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
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US OpenThe Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary EditionThe three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ CollarThe one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry EmpireThree C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresThe retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US OpenThe pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes OffThe New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, RobbedThe latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster RestorationThe new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ ChallengeParticipants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner LucapaThe investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry RetailSmith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ EarringsThe counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.
