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The history of engagement rings
and wedding bands (Part 1)

by Reno Charlton, Guest Author

NOTE FROM STACEY: Occasionally we publish articles from other writers that are helpful to our readers; this article on engagement rings and wedding bands is sure to help you!

 

These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings for granted, and although they give these beautiful items of jewellery with integrity and love, they are often given with no real knowledge of the meaning behind them.

Both wedding bands and engagement rings are very special items of jewellery; in fact, they are more than just jewellery - they are the symbols of many emotions and promises such as:

  • Love
  • Commitment
  • Fidelity
  • Eternity
  • Honour

But where -- and why -- did these popular and sentimental pieces of jewellery stem from?

The History of Wedding Bands

These items of jewellery have a history that spans many centuries and passes through many countries from all around the planet. Below, you will find a brief history of the wedding and engagement ring, as reported from country to country.

EGYPTIANS

The now-famous wedding band is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt, where it is said that plant sections were fashioned in to circles to signify never-ending and immortal love. It was thought that the fourth finger (which we now know as the ring finger) contained a special vein that was connected directly to the heart, and therefore this became the official finger for the wedding band.

ROMANS

The Romans also agreed with the Egyptians with regards to the wedding ring finger and its meaning, but rather than offering wedding bands as a symbol of love, they awarded them as a symbol of ownership. Roman men would "claim" their woman with the giving of a ring.

Married Bliss recommends Blue Nile
Head straight to the site for beautiful wedding rings!

Read part 2 of this article about The History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands.

 

About the Guest Author

Reno Charlton is an award-winning author and freelance writer from the West Midlands, England. She has written many articles providing consumer information on such topics as jewelry boxes and promise rings.

Sites that MarriedBliss.com recommends to check out when you start considering where to look for a ring online:

Blue Nile
All sorts of beautiful options, such as platinum rings and a range of inexpensive rings. Blue Nile is one of the top online vendors for jewelry in the world! Highly recommended!

Diamonds International
Classic options abound at this site, which features a solid range of ring options featuring diamonds, etc. Does not offer the same caliber of wedding ring possibilities in our experience.

Mondera
Quality, a wide range of styles of ring and service that can't be beat. Highly recommended!

 


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Can you help us? We're looking for a good vendor selling antique / vintage engagement rings and wedding bands online. If you know of a site that's worth recommending to our readers, please let me know at stacey@marriedbliss.com.

 

 


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