It was only in the last century that diamonds became readily available. Prior to that, rubies and sapphires were the most popular gems, especially for engagement rings.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy96kxFxh6RwBzzdHSTm00PiLcaFby8TCqXSJClGHON5wsw3C2Q3xSIieEHMsJnovkqZ11SbqTi3VjPFWt3ZO2frAWmlF8JywP-uHZaHRujRqpuN6UAkqizF2TTR-gptmjcIneEcReEs/s320/5158ef9187d73990a223f9c53c185d9a.jpg) |
15th Century [!?] engagement ring set with a natural diamond octahedron in a handmade carved gold and enamel setting. German. |