A wedding ring is a constant reminder of the promise to your partner of eternal love and loyalty. It is worn by both women and men as a sign of their commitment to each other, either legally or religiously. It also shows others that you are married and not available to have romantic relationships with other people.
The tradition of wedding rings goes back thousands of years, with the first evidence of their exchange found in ancient Egyptian writings on papyrus scrolls. The rings were originally made from reeds, twine and other plant materials that could be easily twisted into a circular shape and represented the eternal nature of their marriages. They were designed to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, as it was once believed that a vein ran directly from that point to the heart – called the “love vein” or vena amoris.
Modern wedding rings are usually crafted from precious metals and stones, with the most popular being diamonds. The hardness and durability of diamonds make them an ideal symbol of the enduring strength of a marriage. Many couples choose to engrave the inside of their rings with special messages, dates or other words that are meaningful to them. Some jewellers can do this for you, so it’s worth asking when you’re shopping around.
The most important thing when choosing a wedding ring is that it makes you feel comfortable and happy to wear it. Taking factors like lifestyle, job, personal preference, your finger’s thickness and more into account will help you find a design that is perfect for you. It’s also a good idea to buy your wedding ring from a reputable store that offers a wide variety of designs and styles so you can try them on and see how they fit and feel.
As a general rule, most men and women wear their wedding rings for the rest of their lives, though some choose to remove them at times. This can be a practical consideration for people who work in vocations where the ring might get caught on something or could become damaged. It can also be a good idea for people who tend to be very active or messy.
In some cultures, it’s common to switch rings between the left and right hands once they’re engaged and married. This may be because the right-handed people often use their hands for more manual labor and need to protect their rings from damage, or it might be because they’re more likely to have a close relationship with their family members on the left side of the body. It’s also important to keep in mind that your ring can have a huge impact on the way you act and speak, and how other people perceive you. It’s a constant reminder of your pledge to the person you love and that’s why it’s such an important piece of jewelry. If you’re ready to shop for yours, be sure to check out our full collection of beautiful wedding bands at Catbird!