In the past, promise rings for couples represented more than a couple’s love and commitment to marriage. They also symbolized various legal and practical conditions.

Rings have evolved with values and culture over many centuries. In the past, engagement rings served three major purposes:

Status indicator - Marriage today is often seen as a decision made by two people in love. However, that wasn't always the case. In ancient Rome and in other cultures, marriages were arranged by families as a means to raise the status of one family over another. The ring became a symbol for the legally binding agreement that was made between families. It also signified that the woman was now her husband's wife. The matching couple jewelry of the time were made from iron and did not have any embellishments. Some would wear rings in gold with inscriptions or features to symbolize their husband's wealth. The Romans also implemented the first legal regulations surrounding monogamy, divorce, and dowries.

A reminder of faithfulness - during the Renaissance, these rings were worn primarily by women to remind them to remain faithful. The rings are said to be made up of multiple pieces interlocked so intricately that they would fall off a finger if removed. The ring would alert her husband to the fact that she has been unfaithful.

When we add design elements to wedding bands and engagement rings, it is a sign that the Victorian era has passed. This time period was known for its sentimentality and the people took more care to create rings that were beautiful rather than functional. Rings often featured elaborate designs, such as flowers, hearts and gemstones. Prince Albert proposed Queen Victoria wearing a ring with an emerald-headed serpent. As a result, the Victorians made diamond rings accessible to the middle-class as a consequence of the diamond rush that occurred in the mid-19th Century. This was the time when the diamond rings became popular. Although they had been a long-time favorite of high society, this trend took off. Engagement rings have evolved as fashion and styles have changed.

What are the origins of diamond matching couple necklaces?

In history, engagement rings gained popularity many years after wedding bands. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian gave Mary of Burgundy the first engagement band. The ring had a row of diamonds that were shaped in an "M."

Diamonds have been used as an engagement ring for many years.

Durability – Diamonds represent the eternal love and commitment of a couple.

Uniqueness: No two diamonds look alike, and no two couples have the same love story.

Although the rings have a multi-faceted history and meaning, more and more couples are choosing to use alternative stones for their wedding or engagement rings. Take a look at some of the celebrity choices.

Kate Middleton is the Duchess Of Cambridge and she wears a 12-carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

Emma Stone wears pearl and beige gold ring

Katy Perry's pink-and diamond daisy engagement rings

Anna Paquin is wearing a ring with a Moonstone.

Halle Berry wears an emerald and rustic gold engagement ring

It may be worth considering a lab-created alternative to diamonds, such as the Nexus DiamondTM, which can give you the look, feel and appearance of a diamond at a fraction the price.

Start Your Tradition With a Nexus Alternative Diamond(tm).

Wedding bands and engagement rings are steeped with tradition and history, so you might feel that there are certain rules to follow. The truth is that you can design your engagement ring to reflect you and your partner.

Couplesets' diamond stimulants created in a lab may be just the thing to adorn your engagement ring.

These beautiful diamond-like alternatives are affordable, ethical, eco-friendly, and don't require mining. This makes them a perfect choice for those who want a gorgeous symbol that will last for a lifetime.