The History of Wedding Rings
Wedding rings have a fascinating history that spans across centuries. They have long been a symbol of love, commitment and unity, reflecting not only personal sentiment but also societal values and traditions. From their origins in ancient civilisations to the modern wedding rings we wear today, the significance of wedding rings has remained rooted in the idea of eternal love and unity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the history of wedding rings to see where it all began and how different cultures have influenced their design and meaning, the materials used and the rituals surrounding their exchange.
Wedding rings vs wedding bands
Traditionally, a wedding ring referred to a ring that incorporated diamonds or other gems. A wedding band was a simpler piece of jewellery that had very few, if any, gems.
However, as styles of jewellery have changed, the terms “wedding band” and “wedding ring” are used interchangeably. Where you live in the world and your personal preference will determine which term you use when referring to the rings that you and your spouse exchange at your wedding.
While there isn’t a difference between a wedding band and a wedding ring, there is a difference between these rings and engagement rings. Often, an engagement ring consists of a gem or diamond, and it is presented when you ask your partner to marry you.
In the instance of this blog, we’ll be talking about the wedding rings, or wedding bands, that are exchanged during the wedding ceremony. There are both wedding rings for men and wedding rings for women, and they are given during the wedding ceremony to symbolise matrimony.
Origin of wedding rings
The first wedding rings can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians when they exchanged wedding bands made from braided reeds and hemp. These rings generally didn’t last long and were replaced by either leather or ivory. The more expensive the material, the more love was shown to the person receiving the ring. The Egyptians were also the first to believe that the vein in the ring finger connected to the heart, which is why they decided to use the fourth finger on the left hand to hold such a sentimental adornment. Similar to today, these rings symbolised everlasting love and commitment between two people – the circle of the ring represented no beginning and no end.
The Greeks and Romans carried on this tradition of wedding rings. Early rings were made from leather, bone or ivory, though it was in this time that the tradition of metal bands began, and iron wedding rings started to be worn. For those wealthy enough, silver and gold wedding rings were sometimes used to mark a marriage. Although much had changed, wedding rings were still worn on the fourth finger on the left hand and were given as a symbol of eternal love. When the ring was placed on the ‘vein of love’ it represented the sacred union formed between two people.
Medieval and Renaissance wedding rings
The medieval period is when we see the emergence of two distinct rings: the engagement ring to mark the betrothal of a couple and the wedding ring presented at the wedding ceremony. During medieval times, Europeans began giving engagement rings with gemstones. Medieval Europeans used rubies to symbolise passion, sapphires to symbolise the heavens and diamonds to symbolise strength. It was also common for couples of this time period to exchange "posy rings" that were inscribed with romantic poetry or religious verses. Some rings also feature religious motifs, such as crosses. A well-known medieval ring is called the Gimmel ring.
The Renaissance was a period of renewal and rebirth for the arts and sciences. Goldsmiths of the Renaissance borrowed from ancient techniques to create unique wedding rings with striking new embellishments. Gemellus, translated from Latin as twin or gimmel rings, are a version of Fede rings (a design used in Ancient Rome) used during this era. They were often exchanged during wedding ceremonies and were decorated with hearts and clasped hands representing the agreement of marriage between the two families. Posy rings were also a popular choice for betrothals in the Renaissance time, with romantic poems inscribed inside the hoop.
Modern-day wedding rings
Today, a wedding is a sacred ceremony in many different cultures and as a result, there are many different wedding ring traditions. The basic premise of two people choosing to spend their lives together remains the same throughout the majority of weddings, but each culture has their own wedding ring traditions. Here are some wedding band traditions from around the world:
US, France, Canada and the UK
In the US, France, Canada and the UK, many people wear their engagement and wedding rings on their left hand, because of the old Latin belief that the vein in the fourth finger of the left hand ran directly to the heart, known as ‘the vein of love’.
India
In Hindu tradition, women are given toe rings (known as bichiya) as engagement rings. In West Bengal, women are gifted iron bangle bracelets, which are plated with precious metals, silver and gold. These are ornately decorated similarly to a Western engagement ring. In some instances, Hindu men gift their betrothed with both the traditional engagement toe ring and a Western-style one.
Romania
Romania has a beautiful custom on the silver wedding anniversary where couples gift each other a silver wedding ring that is worn alongside their gold wedding bands. The aim of this tradition is to celebrate a long-lasting marriage and to commemorate the time they have spent and will continue to spend together.
Ireland
The Irish have their own unique ring that can be used as an engagement ring, a wedding ring or a ring that symbolises friendship. This ring is known as the Claddagh and can be worn on the right or left hand. The direction it faces lets people know whether it is an engagement ring or wedding band. It features a pair of clasped hands, a heart and a crown, representing loyalty, love and friendship.
Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark
In Nordic countries, tradition dictates that both men and women exchange and wear engagement rings, consisting of a simple gold band. Over the recent years more women have been initiating proposals, seeing a rise in popularity for ornate and complex men's engagement rings.
Native America
Native Americans living in North America often choose silver rings embellished with semi-precious stones and other natural elements, instead of the classic solitaire diamond ring. This is because turquoise, red coral, topaz and other precious stones are easily sourced in Native America.
It is clear that traditional wedding rings and wedding bands have evolved over time, but their symbolism of infinite love and eternal commitment has remained a fundamental part of modern weddings. Today, wedding rings and wedding bands hold deep emotional significance across diverse cultures. The best thing about modern-day weddings is that you can pick and choose which traditions you want to embrace and dismiss. We at The Lawrence love helping couples plan their special day and cater to all types of traditional and alternative wedding requests. We encourage you to choose wedding rings that best reflect your preferences and unique love story.
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