The Quiz: Who gave the first known diamond engagement ring?
King Henry VIII
Napoleon Bonaparte
Alexander the Great
Archduke Maximilian of Austria
Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who would later become Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, is believed to be the first man to propose with a diamond engagement ring. The lucky lady was Mary of Burgundy (also known as Mary the Rich). Mary reigned as the Duchess of Burgundy for five years until her death at 25 years old in 1482. To unite the households, Maximilian sent a diamond engagement ring — the first such ring in history — along with his proposal. The ring reportedly featured the letter “M” in diamonds. He didn’t know it at the time, but that ring started a trend that continues to this day.
The correct answer to this quiz is Archduke Maximilian of Austria.