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What a Gem!

The diamond ring and rings in general date back several centuries, although those given as a token of love began in the second century BC, as told by Plautus a Roman poet of that era. The knowledge of the diamond gem and the origin of its many uses such as diamond rings starts in India, where mining for diamonds began.

The fact that diamond rings and wedding rings were first exchanged in the second century BC is known because of the inscriptions on the interior of those found and because of the notation on marriage contracts discovered. These contracts were always signed in the presence of the image of the Emperor.

By the time of the fourth century AD the custom of exchanging and wearing wedding rings and diamond rings took on a Christian tone. St. Augustine begged priests to allow weddings that didn't include the exchange of rings. These written documents verify the existence of diamond engagement and marital gold bands. Byzantine wedding rings were gold bands, very thick with bezels round or oval that depicted the couple facing each other or receiving the blessing of Christ on their marriage
One of the earliest documented diamond engagement rings, proven through paintings handed down through the generations, is that of the Emperor of Hapsburg, Maximilian I and his wife Mary, who was Duchess of Burgundy and the daughter of King Charles the Bold. The painting showing her diamond engagement ring was painted by Bernard Strigel circa 1500. The couple was married in 1477. .



Source:
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/love.html

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