Rings and Engagement Rings

Everyday, couples exchange vows and rings as part of their wedding ceremony.  Surprisingly though, most people are unfamiliar with the historic meaning of wearing a wedding ring.

Some early engagement rings were a symbol of the sale of the bride that occurred from the father to the groom.  Also, since Roman times it has been believed that the ring finger contains a vein that is directly connected to the heart.

There are actually quite a few reasons for this age-old tradition.  The circular shape was a sign of never-ending love between the couple, with no beginning or end.  Today we call these rings eternity bands and are traditionally given as wedding bands or anniversary gifts.

In early days rings were used to seal the deal of an engagement only. Thanks to Pope Innocent III in the 13th century, women get two rings: an engagement ring and wedding ring.  He instituted a waiting period between the engagement and the actual marriage and also required that a ring be used in the wedding ceremony.

These days more and more couples are choosing to spice up their wedding rings and go beyond the traditional band.  Diamonds can be found encircling the band of men’s and woman’s rings alike.  Colored stones and even pearls are gracing the tops of wedding bands, as more couples move away from tradition.  Engraved wedding bands are also very popular in the U.S. today.

So whether or not you think about the tradition behind wearing wedding rings, know that you can’t go wrong with your ring selection be it traditional or nontraditional.  Just buy beutiful wedding jewelry you will admire for a lifetime!

C. Sparkles