Why People Actually Wear Engagement Rings

Why do engagement rings exist? And why do engagement rings have diamonds? It turns out, betrothal rings are much older than diamond engagement rings. Before the late 19th century, diamond engagement rings were uncommon, even though royals sometimes exchanged diamond rings.
#EngagementRing #marriage #WeirdHistory

[@usagi32211]

The diamond market is such a joke. When I was younger, I worked for a jewelry store. They had a case of cheaper diamond rings with "flawed" stones...mostly ones that weren't completely clear. Some of my favorites in the whole store were the supposedly inferior yellow diamonds, because they had such an unusual color. Fast forward a few years, and those same diamonds have been rebranded to Canary Diamonds, and are sold for higher prices. All it takes is a good marketing campaign to make diamonds that people would have passed up years ago into something really sought after.

[@DanCooper404]

Like brown industrial "champagne" and "chocolate" diamonds.

[@deanne1671]

I've never been a diamond fan, nor gold (silver and copper are my favorites). But black diamonds I think are beautiful. Don't care for the white or yellow ones, but the black..... something about those ones I like. Anything interesting you can tell me about black ones?

[@Ilovevintage77]

Can you please tell me what is the deal on those awful looking chocolate diamonds? What exactly are they how flawed or what is the whole deal with them? Are they actually even diamonds I would just love to know the real deal on how Le’Veon Jewelers actually convinced so many people that they were a cool thing. Thanks in advance. No matter how many Beautiful and gorgeous hand models they could not convince me that they were cool or valuable. But perhaps you know since you worked at the jewelry store. Thank you so much!!

[@Bazooka_Sharks]

@@Ilovevintage77 because chocolate diamonds and champagne ones are darker than your typical top light brown (usually heavy inclusions and just light brown from where they are mined) diamond, so it puts them in the fancy color range, along with deep yellows. Some of them are natural, some are irradiated to get their colors. There is a fancy color range, so not just any yellow is a fancy color. Anyway, the chocolate, champagne, black diamonds always look really good when set into rose gold. Its just fashion 🤷

[@Turtleproof]

Years ago I was folding clothes at a shopping mall and noticed the shockingly high price of True Religion denim jeans. I checked the label: "Made In China." Oh, made in a sweatshop like all the others, how chic.

[@joy5816]

"English Puritans famously do not like anything" 😂 that line got me

[@DawnDavidson]

OMG I got to hear that line at just the same moment that I read it! Priceless!

[@hatidzaserdarevic8911]

I came to the comment section looking for someone who has the same sense of humor like I do hahahah found ya!

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

That line made me laugh out loud. :)

[@maryannangros8834]

Great line!

[@TheBLGL]

My husband is an opal cutter and going to love this episode because it tells the truth about the diamond industry and how it’s all a lie. You’d think people would know this since the US had state parks where you can pick up diamonds if you find them, but marketing is a powerful tool. Good episode, I wonder if there’s any more historical scams y’all can teach us about?

[@Lampebruder]

They tried to tell my fiancée that opal is too soft and that it would crack after a year. I have many true opal pieces and they’ve last me for 16years

[@FabiJenneke]

So which jewels are more valuable and special for an engagement ring?

[@eliscanfield3913]

I like opals much better than diamonds. Sadly my one pendent did crumble after several years.

[@carriebohnsack190]

I adore opals. They are so pretty.

[@beckyblack2333]

I would rather have my birthstone the second time around. It's a garnet. My favorite color is blue so a sapphire would be nice, too.

[@calidude2816]

I’ve been in the diamond industry for 20+ years. Stopped selling natural and only sell lab grown diamonds. The new generation loves the more affordable price!

[@DonInADress]

Lab grown is definitely what I want

[@jasondashney]

It absolutely blows my mind that anyone would buy a mined diamond when you can get something that's literally the same thing but cheaper and conflict free.

[@jessica.L.edwards]

My engagement ring is lab-grown (the diamonds, anyway), and is absolutely gorgeous. I’m so happy with it. It’s beautiful, and I know it didn’t cost an ungodly amount, and it didn’t involve human suffering to produce.

[@Lumosnight]

Not interested in lab grown stuff. I prefer it natural, thank you very much

[@anacatarina178]

My husband is very traditional and adamant about upgrading my ring in a few years. I’ve finally convinced him to get me a lab grown one when he does! It’s definitely the way to go, especially with how strongly I feel about conflict-free diamonds. He knew this, so mine is from Canada and I thought that equaled conflict-free, but unfortunately that’s not entirely true. So I will be getting all my diamonds lab grown from now on!

[@AC-ze1nh]

I love the growing trend of "do what makes you happy". Pick a ring that you'll want to see everyday. Have a wedding that makes sense for you and your fiance. Screw this artificial pressure. My birthstone is sapphire, my husband's is diamond. So we went with an design with both, not a classic solitaire. And I love it. We also didn't spend "2 months salary" because NOPE. We did conflict free but I also have some lab grown gems in my collection and they're fantastic. Beautiful, cost efficient, and conflict free.

[@missanne2908]

When I bought my niece her high school graduation diamond ring I made certain that the diamond was non De Beers and came from Canada. The indigenous people, the San, gave De Beers mineral rights to their land with the understanding that they would be allowed to continue their traditional lifestyle. Instead, De Beers forced the San to work their mines and the resulting damage to their lives was heartbreaking. I couldn't see supporting that corporation.

