Wedding rings costing 3x a man's salary ?

[GodEmperorLeto]

Nice theory, but I don't think it's true. My parents or grand-parents, or great-grand-parents never had a diamond ring. Who could afford a diamond ring until the 1960's, except the very rich ?

Many common Western practices originated with the rich. You're right, not everyone could afford these things. Diamond rings were usually purchased by the wealthy as a sort of bride-wealth or proof of financial security.

It is more of an American phenomenon.

I'll give you that point.

[JimmySeal]

The diamond engagement ring did not become the standard it is considered today until after an extensive marketing campaign by De Beers in the middle of the 20th century, which came to include one of the most famous advertising slogans of the 20th century: “A Diamond is Forever”.

When I do eventually buy an engagement ring, I'm fairly sure it will not be a diamond. Diamonds, in particular, carry a history of human exploitation, and are far overpriced due to artificial scarcity. There are plenty of precious stones that are inherently just as valuable as diamonds, without all the baggage.