CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of DesignTrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
The cover of Marion Fasel’s new book on diamond engagement rings showcases ring styles throughout the decades, including a Renaissance design with the Latin inscription “I am a token of love” (blue box), a Tiffany setting from 1920 (pink box), and a contemporary cushion-cut diamond set in a gold ring (green box).
New York—A new book is out by author Marion Fasel that examines how long people have been exchanging engagement rings set with diamonds.
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book (7.5 x 9 inches) containing more than 165 images of engagement rings.
Published by The Adventurine Limited Editions in partnership with Only Natural Diamonds, the book explores the history of one of the most enduring traditions in jewelry and aims to dispel any myths about it, including the idea that De Beers “invented” the diamond engagement ring following World War II.
“A diamond engagement ring has long been a universally understood symbol of love and marriage, yet very little is known about the history of the style,” Fasel explained.
“In fact, there are several misconceptions. Some believe diamond engagement rings only became popular after the ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ De Beers advertising campaign launched in 1947, or that the first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.”
Fasel, a jewelry historian and founder of The Adventurine online magazine, said to research the book, she dug through the archives of museums and libraries in New York and Europe, where she found diamond engagement rings depicted in masterpieces from the Renaissance and documented in original manuscripts.
She also consulted experts who showed her historic examples of rings, starting with the first styles featuring point-cut diamonds.
Related stories will be right here …
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book (7.5 x 9 inches) containing more than 165 images of engagement rings.
Published by The Adventurine Limited Editions in partnership with Only Natural Diamonds, the book explores the history of one of the most enduring traditions in jewelry and aims to dispel any myths about it, including the idea that De Beers “invented” the diamond engagement ring following World War II.
“A diamond engagement ring has long been a universally understood symbol of love and marriage, yet very little is known about the history of the style,” Fasel explained.
“In fact, there are several misconceptions. Some believe diamond engagement rings only became popular after the ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ De Beers advertising campaign launched in 1947, or that the first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.”
Fasel, a jewelry historian and founder of The Adventurine online magazine, said to research the book, she dug through the archives of museums and libraries in New York and Europe, where she found diamond engagement rings depicted in masterpieces from the Renaissance and documented in original manuscripts.
She also consulted experts who showed her historic examples of rings, starting with the first styles featuring point-cut diamonds.
“It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my career to bring the story to light of just how long and consistently diamond engagement rings have been treasured, how the style has changed and remained the same over the centuries and falling in love with the romantic stories behind the rings from engaged couples,” Fasel said.
In addition to chronicling the history of diamond engagement rings, the book includes style guides sharing diamond vocabulary, and diagrams of the parts of rings.
There are also reviews of celebrity engagement rings, from Britain’s Queen Charlotte (ruled 1761-1818) and 19th-century English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning to more modern ladies, like Grace Kelly, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lawrence, and Blake Lively.
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” comes out today.
It is a hardcover, limited-edition book that retails for $35.
It is available via the Natural Diamond Council’s website, Amazon.com, and at independent bookstores across the country.
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