[@aliberkozderya3112]

@Jake-Amir Blumenfeldwitz when I graduated from high school all I got was insults for deciding to study physics at university so the idea of a graduation ring sounds hilarious

[@yuriokada9438]

Our engagement rings were $10 silver rings from a department store, wedding rings were real gold but still we didn’t spend a fortune on them. Our wedding was a picnic party with a handful of friends. No pressure, no awkward situation with family, just us. We’re still happily married after 10 years. On the other hand, my cousin had it all. Super posh wedding, princess dress, reception at a castle… one year later she got divorced because her husband cheated on her and left her and their baby daughter. Love is all that matters, no ring or dress

[@malenedietl3369]

@@missanne2908 blooddiamonds...

[@musicbeyondwithboushra]

This comment feels so good to read. YES to this perspective. I never cared about gold or diamonds. In fact I'm a huge fan of silver and I my engagement ring would have to be silver with my birthstone (both me and my partner are November born) which is great

[@biendereviere]

My husband proposed to me with a rose quartz ring, the stone of eternal love, I told him about my fascination of gemstones and that I really loved rose quartz because they are a symbol of true love on one of our first dates and he remembered that… That’s why I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful ring… ❤️💍

[@damadoms4676]

I feel the same! I said to myself I’ll take a Crystal instead of a diamond.

[@waterotter3625]

I love rose quartz!🎉

[@amyfisher6380]

My father didn’t have much money, so he didn’t give my mother an engagement ring. They just exchanged plain gold bands at their wedding. They were married for almost 64 years.

[@spicybrown75]

None for me either. Just plain wedding bands for me and my hubby. We have had our ebb and flo but married 23 years 😁😁

[@TM-yn4iu]

You're parents held the real "diamond" it was the heart.

[@signespencer6887]

As did my parents

[@kl2894]

My mother got a sewing machine for an engagement present from my father (something she really wanted) and an inexpensive ring. She didn't really like rings. The only one she ever wore was her wedding ring.

[@capitaltrading24]

Your parents were the real diamonds!!! Wow!!!

[@lynnmartinez5701]

They forgot to mention Princess Diana’s Safire engagement ring. I believe that was a major blow to the diamond engagement trade. My personal choice is a gemstone with color enhanced by small diamonds. I diamond in itself is rather boring. I love color.

[@qwerty-tf1jg]

And there love is the problem

[@susanfarley1332]

I prefer colored stones to diamonds.

[@subtropical1228]

While the centerpiece was sapphire, I think there were diamonds surrounding it on the ring

[@susanfarley1332]

@Patricia Walker if only opals were more durable in a ring. Its my favorite stone. But I would rather wear one in a pendant so it doesn't break as easily. Used to have a black opal ring. My mom found the stone and designed the ring around it. She had a jeweler make it. The thick gold band was as wide as the stone and the opal was set into the ring with a band of gold. It was a simple yet dramatic ring. I wish I still had it. It was stolen. Since my mom died young it was a priceless remembrance of her.

[@lynnmartinez5701]

@@auroraborealis5565 Thank you. I wasn’t sure how to spell it.

[@IcyAsh]

Hubby gave me an amethyst engagement ring ‘cos he knew how much I love the colour purple. I still stare at it after being married for a few years now.

[@edlafond1]

When I proposed to my wife 10 or 11 years ago I simply gave her a gold band inscribed "I am for my beloved and my beloved is for me" in Hebrew. I went through the whole diamond thing the first time around.....Never again....they are worthless to me. My wife is very happy with our matching wedding bands.

[@meremuse]

When I said I only wanted a simple band of gold for my engagement ring the sales lady's jaw dropped! She told me I was making a huge mistake in front of my fiancé. 20 years later and no regrets.

[@gelflingmama]

My mom made my husbands wedding ring and mine. We each have Scandinavian ancestry so they’re carved with runes and made from some bizarre clay to silver material she fired in a kiln. Sorry I don’t know how to better explain it because it was complicated. Ten years later here we are, and I just have birth to our daughter who joins our 5 year old son. 🤗

[@ferdi5407]

Ani dodi v'dodi li ! Fantastic😍

[@edlafond1]

@@ferdi5407 I couldn't remember the actual verse.....thank you!

[@007Julie]

@@gelflingmama what a wonderful story, God bless your precious family.

[@DanCooper404]

Please please please do an episode about so-called "champagne" and "chocolate" diamonds, which are really nothing but brown industrial diamonds that have been rebranded and marketed as something special and valuable.

[@WarBeasty]

Dude! I was just about to post a comment saying the same exact thing. LOL .. I remember when the "chocolate" diamonds were first being marketed, and some chick in the room was oooh'ing and ahhh'ing over them, until I explained what they were. She suddenly didn't find them as impressive.

[@Turtleproof]

@@WarBeasty "Aww, dang, we ruined this batch of bluejeans." "Nay, nay, they are DISTRESSED jeans! We shall sell them at double the price."

[@starrfaithfull6934]

@@Turtleproof Perfect analogy.

[@milkqt666]

@@Turtleproof you watch Bailey Sarain don't you? Hehe

[@laurieb3703]

@@milkqt666 suspish!

[@98midnightdragon]

I never really understood why people like diamonds so much. I know people that have engagement rings that cost them as much as a new car. I'd rather have the car or a down payment on a home. My husband bought me an inexpensive sapphire ring (it's my favorite color). To me it's more beautiful than any colorless diamond.

