Anthropologists believe that the tradition of giving an engagement ring originates from Ancient Rome. According to Roman custom, women wore rings made of ivory, flint, bone, copper, and iron to signify mutual love and obedience. Later, gold rings were found in the ruins of Pompeii, a preserved ancient Roman city, which proves the precious metal became a popular choice in the common era.
The Roman wives were also known to own two rings – one made of iron worn at home and one in gold worn in public to impress people. The choice of metals was not accidental. Iron was meant to symbolize strength and permanence, while gold was used as a symbol of wealth.