The history of Wedding rings can be traced to the Romans. The Romans wore the wedding rings on the ring finger of left hand because they believed that the left hand ring finger connected directly to the heart. They called it the "vena amoris", or "vein of love". Originally, it was only worn by the women, but around the 20th Century men also started wearing wedding rings to symbolize marriage.
In Ancient Egypt the River Nile was known to bring all things good and bad to their people and Pharaohs. It also had banks lined with reeds from where the first wedding rings were made. They were twisted and plaited into a circle that fitted around the finger, but because they obviously did not last for long, they were soon replaced by the use of leather and bone.
This ring was believed to be symbolically linked to various things. The whole meant a doorway to all that is known and unknown. The circle shape was thought to be the same as the Sun and Moon to whom they worshiped, and the fact that the ring had no start or end meant it was linked to the thought of eternity.
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In the early days of Rome, these rings were originally made out of iron, then brass and copper for example.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.
During the Italian Renaissance and then through the 17th Century, silver became the most popular metal used, and then slowly did the use of gold. many rings during these times were engraved with words such as "faith" and "love" around the inside of the shank. Although gold became the most popular, not everybody could afford one, so it became increasing popular to just borrow one until after the ceremony. The Church of England is not particularly bothered which metal is used, just as long as one is used.
Although early Protestant Puritans proclaimed them to be unGodly and that they should not be used. The Catholic Church at that time spoke exactly the opposite, and tried to entice the use of these rings by stating the fact that Joseph and Mary used one made of onyx or amethyst.
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 possessive thoughts.
The first sort of pre-wedding ceremony that involved the exchanging of wedding bands, was when a "gemmal" ring was known to be used. This was made from three separate bands, one given to the bride to be, one to the groom and one to a witness. On the day of the wedding all three rings would be placed back together on the finger of the bride.
The real exchanging of rings as we know it today, is really quite a modern employment, this started at the time of the Second World War. The men who left to fight for their respective countries would wear one so that they could not forget their partners back home and that they may be kept safe from danger.
One of the only Christian beliefs today that do not recognise or wear the wedding ring, is that of the Quakers.
Diamond-set Wedding Rings, & other Wedding Rings, including Ruby Wedding Rings & Sapphire Wedding Rings, are found at http://www.globejewellery.co.uk/.
The wedding rings is like all people. So engagement ring is famous and very beautiful rings.
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