What is the smallest engagement ring ever gifted to a bride-to-be?
The smallest betrothal ring on record was given to two-year-old Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. When she became engaged to the infant Dauphin of France, son of King Francis I, in 1518, a tiny gold ring, set with a valuable diamond, was fitted to her finger. 6. Where and when did the custom of giving a second (i.e., a wedding band) originate? Giving a second ring, a wedding band, is a relatively recent practice. Since 1477, when Archduke Maximilian I, emperor of Austria gave a diamond betrothal ring to Mary of Burgundy, the diamond has been the gem of choice to seal an engagement. 7. How and where did the traditional engagement ring and wedding band “guard” originate? In 1761, King George III first introduced the tradition of the “keeper,” or guard ring. He presented a band encircled with diamonds to his bride, Queen Charlotte. Today such rings continue their popularity as a wedding or an anniversary band. 8. In which country is it traditional for the bridegroom to give a ring to
