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
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