[@JB-hb7fd]

👏👏👏 YES!!! I agree!! Sapphires are my favourite, all the different hews you can get 🥰

[@alyssadyer4096]

Diamonds also come in other colors, those lesser sought after stones are also at a lower price point

[@cw5451]

@@alyssadyer4096 Not necessarily. Red, blue, and purple diamonds are quite expensive.

[@capitaltrading24]

There are things that a diamond ring can't provide, love is one of them.

[@mcclamrock-rubiowedding80]

Same 😁

[@elizabethbrammer7022]

I wouldn’t be wearing a diamond, but my mother-in-law inherited a gorgeous European cut diamond that belonged to her great aunt in the 1920’s. They’re rare now, as they were hand-cut and have less facets than the newer, flasher, laser-cut diamonds. This one was cut by hand in NY and it’s super cool to know I’m the third generation to wear it. My husband’s great aunt had it in a simple white gold band, then my MIL had it in yellow gold, now I have it in rose gold… all of the prongs are the original white gold though. It’s neat because it doesn’t look super fancy to the naked eye, but it absolutely glows in low-light settings. After all, it was cut back when not everyone had electricity and many still relied on candlelight, fireplaces, or lanterns. When you see it in that light, you see a little glimpse of family history. One of my boys will have it someday to pass down. I hope they never buy some new, random diamond from who knows where…

[@arcadia-ego2951]

I, too, have an inherited European cut diamond that I had reset. I think it's the most beautiful cut. You are exactly right about low-light; it's absolute fire in candlelight is unreal! I just love it! My mother-in-law didn't much care for it, so her wedding set was green sapphire. I'm saving up to have it reset.

[@elizabethbrammer7022]

@@arcadia-ego2951 isn’t it amazing?!?! It’s honestly indescribable, it looks practically fluorescent in low light, it just glows! It’s always fun to go into a jeweler and they are curious about it… then they see the tell-tale hole” in the bottom and their jaw drops! It saddens me that so many have been cut down from their original size just to have more “fire” 🤦🏻‍♀️ I wouldn’t trade this stone for anything in the world!

[@theheckwithit]

I believe in love and marriage, but the engagement and wedding industry is a scam. Who needs all this pageantry? I glad I'm meeting more women that are starting to agree.

[@Maeglin7936]

As a rather strange and odd woman I am a huge fan of eloping. I also find the idea of a 'Hobbit' wedding quite fun. Find a field, get a tent and some picnic tables, have all the guests bring a dish, and get someone to make the wedding cake. And most importantly!! Either make the clothes yourself or buy the closest you can find to hobbit attire at Walmart or wherever. No need in spending an exorbitant amount on clothes you wear only once.

[@gohawks3571]

@@Maeglin7936 I agree! My husband bought me my wedding dress. At Ross (with me, not alone). We're almost 10 years in & loving each other even more! Screw the "buying expensive stuff" industry! Invest in each other💖

[@sararivz668]

Agreed. If you really want to marry you’d do it at a registry and not spend $$$$$$ in flowers, hummers, feeding ppl you don’t even still speak to 😂🥳

[@AnotherWittyUsername.]

@@Maeglin7936 My husband and I did that 29 years ago. My father asked when we had to do the signing of the paperwork after the very short ceremony where we had written our own vows. We asked "what paperwork?" He was furious when he realized that we were not actually legally married and had no intention of getting legally married, but what the family didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Mom thought it was hilarious.We had a wonderful party then and my husband and I still laugh about it now.

[@jlbeeen]

My partner and I just want something small and mostly DIY. We both can sew and enjoy making things, so I'd make the dresses, he'd make the decor, and we'd use either a park, or a backyard, no expensive venue costs or fancy party, just a way to share a moment with our family and friends.

[@soradelpalacio5776]

I'd like to pick a ring from an antique store. My partner and I agreed that when we get married we'd also do a small, sustainable wedding. 🥰

[@mirandagoldstine8548]

Same here. Or else a ring from Brilliant Earth. They source their diamonds from Canada.

[@dominicmcfeeley4142]

🧐

[@julesv5670]

They have so many!! I have seen quite a few at my local antique stores.

[@jlbeeen]

I've been seeing recycled metals be more common too, which is cool, as often antiques are limited in size. My partner and I are looking at getting Claddagh rings, which not only bring us back to our Irish ancestry, but also are used as both engagement rings, and wedding rings, depending on which way the heart is pointing. That way we could get something matching, and not worrying about buying separate engagement and wedding rings, plus, they're often just silver anyway, or possibly with a few small gems, but I'd be fine without, or with one of each of our birthstones.

[@AA-zp2ky]

@@mirandagoldstine8548 please be cautious with Brilliant Earth. There is a lot of information on them being shady and having horrible customer service, lying about warranty, poor crafstmanship (I know several people who had their stones fall off the setting within the first 2 months of purchase, one of them had hers fall within 48 hours after the proposal). I also know someone who ordered a stone, paid for it, and then was told the stone was not available. Additionally, if you pay close attention to the stones (which come with certificates), you would notice they are the same stones (i.e. same GRA number) offered by different companies (Blue Nile, etc.). There was someone who filed a lawsuit against Brilliant Earth after discovering their stones were sourced by an Indian vendor who confirmed they are not from Canada, and that neither of his stones (which were all featured on BE's website) were from Canada. I know there are people with good experiences, but I just wanted to point out there are also very very poor experiences.

