How the diamond became a symbol of love

Diamonds have been prized for their exceptional beauty and rarity for thousands of years. Initially, they were used by the wealthy for religious purposes and as talismans, as well as to embellish clothing and other personal items. Over time, diamonds have evolved to become a symbol of love and affection.

The tradition of giving a diamond ring as a sign of love and loyalty dates back to the 15th century when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gifted a diamond ring to his betrothed Mary of Burgundy. The jewelry was decorated with small, flat diamonds forming the initial "M".

This custom quickly spread throughout the rest of Europe and, in the centuries that followed, it became a common preference for engagement ring among royalty and aristocrats. Despite its growing popularity, diamonds remained a luxury that was unattainable for the majority of the population due to the stone's limited supply in the world.

The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in 1870 greatly increased the availability of the precious stone. From the second half of the 20th century, more and more people began to use a diamond ring to propose, and by the end of the century, it had established itself as a universal symbol of unwavering commitment between lovers.