The engagement ring is a stalwart of most marriages. Its origins have been traced back as far as the ancient Egyptians, some of whom have been discovered having been buried wearing gold or silver wire rings on the third finger of their left hands. In the 2nd century, gold rings were used for special occasions and iron rings were used at home. 1477 saw the first use of a diamond engagement ring, and by the 1940s engagement rings had become the leading line of jewellery in most major department stores around the world. Traditional Marriage in Decline Nevertheless, while engagement rings have risen in popularity, marriage itself has declined in…