WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS: THE HISTORY

The idea of wedding rings has dated way back to the ancient Egyptians when they used to exchange rings from braided reeds and hemp. They used to place the ring in the third finger of the left hand. It was a belief that the third finger of the left hand was connected to what is called the “vein of love” and it ran directly to the heart. The ring symbolised love and commitment to one another. At that time, the ancient Egyptians also saw the circle as a symbol of great power and hence, it signified an everlasting promise of bond and togetherness.

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Initially, the wedding rings were made of leather or bone or ivory, but as things evolved, the Greeks and the Romans started wearing iron rings. The wealthier ones shifted even further and that is how silver, gold and platinum rings were born.

Soon enough, wedding rings started becoming even more personalised. Through the Byzantine Empire to the 15th century, rings with figures of couples or more personal messages were engraved. To keep things extremely intimate rings with engraved on the inside. Posie rings were also very popular. A short intimate message inscribed within the ring at this time. Engraved rings are still popular for couples who go for more traditionally romantic rituals and symbols.

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With time the personal wedding rings became even more intricate and elaborate with multiple bands studded with multiple gemstones and diamonds. They were classified into multiple types and settings. One of the most intricate wedding rings was the Gimmel wedding ring dating back in the 15-17th century. The rings were made up of multiple interlocking bands that would sum up as one whole ring. Both the bride and the groom would wear each band up to the day of their wedding and on the day of the wedding, the bride would wear both bands to signify the union of the couple.

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Well, there are no such rules any more than brides and grooms follow. Some go for the traditional type of rings while some go for minimalistic rings with a single stone band or plain bands. Although the ritual of wearing the ring in the third finger of the left hand is still followed and is therefore called the ring finger. No matter which style you go for or nor matter how simple or lavish your ring is, ultimately, all wedding rings signify the pure and pious bond of love that celebrates everlasting commitment and togetherness.

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Talking about engagement rings, they’re given by the man to his future bride as a symbol of her acceptance of his marriage proposal. Research and anthropologists suggest that this tradition dates back to Roman culture when wives used to wear rings attached with tiny keys to signify their commitment with their husbands. In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria devised the very first diamond ring for his beloved. This trend spread among the European culture signifying nobility and luxury. Victorians came up with more elaborate and intricate designs that mixed diamonds with other gemstones of multiple colours and various styles. In 1947, De Beers launched its campaign with the slogan,” a diamond is forever”.  With time the demand for diamond-studded engagement rings increased and till date, it signifies love and union of two people.

Whatever the occasion is and whichever style you may choose, the idea of rings is to celebrate everlasting love, bonding and togetherness between two people and to complete this circle of happiness together.