Modern symbolism in the form of tattoos or jewellery other than the traditional wedding ring are creeping their way into the wedding ceremony but there is something essentially so simple and pure about a band of precious metal, gold, platinum, silver or any other metal, that still captures the imagination of even the most contemporary of brides, many of whom still opt for the simple wedding band as a symbol of their marriage. The symbolism of the ring is set deep in antiquity, thought to date back to 17th century Europe or even as far back as ancient Egypt. The tradition of placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand is a custom believed to have derived from the Egyptians who believed that the ring finger and the heart were joined directly by a ‘vein of love’: placing a wedding band on the third finger of the left hand was designed to denote the eternal aspect of love. The wedding ceremony, during the 17th century, actually incorporated the ring into the ceremony in a far more integral manner than it is used today. As the priest intoned the blessing ‘In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit’ the groom slid the ring firstly on the bride’s thumb [the Father], then on her index finger [the Son], and then on her middle finger [the Holy Spirit]. It came to rest on her third finger as this was the first finger free following the blessing.Wedding rings have to last as they are intended to remain on your finger for the rest of your life, no matter what tough jobs your hands have to take on. As such, it needs to be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of everyday life. Most couples choose their wedding rings together. This is pretty important as both the potential bride and potential groom will have to live with their decisions, so take your time and choose carefully. I have noted over the years the different styles of wedding rings available, from the narrow 22 carat gold utility band worn by my mother who married in 1950, to my own wedding ring when I married in 1972. This was a wide 9 carat gold band. I remarried in 1989 and my new wedding ring was in a wishbone style, carefully chosen to accommodate the chevron shape of my diamond engagement ring. My husband’s ring, meanwhile, was a hand-made twisted ring, one strand being ordinary 9 carat gold and the other strand being 18 carat white gold – a ring which he is still very proud to wear almost 20 years later.
Weddings are filled with superstition and history, and the most historically significant of all of these is the wedding ring. Hieroglyphics of weddings have taught us that the wedding ring existed almost 5,000 years ago in the time of the Ancient Egyptians. Made of found items such as leather or bone, the ring was worn on the 4th finger of the left hand, where it was believed the starting point of the Vena Amoris was. The Vena Amoris was believed to be a vein connecting directly to the heart, and wearing a wedding ring there would connect the couple in love and destiny.
In the time of the Roman Empire, awkward and lumpy rings were created of metal, and though still worn on the left hand’s fourth finger because of the Vena Amoris, they became a sign of ownership of the bride rather then a symbol of love and destiny.
Puzzle rings became popular about 2,000 years ago when Asian hierarchy would place them on each of their wives’ fingers before traveling. They believed that if the ring were removed, she would not be able to put it back together.
Wedding rings have improved greatly from the time of leather and bones.
When planning a wedding, it’s important to have control over the wedding budget, and this includes purchasing the wedding rings. Hopeful grooms-to-be are currently spending an average of two months salary on an engagement ring, and TheKnot.com recommends spending about 3-5% of your total wedding budget on wedding bands. The wedding ring you select will be with you for a very long time, so it is important to get the most out of your ring budget. Eternity Wedding Bands offers a beautiful selection of high quality diamond wedding bands at very affordable prices. In fact, if you find a lower advertised price on a ring of the same quality, Eternity Wedding Bands will beat the price by 10%, so you can get the rings you have always wanted at a price you can afford!
Engagement Ring From Here To Eternity
Throughout history, diamond engagement rings did enjoy popularity among those who were wealthy and those who were royalty. Engagement ring encompasses in them the sense of love, commitment and fidelity. These are given at a very special moment in the life of two people, promising an eternal love and honor between the two. These rings hold their special place in the life of the people from very long. The invention of wedding rings and engagement rings is attributed to the ancient Egyptians, but the use of those rings had been there for quite long. But the purpose of engagement and the wedding rings did not change so much over the years, conveying deep emotions of eternal love, eternal happiness, eternal commitment, and eternal togetherness.
These rings are one of the most special gifts that you can get. These rings signify eternity between the two that is the giver and the receiver. An engagement ring is a complete circle with no break and no end or beginning, it is only eternal which means it just goes on and on.
An engagement ring is often intentionally expensive as a sign of man’s permanency. It is typically a precious band and mounts a diamond or other gem. The reason for its expensiveness is the use of diamond in it. Most people choose a diamond engagement ring. The argument for a diamond is that it is the most enduring, beautiful and expensive gem.
An engagement is an agreement or promise to marry, and also refers to the time between proposal and marriage. Engagements have no predetermined length, and may range from days to years. During this period, a couple is said to be affianced, engaged to be married, or simply engaged. Ring is a romantic way to recognize an engagement, anniversary, or any other special occasion. An engagement ring is a beautiful way of expressing love and proposing for marriage to someone. Customs surrounding engagement vary greatly, and may include a formal or informal announcement to friends, family, and community, or a celebratory party or gathering.