[@ladysaraofinsomnia2334]

My husband got me a citrine engagement ring. I love it's sunny yellow coloring much better than a plain clear diamond, plus it wasn't ridiculously overinflated in price.

[@TinekeWilliams]

Poor you, keep thinking that while I look at my real sparkler

[@moonsugar13]

@@TinekeWilliams Rude.

[@majoka4853]

@@TinekeWilliams is that supposed to be offensive?

[@hippiebippie8870]

@@TinekeWilliams Poor you, keep thinking an overpriced gemstone is equivalent to real love. With an attitude like that, trust, it will only be a matter of time before your man wants a woman who wants a citrine

[@CeleWolf]

Natural citrine is rare and expensive. Hardly less of a sparkler

[@krysten4544]

My engagement ring is the same aquamarine ring worn by my fiancé's great-grandmother, his grandmother and his mother before him. It's not flashy or expensive, but it means so much to me to have the blessing of so many women in his family. It also has intricate detailing in gold on the band, which I've never seen before.

[@aste4949]

That is so beautiful and amazing! I love it when people continue to appreciate and treasure heirlooms. So many of us lose the information and story behind things within two or three generations.

[@renegadetherapper]

It’s incredible to me how rings back then, which were extremely valuable, now look like the “cheap” rings I find at Vintage stores everywhere! I personally find these old school rings much more beautiful and unique, but to each their own.

[@ravanemler788]

My fiance got me 3 different engagement rings, all very fitting and allows me to mix things up if I want too. They're all made with lab grown gems and were super affordable. I love each one of them! I never wanted a super expensive ring. Seems like a waste of money when we could us that money elsewhere for our future.

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

They're ALL a waste of money.

[@greenkoopa]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 not if you love a woman and want her to be happy

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

Seems really smart. I have lab grown stones in addition too some natural and love them both . In the future if I buy gems they will be lab grown. Better for environment and a lot more affordable

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

@@greenkoopa depends on the woman. Some women don’t like.jewelry or don’t like diamonds

[@greenkoopa]

@@kathleengivant-taylor2277 this is a deep social ill of America, one of them. "If a girl/woman is worth keeping, isnt she worth (x price) necklace/ring/earrings? If you dont think so maybe she can find a GOOD man that does" It sucks truly but if you play by the rules supposedly you can get married and be happy forever* and I'll go a step further, I do not know you at all so i cant speak for or about you, but women that dont want jewelry or nice things, *in my own personal experience* is a trailer park gal. I lived in a trailer park for 9 years growing up so I know what I'm saying

[@tigdepp4484]

I have never been impressed by diamonds. When I married, I left the choice of an engagement ring to my husband. He chose to get me an engagement ring with my birthstone. (Sapphire)

[@The7Reaper]

De Beers: "These young people are idiots, don't they know a diamond is forever" Young people: know a diamond is a scam since forever.

[@graphiquejack]

With a 50% + divorce rate, what’s forever anymore anyway? Get what makes you happy and that you can actually afford.

[@jasondashney]

The diamond absolutely is forever. Your marriage? That's about 50/50.

[@alicia1463]

Technically, diamond is only partially chemically stable. Graphite is more stable at room temperature and pressure, and diamond is slowly reacting into graphite. The chemical reaction is just so slow that we don't notice.

[@devodootie]

Thanks for doing this fascinating history! We recently celebrated our 29th anniversary, & my engagement ring was a natural dark emerald marquis cut w/ 2 small round diamonds. In my case the diamond solitaires I tried on made my skin look yellow as I’m naturally very pale. Emerald is not my birthstone, but it’s my favorite color, & was my very 1st emerald. It has only increased in value bc of its deep color & cut, and is worth far more than my husband paid for it.

[@NDRogueElf]

My husband and I actually sat down to design my engagement/wedding ring. Went with a silver tree with emerald chips for leaves. Emerald is such a great stone, I love seeing it every day

[@devodootie]

@@NDRogueElf Your ring sounds absolutely amazing!

[@hippiebippie8870]

Do you ever hear that BS that emeralds don't "shine" like a diamond?? I hate hearing that. I wish people would realize that they aren't supposed to shine like a diamond, they're supposed to glow like an emerald 🤯 My Mom's engagement ring is a beautiful emerald cut emerald with a diamond halo, it was a family heirloom, and it's beautiful.

[@chickendesi1014]

That’s it. I’m calling it a Betrothal ring now.

[@AG-mt3xs]

My husband upgraded my engagement ring to a beautiful moissanite before moussanite became all the rage. I have told my kids about the whole diamond industry thing. So, maybe they will make less costly choices.

[@AA-zp2ky]

I only recently discovered moissanites and may never look back. Their refractive index and brilliance is higher than a diamond, and I personally like the rainbow fire they showcase. Also, their naturally occuring (uncoated) colors are stunning! I'm having a dark grey custom ring made and I couldn't be more excited, and it costs 1/10 of what a diamond of a similar size/cut/clarity would be.

[@lucyquijano4975]

My husband and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and we upgrade our rings. I went from a beautiful lab grown cushion cut sapphire with diamond halo to a sparkling Portuguese cut moissanite. It is absolutely exquiste.

[@zippersocks]

I’ve never been interested in buying something really expensive and super easy to lose.

