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Wedding Rings: History and the Present

When a man and a woman come together in engagement and eventually marriage, they exchange wedding rings in order to symbolize their union. This tradition has looked different throughout various ages and cultures, but the time-honored exchange of rings is still strong in many cultures around the globe.

History

It is said that the practice of exchanging wedding bands began as early as Ancient Egyptian times. The man and woman would exchange a band made out of plant sections that were formed into circles. Different cultures then adapted this practice to several different forms. Some of these include the middle eastern “puzzle rings” that came apart when taken off the finger (as an “alarm system” against infidelity) and the American colonial “engagements thimbles” that were given to women, who often turned them into a sort of ring once they were married by cutting off the bottom portion of the thimble.

Present

These days, wedding rings are more lavish than plant cutting versions of old. Precious metals and fine jewels (usually diamonds) are used in the rings that couples now use to promise their lifelong love and fidelity to one another.

The most widely accepted precious metals that are used for wedding ring production are gold, platinum and silver. And, while diamonds are the number one option for marrying couples, a wide variety of other precious gems can be incorporated into the bands or they can even serve as a replacement for the traditional diamond.

The Point

While wedding rings are gorgeous to look at and are a deeply embedded part of our culture, the meaning behind wedding rings has not always been clear to all. In the old days, the exchanging of the rings also signified an exchange of wealth. In fact, in the oldest ceremonies, the groom would give the bride a ring along with a pouch of gold and silver at their wedding. In other ceremonies, the exchanging of the rings would be accompanied by a declaration of the “earnest money” that was paid by the bride’s father to the groom (presumably for her care).

Today, the wedding band has shifted in meaning and it is a symbol of promised fidelity, honor and love. The unbroken circle of the wedding ring symbolizes the unending nature of the love that exists between a husband and wife. In addition, it is said that the wedding ring is worn on the left hand, on the third finger, because the vein on that finger is thought to run directly to the heart and the left hand is closer to the heart than the right hand.

Whatever the traditions of old may have been and whatever modern day traditions are commonly held, the ultimate point of a wedding ring is to show the world that you have found your spouse, and that you belong to one another. With this in mind, wedding rings are an important and beautiful part of the process wherein two people become one. So why not enjoy it and choose engagement rings that adequately (or, lavishly) express your love for one another.

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