A wedding ring is not just a piece of jewellery but it is a sign of a couple’s commitment to one another. As such, it is important for couples to ensure that their wedding rings reflect that sentiment and are a constant reminder of the marriage they are entering into. The meaning behind the ring may seem obvious but it is worth exploring as there are many layers of significance that a simple band can hold.
The oldest known rings were worn by ancient Egyptians, who wore them as signs of affection and fidelity. They were crafted from ivory, bone or even iron. The Greeks and Romans continued the custom of presenting rings to newly married couples and engraved them with symbols of love, wealth and status.
During the Middle Ages, rings became a central part of a Christian marriage ceremony. The Roman fede (a ring that showed clasping hands) gave way to the gimmel ring, which had two interlocking bands. During this time, rings were also set with precious gemstones, which had symbolic meaning. For example, rubies reflected passion and sapphires represented heaven. In the 1300s, the Pope dictated that Catholic ceremonies should include a ring exchange, and the Greek Orthodox church began using rings in their rituals as well.
In colonial America, wedding rings were considered tangible representations of marital vows and legal contracts, as well as a symbol of fidelity and the promise of a shared future. They were often accompanied by handwritten documents as proof of the couple’s intent to wed. The modern ring is typically a solid gold or platinum band that combines both traditional and contemporary styles. Many couples choose to include diamonds or other gemstones in their ring as symbols of love and strength, and some bands have original engraving designs as a nod to history.
Aside from the countless ways that a ring can be customised to reflect a couple’s unique relationship, a major reason for selecting a wedding ring is its durability and the ease with which it can be worn every day. In order to ensure that the ring is comfortable to wear and won’t get damaged, it’s important to select a metal that’s both durable and hypoallergenic.
While most wedding rings are made from silver, gold or platinum, some couples opt for other durable options such as titanium and tungsten. These metals are harder than gold and are more resistant to scratches. They’re also more resilient against heat and are able to resist damage from hard work or playing sports.
For most brides, it’s a good idea to choose a wedding ring that matches or complements their engagement ring. The colour and style should match and blend seamlessly. It’s also a good idea to purchase the ring early in the process to avoid having to rush or risk having to resize it later on, especially if you’re unsure of which size to buy.