Wedding Rings otherwise known as Wedding Bands, were thought to be first used Ancient Egypt, around 4800 years ago.
This ring is usually worn (depending upon Country) on the third finger of the left or right hand, known as "vena amoris" or "vein of love" by the Romans who thought it linked directly to the heart. Always used as a symbol of marriage and originally worn by the women only. Since around the start of the 20th Century, it is now universally accepted to be worn by the man also.
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The first rings of this sort were made from reeds that sat on the banks of the River Nile in Ancient Egypt. Although they did not last for very long and were soon replaced by bone and leather, these reeds were intertwined and plaited around the finger to form a ring. Not only did this river famously bring everything else to the Egyptian peoples and their ruling Pharaohs, they also brought the original wedding ring.
The shape was thought to mimic their worship to the Sun and Moon, and because it had no start or no end, it also symbolised eternity. The whole was supposed to be their entry into all that was unknown or known.
When the women accepted this ring from her partner, it was originally thought to form a legally binding contract in that she now belonged to the man.
In the early days of Rome, these rings were originally made out of iron, then brass and copper for example. Those who could afford more precious metals, started to purchase rings made up of silver and gold. Some even added precious stones such as diamonds that meant they would have an indestructible relationship. or rubies that gave them everlasting love. This is often still done today.
Through the time of the Italian renaissance, silver took over in the most popular metal used, and so it did then through England and France throughout the 17th Century. Also during these times gold began to show more prominence with many wedding rings being engraved around the inside with such words as "faith" and "hope". As gold became the norm for such items, then those who could not actually afford one for their wedding day, could borrow one until after the ceremony! The Church of England does not concern itself with the design or metals used, just as long as there is one for the ceremony.
The Catholic Church has always promoted the use of these wedding rings due to the fact that Mary and Joseph used them made of onyx or amethyst. Oppositely the early Protestant Puritans said that they were in fact a sacrilege, and should not be worn.
Just as it should today, the wedding ring always had to fit correctly, because if it was too loose it could bring about unfaithfulness and recklessness, but if it was fitted to tight, it could allow jealous and possesive thoughts.
The first rings that were used in exchange during pre-wedding ceremonies, were known as "gemmel rings". These were formed of three separate bands that each would be given to the future groom, future bride and a witness. On the actual day of the wedding these rings would then all be placed as one on to the finger of the bride to complete the ceremony. The way the bride and groom exchange wedding rings today, did not really start off until the start of World War II. The men that went away to fight for their country were presented them by their wives in the hope that they would keep them always in their heart and mind, and make sure they return safely.
One of the only Christian beliefs today that do not recognise or wear the wedding ring, is that of the Quakers.
The shape was thought to mimic their worship to the Sun and Moon, and because it had no start or no end, it also symbolised eternity. The whole was supposed to be their entry into all that was unknown or known.
When the women accepted this ring from her partner, it was originally thought to form a legally binding contract in that she now belonged to the man.
In the early days of Rome, these rings were originally made out of iron, then brass and copper for example. Those who could afford more precious metals, started to purchase rings made up of silver and gold. Some even added precious stones such as diamonds that meant they would have an indestructible relationship. or rubies that gave them everlasting love. This is often still done today.
Through the time of the Italian renaissance, silver took over in the most popular metal used, and so it did then through England and France throughout the 17th Century. Also during these times gold began to show more prominence with many wedding rings being engraved around the inside with such words as "faith" and "hope". As gold became the norm for such items, then those who could not actually afford one for their wedding day, could borrow one until after the ceremony! The Church of England does not concern itself with the design or metals used, just as long as there is one for the ceremony.
The Catholic Church has always promoted the use of these wedding rings due to the fact that Mary and Joseph used them made of onyx or amethyst. Oppositely the early Protestant Puritans said that they were in fact a sacrilege, and should not be worn.
Just as it should today, the wedding ring always had to fit correctly, because if it was too loose it could bring about unfaithfulness and recklessness, but if it was fitted to tight, it could allow jealous and possesive thoughts.
The first rings that were used in exchange during pre-wedding ceremonies, were known as "gemmel rings". These were formed of three separate bands that each would be given to the future groom, future bride and a witness. On the actual day of the wedding these rings would then all be placed as one on to the finger of the bride to complete the ceremony. The way the bride and groom exchange wedding rings today, did not really start off until the start of World War II. The men that went away to fight for their country were presented them by their wives in the hope that they would keep them always in their heart and mind, and make sure they return safely.
One of the only Christian beliefs today that do not recognise or wear the wedding ring, is that of the Quakers.
J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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