The first thing that crosses our minds when we think of diamonds is probably money, right? Well, it may be true that diamonds also represent a deep bond, but have you ever wondered why? Why is it that proposing with a diamond ring is so important? Why is it that to some people, the prettier or more expensive the diamond someone proposes with is, the deeper the relationship is conceived to mean? Those are the questions I hope to answer today, but before we get there, we have to start from the beginning.
What are Diamonds?
It is common knowledge that diamonds are a rare type of crystallized carbon atoms created under immense heat and pressure. They are found hundreds of kilometers underground, where the necessary conditions are met for their creation. The word diamond itself comes from the Greek word Adamas, which means "indestructible." This name is given rightfully so, as diamonds are the strongest naturally occurring material in the world.
Where and When did the Tradition Start?
When the Archduke of Austria, Maximillian, gave a diamond ring to his wife in 1477, it sent a ripple across all of Europe, beginning the trend of diamonds being used as engagement rings. Of course, this was only a custom of the nobility and aristocrats at the time because of the concept of station and power that was relevant during that period of time. This tradition survived hundreds of years, all the way to this day and will probably be remembered for even longer. This just goes to show how powerful of an act it is to give someone a diamond.
Why are Diamonds and Relationships Connected?
Diamonds and love are connected because of the many symbolic qualities people have attributed to them. The fact that diamonds endure an arduous journey through thousands of years of pressure, heat, and constant changes make them the perfect symbol of a relationship. Diamonds are important to a relationship not because of the amount of money spent on them, but the ideals and emotions they represent. When someone proposes with a diamond ring it’s not saying, “Look how much money I spent.” It’s saying, "After this journey we've taken together, will you trust me?” Diamonds are a symbol of love because of their history, the emotion people attach to them because of tradition, and how the act of giving someone a diamond, and the reasonong behind that act, can give the thing itself a special meaning.