it will cost, and how easy it is to maintain.

Budget

There’s no point going into debt for a diamond ring, and fortunately, not all fine pieces come with five-digit price tags. There are many affordable yet jaw-dropping rings to choose from.

Aside from the upfront cost of the ring, keep in mind the expenses for maintenance, such as insurance and cleaning.

Fashion

It would be a waste to purchase a magnificent diamond ring only to keep it in a jewellery box. Consider your personal style and fashion when buying a piece, making sure that it’s versatile enough to work into your ensembles.

A Diamond Ring for Every Woman

You don’t have to be a soon-to-be fiancée to flash a diamond ring on your finger. Set an appointment with Holloway Diamonds today to get your dream diamond piece with the help of expert jewellers who can guarantee you’ll get the perfect ring.