Wedding Bands Through the Times
The Historical Past of Engagement and Wedding Rings
Engagement rings and wedding bands have been in existence for a long time. For the ancient Egyptians, the spherical form of engagement bands depicted forever, and was worn on the ring finger. The Egyptians theorized the vein found in the ring finger, or the vena amoris, led straight to one’s heart. These first betrothal rings were often made from hemp, but those who required more durable rings chose to have them made from bone or ivory.
The effective use of engagement bands were gradually observed by the ancient Romans, with slight variations. The engagement rings men gave to their potential spouses often had a key chiseled into them, which is often theorized to symbolize the key to the man’s heart. Nearly all researchers, then again, believe the key was a symbol of the unlocking of wealth that comes with a civil union or marriage with a dowry. Roman girls often received two engagement bands from their husbands: a gold one to wear in public areas, and an iron one to wear at home while working on household tasks.
In the US, thimbles were often used as a betrothal present and a sign of everlasting company. Women often removed the tops of these special thimbles to produce a ring. In Europe, the particular origin of engagement bands is not known, but is often traced back to the Posie ring. Posie rings have short inscriptions engraved on their outer surfaces, and were often used as a straightforward lover’s tokens, betrothal bands, or wedding bands.
Wedding and engagement rings designed to be one and the same, nonetheless they gradually divided into two several types of rings. The standard engagement ring includes stones, generally often a diamond, which supposedly symbolize the couple’s timeless adoration for each other. In 1886, Tiffany and Co. unveiled a ring design with six-clawed mount for a solitaire diamond on it, and this took over as the stereotype for engagement bands.
Today’s regular wedding bands are straightforward, similar to the first betrothal bands used by the Egyptians and Romans. Though they also come in a variety of variations, the majority of young couples prefer to have straightforward gold bands. Right before World War II, wedding rings weren’t frequently worn by men. Through the war, on the other hand, a lot of men began using wedding bands to remind themselves of their life partners and the entire family at home. Nowadays, regardless of what their layout is and what substance they’re made from, wedding rings usually are bought in matching pairs.
Designing Your Individual Engagement and Wedding Rings
With all the variety of available options, you may personalize your engagement or wedding rings as you see fit. You don’t need to stick with diamonds and yellow gold if you don’t want to. A few young couples choose to have distinct stones placed on their rings, or have them cast in white gold or platinum. A few of the more deviant lovers have their rings tattooed onto their fingers and don’t use metal rings at all. It all relies on what you and your spouse require to use to symbolize your love for each other.
Jay Mackenzie is looking for diamond engagement rings and other available wedding bands options.
Processing your request, Please wait....
