Gift of Love

By strict traditional definition, bridal jewelry consists of engagement and wedding rings only. In most stores today, however, the bridal section also holds anniversary rings, and perhaps gifts for the bride. It’s where the inventory of unset diamonds is kept as well.

Rings have been given as tokens of love and commitment for thousands of years. At different times, they’ve been made of various metals as well as less durable materials like leather, wood, and even plant fiber. History first records a diamond engagement ring in the 1400s. For centuries after that, diamond engagement rings belonged mainly to royal courtship. They began appearing in the US in the late 1800s, and became a mainstream.

 American tradition by the 1950s.

Today about 84% of US brides receive a diamond engagement ring. By some estimates, diamond engagement rings account for more than 1/2 the total value of the entire bridal jewelry market. When customers choose diamond engagement rings, the most important features are usually the ring’s design and style, the center diamond’s shape and carat weight, the metal the ring is made from, and the ring’s price.