The engagement ring has been a symbol of love and commitment since Roman times when it was the custom for woman to wear gold rings attached to small keys indicating their husband’s ownership. Then, in 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria commission the first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, and thus the diamond ring became the must-have object for newlyweds amongst the aristocracy and nobility. Fast forward to 1947 when heritage luxury jewelry company DeBeers launched the now classic slogan, “A Diamond is Forever”, and to this day a diamond engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of marriage and the ambition of brides to be.

In 2021 DeBeers has reimagined the engagement ring with the Ten/Ten program which brings together 10 inspiring and innovative designers to re-envision engagement rings for a new generation of couples. The collection uses diamonds ethically and sustainably sourced in Botswana. The accessibly priced, limited-edition collection saw each designer create one ring design which was produced in an edition of ten. The natural diamond industry generates $16 billion in net socioeconomic and environmental benefits, 60 percent of which are retained locally, benefiting communities directly and indirectly, and is of critical importance to the communities where diamonds are found.