As a matter of fact, diamond engagement rings were not to become “traditional” until hundreds of years later
The wedding ring – a romantic expression and symbol of fidelity and love – is an important element to today’s marriage ceremony. Through the centuries, the wedding ring has symbolized many things for couples – and not always the romantic notions we hold today.
The tradition of the wedding ring goes as far back as ancient Egypt, more than 4500 years ago. The Egyptians were the first to link the symbolism of a ring with the supernatural – an unending circle representing eternal love. Egyptians used materials such as hemp or the stems of plants into circles which could be placed on the finger of the bride. Romans, on the other hand, fashioned wedding bands from iron, considered to be a symbol of strength. That was later replaced with silver and gold because of their durability against rust.
Both the Egyptians and Romans supported the belief that the “ring finger” or fourth finger on the left hand, led directly to the heart. And while science has since disproved this theory, couples still hold the belief that the wedding ring is a direct path to the heart. However, for the Romans this practice was not based in romanticism. In Roman society, wives were considered possessions of the husband. A ring simply symbolized ownership. In fact, women had no voice in this decision. Once she was “ringed,” a woman became a possession of the man.
In the Far East, a man presented his wife with a “puzzle ring” that was meant to keep her faithful in his absence. The ring was designed to collapse if taken off and could only be put back together again if one knew the correct arrangement. Puzzle rings were employed especially during times of war or if a husband traveled for business.
The Irish bride has sported a “claddagh” since its creation in the 17th century. Used as both an engagement and wedding ring, the ring features a heart and two hands on the sides and is still in wide use today. Meanwhile, some Jewish brides have a wedding ring placed on their index finger, the same finger used to point to the Torah as it is read.
For the Puritans of early American colonization, the wedding ring, like other forms of jewelry, was considered wasteful and immoral. Men instead presented their wives with thimbles as a symbol of their live and fidelity. Interestingly, this tradition gave way to new brides who would cut off part of the thimble to create a makeshift ring.
Wedding rings worn by men are a fairly new innovation. For centuries, men had no need of a ring indicating their betrothal, as they were considered the dominant partner in the union. However, with the events of World War II separating men for years at a time from their wives, men began wearing a wedding band to indicate their marriage and as a sentimental reminder of the wife waiting at home. The motive was purely romantic which has been carried on in modern times.
In some cultures, the wedding ring is considered the last gift in a series of gifts presented to the bride. This has given way to newer ring traditions, which may begin with a promise ring, presented during serious courtship, followed by an engagement ring and then the wedding ring. Eternity rings are also being given as to symbolize a renewal of marriage or in honor of a special anniversary.
While many countries practice the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand, some cultures, such as Germany, Norway and Greece wear the ring on a the right hand. In other European countries, the engagement and wedding ring are the same. Their status is indicated through engraving or according to which hand the ring is worn.
Today’s couples give much thought to the choice of wedding rings, choosing most often rings made of precious stones and metal. These rings represent more than simply adornment for the wedding day. Wedding rings will remain an important symbol of a couple’s love throughout their lifetime.
Eternity rings are very popular items to pass down from generation to generation. Their superb quality and stunning beauty ensures that they will last and last, from generation to generation. With stones encircling the ring, their style is simple and elegant, so there is no fear of eternity rings ever going out of style. They have been around since the times of the ancient Egyptians, after all. These valued possessions carry on your legacy in a beautiful meaningful way.
When you pass down eternity rings, make sure that you write down the story of the rings. Was this your wedding ring, anniversary ring, or congratulatory championship ring? Maybe you received it for the birth of your child and you wish to heirloom it to that child when you are gone. Passing down your eternity ring can be a very moving gesture. It can symbolize your eternal love for the person you leave it to. It can ensure that the story of your love for your husband or wife lives on in your family.
Make sure that you take care of your eternity ring if you wish to heirloom it. They are very well made and durable, so it doesn’t take much effort to keep them beautiful and eye-catching. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to get into tiny cracks. Use a mild detergent or jewelry cleaning solution to get the stones looking stunningly brilliant. Some people like to dry their eternity rings with a hairdryer after cleaning to ensure that no water spots are left on the stones. This also ensures that water isn’t left down inside of the band between the stones. Check your stones often to make sure that they are not getting loose. It is very unlikely that you would ever lose a stone from an eternity band since the stones are usually set inside of the band, not on prongs, but you should still check to ensure that your ring isn’t in need of repair. Just take a toothpick or other small pointed item and gently try to wiggle the stones all the way around your eternity ring. If you see any of the stones wiggle, then take your eternity ring to a jeweler.
Deciding who to heirloom your eternity ring to can be a difficult decision. Traditionally, daughters or granddaughters are the recipients. If you wish to leave yours to a son, niece or nephew, then that is a good decision as well. If there is more than one recipient, then you may ask who would like to have the eternity ring. You may find that one would much rather have your engagement ring or some other special piece that they associate with you. If you’re torn, you can always have half of the stones mounted in one ring and the other half in another. This is a very thoughtful way to heirloom your eternity ring. However you decide to heirloom your eternity rings, you’re sure to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.