The wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment between two people. It’s also a piece of jewellery that will be worn for the rest of your life so it’s important to choose a design that is personal and meaningful.
The idea of exchanging rings as a sign of commitment dates back a long way. It’s thought that the first formal rings were woven bands made from reeds, hemp or leather and given to each other by Ancient Egyptians.
They were usually a simple circle and often decorated with an inscription such as “love always” or the couple’s names. Then in Roman times they began to use metals such as gold and silver to create more intricate designs. The most popular design was the woven style, but they also created flat ones with engraved designs.
In the medieval period, they were more personalised with carvings of faces and even full figures. They then moved on to enamelled and coloured gemstones. But with the rise of Christianity in Europe, the rings were no longer seen as an indication of marriage but rather a reminder of God’s grace and love.
This is why many couples opt to add a cross or crucifix to their ring. It is a beautiful reminder to stay faithful and pray together, especially in difficult times. But it can be a very powerful symbol of hope and faith for those who are not religious.
Some cultures wear their wedding ring on the left hand and others have varying traditions regarding which finger it is worn on. In India, for example, it is traditionally worn on the middle finger as this is seen as a sign of purity and fidelity. In Scandinavia and parts of Eastern Europe, however, it is a tradition that the wedding ring is worn on the right hand.
A plain yellow or white gold wedding band is still a traditional choice but you don’t have to follow the crowds when it comes to the colour or design of your ring. For instance, rose gold is growing in popularity as it is said to represent love. Or why not explore the softer look of palladium, which has a similar appearance to platinum but is much lighter and more durable.
In the past, Jewish brides wore a ceremonial ring with a very low value symbolising purity and a marriage free of complication. Then during World War II, British wartime restrictions resulted in a ‘utility’ ring that was a simple unadorned gold band.
If you’re thinking about adding a design to your ring, or maybe a set of matching wedding bands then contact Anna and Trond at Goldfields Jewellers of Queenstown to help make your dream a reality. They can work with you to create a custom design to fit your personal aesthetic and capture the story of your relationship. They can also help with sourcing and creating rings that are ethically sourced. For more information visit their website or call in to meet with them.