There are many different slogans and advertising campaigns that stick in your mind, but the one that says that a diamond is a girl’s best friend seems to be universally known. In reality diamond wedding rings aren’t that old of a tradition, and neither is the tradition of both men and women exchanging wedding rings. Not too long ago only the woman wore a wedding band and the man typically didn’t 

Most people agree that the couple sets of wedding rings actually started to become highly popular or commonplace after World War I, the Korean War and were well established by World War II. Men going off to war wanted a reminder of their lives at home and a wedding ring was the ideal option. Generally these wedding rings were plain gold or silver bands, some with a bit of minor design. 

It wasn’t until the DeBeers advertising campaign in 1938 that diamond wedding rings for women and men really came into fashion for the average couple. Their famous slogan of the marketing campaign was “A diamond is forever”, and it really skyrocketed the demand of diamond wedding rings.

Now it is very common to see diamond wedding rings for both men and women, although the styles are slightly different. Typically most styles of diamond rings for women tend to use larger diamonds that are raised above the band, creating vibrant and very beautiful rings.

Diamond rings for men tend to be inset into the band, presenting a flatter type of surface. While this is not true for all men’s wedding rings, even with the slightly elevated diamonds they are not in the cathedral and raised settings you see in women’s rings.

Besides marketing and selling, adding diamonds to wedding rings adds another meaning to these rings. Diamonds are known to be durable and lifelong, making a great matching message for how people want to see their future together as husband and wife. 

Newer and older styles of diamond wedding rings don’t just use diamonds in isolation. Many styles for both men and women feature other precious and semi-precious stones.  Popular combinations with diamonds include garnet, peridot, topaz, opal and even pearls, along with emeralds, sapphires and rubies. 

The tradition of exchanging wedding rings is one that is here to stay. Wedding rings as a symbol of love, commitment and faithfulness to each other are a much loved part of the marriage ceremony, and one that really does have lifelong meaning.

 

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