[@38WorksGr8]

Extorting people's money through their emotions for one another. A tale as old as time.

[@legomego3333]

I have never liked diamonds. Always thought they were ugly since they have no color and there are so many other gems with color! I love opals and emeralds. My mom has been collecting vintage costume jewelry since the 70s and the older ones look real. Nothing can beat a good CZ 😝

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

Have u ever seen vintage looking moissanite jewelry? It’s beautiful and doesn’t ever lose its luster like cz tends too

[@lisanoriega4301]

My birthstone is diamond, and that's exactly why I never liked it. Boring!! Give me colorful stones anytime,!

[@Amy_the_Lizard]

Exactly! They're not even interesting looking! Personally I like really vivid blue stones best, but the shimmery color-changey ones like moonstone and opal are really cool too, as are patterned stones. Then there's diamonds, which just...kinda look like rhinestones to be honest...

[@hippiebippie8870]

CZ stands for Cubic Zirconia, meaning "Of The Zircon" they have more in common with the properties of Zircon than diamonds. I have a White Zircon and I have diamonds and I can't tell them apart so I'm not going back. White Zircons are real gemstones that are actually a lot more rare than diamonds. I got a 1.56ct on a 14kt white gold band for $100, it looks just like the classic round solitaire ring from Tiffany's that I used to covet

[@hippiebippie8870]

@@kathleengivant-taylor2277 My Mom has a nice vintage moissanite collection from Charles Covard, Charles Winston, Harry Winston's grandson. Harry Winston became the first big jeweler that rented his jewelry out to celebrities at award shows, he was a royal jeweler and he owned the Hope Diamond... Charles also has a line of moissanite with the company JTV. He has a ring at JTV I've been thinking about, it's modeled after his mother's engagement ring, it's a chubby marquise cut and it's 🤤

[@Leleche]

I told my partner to NEVER buy me diamonds. I am completely against diamonds. My partner bought me a metorite ring. And I love it

[@lambert801]

The engagement ring was supposed to symbolise the golden halo above Mithras' head, who was the Perso-Roman god of contracts among other things.

[@cadillacdeville5828]

You know a 💍💎 ad popped up while this was playing 😂

[@blissviolet1491]

Next weird history : how valentine started

[@jasondashney]

@NoName99 NoFace88 valentines is a very old religious deal that was around for a long time before it was commercialized. It also meant something very different when it started.

[@kidpeligro7878]

"Stopped by the jewelry store on the way to his fiance's house to buy a ring using money he hustled on the road he passed by along the way" Daaayum, that's some OG romance story right there. LOL

[@erinufo]

I’d love to see more people choosing London blue topaz (untreated of course) the color is polarizing! Could you possibly do an episode on alexandrite? It’s one of my favorites and so incredibly lovely!

[@Santolinaa]

My engagement ring has London Blue Topaz and teal sapphire and the colors are just wonderful! I love the depth!!

[@patmccann2696]

I'd love to see an episode done on alexandrite too! I think it's pretty due to the fact it changes color depending on the light.

[@renejanusonis3178]

My husband gave me a diamond first, then I saw his ring and decided to get one like his. It is a Lithuanian sash design in gold. It has more meaning to me then the diamond one.

[@lillianharkin1766]

I always thought it was ridiculous to have a man pay 1-2 months salary for a ring or to buy two of them. The salesperson even advised me that I could/should ask for something more expensive! I got a custom ruby ring that has some diamond accents, so I guess I’m still buying into the diamond market!😂

[@jlbeeen]

My partner and I were looking at customizable options on Etsy, and some sellers have sets where you can get two rings for less than the price of one diamond. It's just not worth it, and we'd rather have something with our birth stones. We're also looking at rings that double as engagement and wedding rings, mostly the Irish Claddagh, as our grandmothers both had Irish family. There are just so many options now, and from a distance, a lot of gems look similar anyway. He gave me a necklace when we were together for one year, and it has lab grown sapphires which are still just as pretty as any other stone, if not better because they're all the same size and colour, which is rare in natural ones.

[@theredraven1]

Same! I have a square ruby with diamond accents and a white gold band

[@monpetitchouxpastry]

It’s like you guys know I’m hoping to get engaged this weekend. Debeers’ advertising really changed the world! I’m glad the current generation is looking into different stones more often and will hopefully topple the diamond market because …. Geez they’re expensive

[@_will795]

Good luck!

[@tcguerrero5476]

Hope it happens for you!! 😊 my husband and I designed a ring together- no diamond! It’s Moissanite and I love it.

[@lisamedla]

@@tcguerrero5476 betting moissanite will be rebranded soon and the price inflated with how popular they're becoming

[@tcguerrero5476]

@@lisamedla oh I’m sure there will be some creative marketing! I can already see that some are branded as being a certain “kind” or quality of moissanite (Charles & colvard’s forever one etc.) We got mine from a manufacturer overseas that does moissanite cutting. The price was amazing… 3.5ct set in platinum for ~1k. Really unbeatable and the cut/quality was beautiful.

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Don't do it

[@roseprevost8081]

I have a few pieces of diamond jewelry, mostly my engagement ring and a necklace I've had for years, but much prefer cz's. DeBeers is a perfect example of a monopoly that's been on top for way too long.

[@happyfacefries]

You prefer cubic zirconia?

