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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.
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“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.
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