The initial origins of engagement rings and bridal sets are the same. Whether it was the ancient Greeks, Romans or Egyptians who first thought of symbolic rings isn’t completely clear. Betrothal rings were meant to symbolize a woman’s connection to the man who would become her husband, though the arrangement was more of a business proposition than a romantic union. The ancient Romans used iron rings to exemplify potency and permanence, and the Greeks are believed to have originated the idea of wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because they believed the vein of love connected that to the heart.
Engagement rings became more popular when Pope Nicolas I, in the ninth century, made it mandatory to give an engagement ring – this was to prove a man’s capability of financially looking after a wife. In 1215, Pope Innocent III made a similar declaration though the rings could consist of different metals, including silver and iron, and the rings were meant to be worn during a longer engagement period.