[@Dsdcain]

Diamonds are such a stupid investment. Like you said the prices are inflated. I actually gave my wife my grandmother's engagement ring from her first husband who died when I was 2. It was just a small one that he got her before he was sent to Europe to fight in WW2. I've told my wife over 32 years of marriage that I won't buy her diamond jewelry. I've given her gold, and opal (her actual favorite) as well as some sapphire pieces. No diamonds though.

[@genxx2724]

That’s very special. But the ring was from your grandfather, not your “grandmother’s first husband.” The way you wrote that would mean your parent was born of a later marriage, not the union symbolized by this ring, making the ring less important.

[@starrfaithfull6934]

Dsdcain, you did give her a diamond, though. But what turned you so bitter toward diamonds? And my husband of 50 happy years has been glad to buy me any stone I wanted. You don't sound very woman-friendly.

[@nazfan01]

Who is the narrator? He has an unique voice, like some familiar voice from certain murder shows or someone like Robert Stack from Unsolved Mysteries

[@TheConservativeHippie]

I love his voice and snarky tone

[@taffy7575]

I though he was Stephen Colbert

[@jonsmith7659]

@@taffy7575 so did I

[@giselematthews7949]

His name is Robert Clotworthy. He is an American voice actor.

[@sweetpeach3649]

@@giselematthews7949 He doesn't sound like Robert Clotworthy at all.

[@nitemarequeen]

Can you do a video on different wedding dress throughout time?

[@blainejudd5693]

I got my ring made from an Etsy seller, EidelPrecious. It was important to me to support a small business, not buy a Diamond and that the stone was ethically sourced. I got a teal sapphire with a rose gold band. I love it and it’s so unique. I also refused a wedding band. It’s hard enough to keep track of one ring much less two.

[@IVillares]

In South America proposal is usually done with the future wedding ring and both the future husband and future wife wear their wedding ring on then right hand, when getting married the hand changes to the left.

[@lisamedla]

When I was young this used to happen. Then it changed to the middle left finger Now everyone is copying the west. Culture is a very interesting thing where I live.

[@user-fe3vy6gt7v]

Perfect idea!!

[@Violets6991]

I’ve always hated diamond rings for being such a common ring I’ve always said I want a ruby because I love the colour and style of antique gold rings. I think rings now are becoming more personal and not just a trend people get them engraved and handmade to their own designs.

[@angelaspielbusch1237]

Wonderful explanation and with great humor! Thank you so much!

[@NewMessage]

And that's why my wife's engagement ring is inscribed with the romantic word... "SOLD!"

[@alanawinters21435]

The sarcastic commentary had me rolling with laughter!

[@btetschner]

Fantastic video, and very helpful. Thank you.

[@jjk4891]

In Korea, engagement rings with diamonds are not really a popular culture. Not an expert, but also think it's not super common in China nor Japan. We do have some younger folks who gift small diamond rings before getting married but most people wear 1 ring (a wedding band) when they get married. I think it's mostly western culture that does the engagement ring tradition.

[@juanitarichards1074]

My mother had a beautiful sapphire engagement ring. My hubby and I couldn't afford one and bought a cheap van instead, Mt wedding ring was gold with a tiny ruby and a tiny diamond set in either side.

[@axb3546]

This episode is awesome! Some fantastic humor added in! Love it.

[@carolynowens620]

Is this the funniest weird history post ever? Thanks for another terrific video!

[@dragonfox2.058]

I'm an art jeweler. I didn't used to like diamonds...but now I love them. It's like putting light into a ring or other piece.

[@reneemb4319]

My engagement ring is a generations old Claddaugh set with marble

[@krissysetzer5053]

That sounds pretty

[@moonbot7613]

Sorry to hear you’ve been waiting so long for the wedding.

[@christopher.m.dickinson0315]

@@moonbot7613 funny

[@roseprevost8081]

If worn traditionally, it will tell people if you're single, seeing someone, engaged or married. It depends on which hand it's on and the direction of the crown.

[@krissysetzer5053]

@@roseprevost8081 I actually have one and I wear it on my right hand with the crown facing away from me

[@erinufo]

Just happened across this episode and you have a new sub!!!!!

[@sugarplum5824]

I'm not ashamed to admit that I adore sparkle and flash; nothing delivers those qualities quite like a good diamond. My birthstone is the beautiful opal. I love many different stones, particularly anything blue or pink, yet I still prefer white diamonds overall. I have inherited several high quality pieces from 100+ years ago passed down through generations of my husband's family, in addition to my grandmother's diamond ring, earrings, necklace and watch. All of these will be passed on to my daughter. I also have bought some CZs, large topaz rings and a multicolored sapphire eternity band, which are all lovely but I love my diamonds the best.

[@starrfaithfull6934]

Sugar Plum, you sound very sensible. For some reason this site is plastered with bitter diamond-haters. We ladies should enjoy all our beautiful stones. Life is too short to care what others think of our choices. Viva diamonds and all gemstones!

[@suzyfarnham3165]

I am loud and proud too! I love them.The bigger the better.The shinier the better!! My jewellery, some over40 years old is big and I don't care what anyone else thinks! I get comments EVERY time I wear them all. I have no desire for coloured stones!! I have given away every coloured stone I was ever given. I will take diamonds..the bigger the better!!

[@lucindawelenc2191]

"Invest" in diamonds? 🤣 My daughter's first husband spent $2500 for her rings. After they divorced, she tried to sell the set back to the jewelry store, hoping to get enough to make a month's rent. They offered her $60. No, I didn't accidentally leave off a zero. Sixty dollars. Some investment!

