Golden bands have traditionally been used as a symbol of commitment and fidelity in marriages. Countries throughout the globe use golden wedding bands of various shapes and designs. In some countries, such as the US, Canada, and parts of the UK, it is also popular to purchase an engagement ring, which is worn by a woman to indicate her intention to be married.

The roots of the engagement ring can be in part be attributed to a special meeting called by Pope Innocent III in the early 13th century. This meeting, titled the Fourth Lateran Council, was called to help continue interest in the Holy Crusades. 70 decrees were introduced by Innocent. One of the decrees introduced by Innocent stated that there should be a longer waiting period between the time that a couple decided to get married and their actual wedding.

Traditionally simple rings of gold, silver, or iron were used as engagement rings. This is in large part because gems were seen as a status symbol and many laws were passed that divided the people into classes. Only the privileged classes were allowed to wear gems and diamonds. Over time these laws were relaxed and engagement rings began to be made with mounted stones. Often a combination of the birthstones of the bride's parents, the bride, the groom's parents, and the groom were used on the engagement rings. This was meant to symbolize the joining of the two families. Some rings even had a special place to hold a lock of the groom's hair.

During the Victorian era a type of engagement ring called a Regards ring became popular. In a regards ring the word regards is spelled out by the initial of the gems that are used: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire. Dearest Rings were also popular, which spelled out the word dearest with the initial of each gem. A Dearest Ring incorporates a Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz.

The use of the diamond engagement ring is very popular today and it owes its roots to the Middle Ages. Diamonds were incredibly valued by the Romans, who believed they had supernatural powers. They were thought to repel poisons, maintain sanity, and dispel fears. The Italians maintained these beliefs as well as insinuating that diamonds helped maintain marital harmony.

Today the diamond engagement is by far the most popular type of engagement ring. It used to be custom for the man to privately purchase the engagement ring and present it to his fiancée when he proposes. This is still continued, but sometimes both parties have a say in the type of ring. A movement was started in the 20th century to encourage male engagement rings, but this was not generally accepted. There are several countries, such as Brazil and Egypt, in which the male traditionally wears an engagement ring. In these countries the male's engagement ring is frequently used as the wedding ring.

Engagement rings are often seen as a form of commitment and devotion to a potential bride. They have a long heritage and are common in several different societies, but are most popular in the United States and Canada.