Have you ever wondered when diamond engagement rings and wedding rings first became tradition?

The Romans were the first to wear rings. The comic Roman poet, Plautus, in the 2nd century B.C. was the first to give a ring as a token of love. The earliest rings were made out of iron, however gold rings set with gems became fashionable in medieval times. Colored gems provided symbolism: red ruby was the color of the heart, blue sapphire represented the heavens, with the most desirable and powerful being the indestructible diamond. Diamonds are nature's hardest substance, representing unshakable strength, a suitable gem for "marriage". Ancient Greeks believed the sparkles in diamonds were splinters of fallen stars, creating power and protection to those who wore them.   

Initially, only one ring was used for an engagement and a wedding. In 1477, Maximilian of Austria gave an engagement ring to his beloved, Mary of Burgundy, starting the tradition. At that time, diamonds were looked upon as talismans, or charms, that could enhance the love of a husband for his wife. From this time forward, the royal tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring began to be embraced by people around the world, eventually becoming as much of a milestone in one's life as the engagement itself.

Dual-ring ceremonies, in which both bride and groom wear a ring, were introduced by the Greek Orthodox Church in the 1300s. The custom didn't catch on in America until the beginning of World War II, when young men were forced to leave their beloveds behind, not knowing when and if they would return. Many couples married in anticipation of separation, and wedding bands—one for each partner—were considered critical to the war effort, as a solace to lonely soldiers and as a reminder for brides that their faraway soldier thought of them always.