[@annierosha5946]

Yeah, mine wasn't worth anything either, just like second hand electronics - no one wants them.

[@ReyMaizel]

Goodness gracious. Don't mean to call you a liar but it's just outrageous. From $2,500 to $60? Would it be a good idea to buy a used one from a pawn shop or something?

[@genxx2724]

How else would they make profit selling the stones? Better to use stocks and houses as investments They don’t get lost or stolen.

[@steamgadget]

@@ReyMaizel 20 year goldsmith here... the answer is yes, when it comes to diamonds. Or buy a large diamond from a goldsmith friend that will give you a great deal, and I do mean "friend" as in someone you've known for years..

[@starrfaithfull6934]

I'm glad someone said this. Only diamonds of 5 or more carats have decent resale value, and even then, only "decent." I had a divorced friend who was marrying for the 2nd time. She and her fiance went to a good pawn shop and got a beautiful, large diamond for literally pennies on the dollar. Scary!

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

A different custom is exchanging wedding rings already at the engagement, but you wear them in the opposite hand, until the wedding, where you start to wear them where they are supposed to be. (I didn't say which hand because as far as I know, in different countries they use the wedding rings in one or the other hand).

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Yes, in Germany they wear them on the right and in the US the left. It's all silly regardless.

[@jlbeeen]

My partner and I got promise rings which are actually just silicone with diamond dust added for sparkle. It was cheap, and we wear them on our right hands. We do plan to get silver rings at some point when we get engaged officially. We like the Claddagh idea where which hand and which direction it points shows your relationship status, plus, his grandmother is very much into her Irish heritage.

[@lindsayhengehold5341]

Great video about the history of engagement rings. I absolutely love engagement & wedding rings and love Diamond ones in particular.

[@emilypresleysee]

I have my mom's 40 year old old engagement ring from my Dad. 1 carat diamond solitaire. IF I want a diamond, I'll use that one. I'd rather have moissanite though, they have such beautiful fire to them!

[@chellefell1331]

This episode has me rolling!! I can't stop laughing!🤣🤣

[@floodimoo123]

My engagement ring has rhodolite garnet, pink sapphire, and lab created diamonds. Didn't really want diamond at all, but my husband and I created the ring together and he suggested that both of our birthstones would be cute, so we decided on lab created because money and ethics.

[@starrfaithfull6934]

Floodimoo, your ring sounds delectable!

[@hippiebippie8870]

Rhodolite garnet is soooooooo underrated!!! I bet the pink sapphire really sets it off. Never seen that combo that I can recall but I bet it's something special. I wish you could post pics 🥺

[@followyourheart1366]

I really like your voice, the way you speak and your sense of humor LOL!! Please keep posting!!

[@philiplavery03]

Is this a history channel or a comedy channel? Lol this channel is awesome!

[@haleyborden3161]

My fiance and I hate the diamond industry and I have never wanted a diamond ring. BUT he proposed using a family ring that has one very small diamond as the stone and it works perfectly. I feel better about it knowing that it's both vintage and a family heirloom, so we didn't directly contribute to the scam of diamonds.

[@NavierMasChannel]

Diamonds are over rated as explained in this episode of weird history. Too much false advertising and not always conflict free. My parents had a simple gold band with their names inscribed. I think that’s far more meaningful

[@aleynab8583]

It's the unmatched beauty diamond offers that nothing else does, it makes it so much more appealing. I love diamonds and I'm planning on owning a really expensive one at a point in my life even though I do own many.

[@NavierMasChannel]

@@aleynab8583 oh yeah if you like diamonds, go for it! As the saying goes, you do you! I understand people have different preferences

[@aleynab8583]

@@NavierMasChannel Thanks 💕

[@starrfaithfull6934]

@@aleynab8583 I didn't like diamonds growing up. Loved colored stones. My mother always said I'd learn to like them around age 40. She was right! I had to grow into their sophistication. After, my husband bought diamonds for anniversaries. They contain all the colors of the rainbow! I love my sapphires, too.

[@aleynab8583]

@@starrfaithfull6934 I understand that this market is exploiting both it's consumers and resources, but there's a reason they're making so much money from it, its the beauty these gems posess 🙈

[@Roxanne821]

The snarky commentary in this video is hilarious! I laughed out loud the entire time!

[@JohnnyAngel8]

"Nothing says romance like contractual legal obligations." Shows picture of breast armor and a nipple. wtf?!

[@lovelly2]

I have a peachy pink morganite with a diamond halo... I live the fact that my ring is different. Even better, I picked it myself!

[@petuniab.222]

I have a very very pretty opal ( my birthstone) ring next to my gold band

[@TheBLGL]

I love opals, I’m not born in October, my husband is an opal lapidary so I have an opal engagement ring he made.

[@brucejohnson7944]

Absolutely love your humor that you introject

[@conniesetter6620]

Fascinating! Thank you for your research and skills to make this video!👍 🖖🐾

[@ophelian4646]

In Sweden most couples chose plain gold rings. And you exchange rings when you get engaged and when you later marry - only the woman get a wedding ring. But usually a plain gold ring.

[@Ad_Astra2023]

I have a diamond ring that was passed on to me from my mother and it will be passed on to my son when he finds a woman of his dreams. However these days things are different, you can literally get real diamonds that were grown in a lab at a fraction of cost compared to mined diamonds and I don’t see the point of buying blood diamonds.

