The tradition of engagement ring doesn’t have any recorded history but most of the theories revolve around the fact the logic that by presenting an engagement ring the man showed his ownership on the woman. Diamond engagement ring is a relatively new custom that marks the beginning of the retail fantasy. The logic behind making the man spend a hefty amount on a diamond was that a man needs to show he loves his woman and can take care of her (financially).
But here's a powerful case in front of you in an age of equitable marriage the engagement ring is an old-fashioned commodity—starting with the obvious fact that only the woman gets one. And like the icing on the cake, diamond ring is the case of retrogressive fantasies about gender roles. What makes it in bad taste —as opposed to tackily fun—is its exorbitant cost (considering it’s not just about a diamond its about a good diamond), its dubious commercially-motivated origin and the cynical propaganda through strategic marketing suggesting a ring as the woman’s proudest possession. As if this wasn’t rapacious enough single woman are told not to wait around for guys but to go ahead and get themselves a "right-hand ring."
