Yaritza Ruiz

The wedding ring is a classic symbol of the wedding rite. Whether the ceremony is religious or civil, the exchange of rings between couples represents the union and marks the beginning of a prosperous life together.

Do you already know how you will want your rings? Read the following article and learn more about this valuable jewel.

1. The origin of the tradition

Archaeologists found evidence of wedding rings in the hieroglyphs of the Egyptians, around 2,800 BC. For them, the circle represented a form without beginning and end, so it symbolized eternity. Later, the Hebrews adopted this tradition around 1,500 BC, the Greeks extended it and many years later the Romans took it up. The latter gave their wives the 'anulus pronubus', which was nothing more than a simple iron band to seal their intention of marriage.

Surrender Wedding

2. Religious eruption

With the arrival of Christianity, the tradition of wedding rings was maintained, although at first the religious authorities considered it as a pagan ritual. However, it was in the 9th century when Pope Nicholas I decreed that give a ring to the bride was an official declaration of marriage Beginning in 1549, the phrase "with this ring I thee wed" was included in the Book of Common Prayer of the Anglican Church, which referred to the giving of a covenant from man to woman.

3. Why did only women use it?

Historically, the reason why the ring was worn exclusively by the bride, both in ancient Egypt and in the Christian world, is because it represented that the woman became the property of her husband. This symbolism is no longer valid today.

Jorge Sulbarán

4. And when men?

This custom was only adopted by men in the second half of the 20th century. In fact, it is considered that the Second World War brought about a radical change in this aspect, as many soldiers from Western countries went to the front lines, chose to wear rings as a souvenir of their wives who had stayed at home.

5. The vein of love

On which hand does the wedding ring go? Traditionally, the wedding ring is placed on the left hand, on the ring finger, because of the ancient belief that the ring is placed on the left hand, on the ring finger. the vein from that finger goes straight to the heart The Romans called it "vena amoris" or "vein of love". On the other hand, the King of England, Edward VI, made it official to wear the wedding ring on the left hand in the 16th century.

Julio Castrot Photography

6. What are they made of?

Originally, Egyptian wedding rings were made of cloth, straw or leather, which they renewed every year in a ritual. Then, when the tradition passed to the Romans, they changed the cloth for iron and, gradually, they changed it, some precious metals were incorporated Nowadays, there are wedding rings made of gold, white gold, silver and platinum. The most expensive and durable are the platinum ones, but also the heaviest.

7. Who said diamonds!

More and more wedding rings are incorporating a gemstone, and without a doubt, the diamond is the stone par excellence that accompanies wedding rings. This is because the word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas", which means "invincible", and as such, its meaning is perfect as a symbol of marriage and the eternal love that the bride and groom swear to each other.

Torrealba Jewelry

8. The purity of sapphire

This gemstone is also widely used in wedding rings, as it is a very popular symbolizes success, truth and wisdom. During the 22nd century, Christians in the West gave their wives sapphire rings as proof of their fidelity, as it was believed that the color of the sapphire faded when worn by an unfaithful wife. On the other hand, many members of the modern British royal family have received rings with sapphire appliqués.

9. Ring on the right hand

Although traditionally it is worn on the left ring finger, there are some countries that culturally have decided to wear the wedding ring on their right hand. Among them, India, Poland, Russia, Germany and Colombia. And another reason to wear it on the right ring finger is widowhood. Some widows and widowers change their hand rings to signify their marital status or, well, when they are not yet ready to stop wearing it.

Zimios

10. Rings with your own stamp

Many couples are looking for unique wedding rings, and although they are usually inscribed with the bride and groom's name and the date of the wedding, it is becoming more and more common to find unique wedding rings. record personalized messages Or go directly to a jeweler and ask for an exclusive design of wedding rings with a special material or a very personal model for the couple.

Have you already decided what your wedding rings will look like? If you want something classic but unique, you can incorporate a short and meaningful phrase, a symbol that will accompany you in this new family project you are about to undertake.