[@suzyfarnham3165]

There is no such thing as a REAL diamond made in a lab.

[@TinekeWilliams]

Never knew about engagement rings in my country, only wedding rings. My relatives look at my fingers in wonder. Engagement ring, wedding ring, eternity ring. Now I am angling for a 50 th anniversary ring!

[@forecheckbackcheckpaycheck]

finding this channel was a true blessing

[@eliscanfield3913]

Diamonds are overrated. DeBeers marketing team, however, are apparently not. Nobody should be enslaved and/or murdered over pretty rocks. I do have one diamond ring, an inheritance from my grandmother who got it from her grandmother. The band's cooler to me than the shiny pebble. Told my spouse long before our engagement that I had zero desire for another. (and he listened. He did give me a lovely opal pendent to wear for our wedding though)

[@alyssad4963]

The sass in this video is great lol and rubies are my birth stone so I always thought they were the best anyway. It does make me wonder when pearls fell out of favor tho.

[@starrfaithfull6934]

Alyssa, pearls fell out of favor when women began using their hands for more than embroidery. They're lovely, but so soft. Just look at the Moh's hardness scale! Wear pearls as necklaces, ladies.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thank you for this! 💍

[@zach7193]

A interesting and fascinating topic.

[@tlcferguson8243]

I'm not much into diamonds and my birthstone is alexandrite so my husband put one in the main stone of my wedding ring. I also like man made stones, they are much more attainable. Very good video. 👍

[@kirstyclark5467]

My fiancé got me a ring with my birthstone, a lab created(for cost) Alexandrite, it’s the most beautiful ring with its colour changing effects and just so me.❤️

[@spectrem]

I proposed with a pink sapphire engagement ring 👌

[@brendakrieger7000]

Great video💍

[@rhondalong2650]

i would like to hear the history of the wedding dress!

[@pamelamays4186]

The 60's rock band Gary Lewis And The Playboys recorded a song called, "This Diamond Ring". The premise is, some guy is trying to sell the engagement ring his fiance returned to him. Lyrics to the song include the words: This diamond ring doesn't for me shine anymore. This diamond ring doesn't mean what I bought it for. This diamond ring will shine for you, If your love is true. Nowadays, synthetic diamonds are being produced that can even fool the experts.

[@k.karmas1126]

My engagement ring is my birthstone with diamond accents and I love it!

[@maryaltshuller885]

My late husband insisted I had to have a diamond engagement ring. In his opinion that was the best stone of choice for engaged women. I would have preferred a round pearl surrounded by smaller diamonds but I didn't get my wish.

[@knmplans]

Honestly, you were better off with the diamond. At least you (presumably) still have the ring he gave you. It’ll stay as it is, unaltered, and safe until it’s time for you to meet him again. Not that diamonds are indescribable or something that cannot be lost. But they’re difficult to break that’s for sure. Pearls on the other hand are quite soft. They’re really not suitable for daily wear and common cleansers can harm them. Hand sanitizer for example could destroy such a ring. That’s just extra heartbreak. 😥

[@flannelpillowcase6475]

not too late to grant your own wish. just go out and get that pearl and diamond ring for yourself. that's what i would do.

[@Lo_.]

It doesn’t matter what’s on the engagement ring, it matters who gives you it. I swear i prefer a wooden ring over a diamond ring any time. In fact I would hate a diamond ring.

[@emilybarclay8831]

Although it probably wouldn’t last as long as a diamond I think Pearl rings are absolutely gorgeous and would love a Pearl engagement ring. Maybe Opal if Pearl wouldn’t last as long

[@starrfaithfull6934]

@@MsDoIIy Oh, and don't wear them in the swimming pool! Chlorine is BLEACH, and will ruin pearls. I know they show pearls in the pool on movies, but those are fakes.

[@dmc9405]

I initially wanted a pearl engagement ring so badly, but was worried about potentially damaging it.

[@killakaiju]

Is it weird that I got a wedding ring ad right in the middle of this video lol

[@butternutpickle234]

I just got engaged so what a cool topic to hear about!!

[@John231984]

I didn’t know the full on history prior to this. (Love this channel) But when I was even very young (teenager) I didn’t see the point of the expensive 💍 How does that quantify how you feel? Or how things will work out? I did learn a couple of years ago though about the history of having celebs wear them, to make them more popular to market them at high cost. Edited for spelling

[@Turtleproof]

I once proposed using a poem ending in, "Together, we are forming a ring." Later, I was engaged to someone and I wore a simple metal ring, she wore her's on a necklace. Diamonds are great ... for making sharp cutting blades, woop-tee-doo.

[@FaridaKaru]

😁 I love the narrator’s banter, funny

[@heatherstubbs6646]

I love the witty side comments!

[@tastysand05]

I was thinking abt the birthstone engagement ring thing, and i was like "i wonder what my birthstone would like on an engagement ring" then i remembered my birthday is in April lol

[@loriar1027]

When I got married the second time I chose an oval sapphire with two diamonds on the side. I love it.

[@stephaniesilvia9977]

The thumbnail is everything.

[@lenlen1273]

I learn so much about history becouse of you the narrator voice fantastic thank you for making the history so much fun to learn.

[@The1925Run]

I love my diamond engagement ring my husband gave me, mostly because it’s an antique, old European cut stone. It’s unique, beautiful, and conflict free.