Wedding Rings, Jewelry and Diamond Engagement Rings News

According to a recent De Beers study, four out of five prospective brides receive precious diamond engagement rings. National Jeweler’s 2003 survey found that more than 40 percent of customers planned on buying a certified diamond one carat or larger. And the 2002 American Wedding Study (sponsored by Condé Nast) revealed that average engagement rings cost $3,576: more than 16 percent of the average wedding budget.

“It’s hard to talk about exactly when this tradition of gifting diamond engagement rings started,” says Vicki Howard, adjunct professor of economics and women’s studies at Hartwick College. “Before the 1870s, diamonds were rare. But in the contemporary period, diamond jewelry including diamond engagement rings, diamond wedding rings and diamond anniversary rings have become immensely popular.