A ring is often the symbol of love, commitment, and eternity. And it’s not just any ring: Wedding rings are steeped in tradition and meaning, dating back thousands of years across cultures around the world.
Whether they’re made of precious metals like gold and platinum or alternative metals such as titanium and palladium, today’s wedding rings have many options for customization and design. They can feature gemstones, unique patterns and matching elements that tie the couple together. Some even include special quotes or messages to their significant other, as well as their children or grandchildren.
The traditional ring worn to signify marriage is the wedding ring, but other types of rings have been used as early as ancient Egypt. For example, some of the Egyptians wore rings on their fourth finger, believing it had a vein that led directly to the heart. The ancient Greeks and Romans carried this custom forward, and rings on the fourth finger became known as a symbol of love.
As the centuries passed, a lot of changes took place in the ways people celebrated their marriages. For example, in the 1800s and early 1900s, Art Deco rings were all the rage. These geometric styles influenced art, architecture, home decor and fashion. And, during this time, it’s when the first “his and hers” matching wedding rings began appearing.
After World War II, the popularity of wedding rings increased, especially among men. Previously, only brides wore them, but men joined in during the 1940s, and this trend continued into the modern day. Currently, wedding rings are part of almost all marriage ceremonies in the United States and many other countries. They are also worn by many people in India, Russia and Scandinavian countries, as well as some Eastern European and South American nations.
Today, wedding rings are usually worn on the left ring finger in most countries where English is the primary language. However, this is a cultural practice that differs from the Middle East and other areas of the world where people wear their wedding rings on the right hand.
A few centuries ago, some couples opted to wear the same ring because they believed that it would show their unity as a married couple. Some still choose to do this, but other couples opt to wear unique rings with inscriptions and other symbols that reflect their relationship.
The main message of a wedding ring is not that it proves that a marriage is real or not, but rather it’s a constant sign of the couple’s own rededication and recommitment to their relationship and a way to acknowledge that publicly. This is why you’ll see in movies, for instance, that when a character is plotting to hook up with someone else, they often slip their wedding ring off and put it on their pocket.
While the designs and materials of wedding rings have changed throughout the centuries, the symbolism behind them remains a solid reminder of love, commitment and eternity. Regardless of its size or material, it’s important to take good care of a wedding ring to keep it looking its best. If your ring becomes damaged or needs professional cleaning, consult with a local jeweler for assistance.