Wedding rings nowadays are a billion dollar romanticism of love, but no one can really say for sure when this age old custom truly began. Some believe that the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt, about 4800 years ago. Sedges, rushes and reeds, growing alongside the well-known papyrus were twisted and interwoven into rings for fingers and other decorative adornments worn by the women in those days.
The circle was the representation of eternity, with no beginning or end, not only to the Egyptians, but many other ancient cultures. The hole in the centre of the ring also had importance. It was not just considered a circular space, but rather an entrance, or door; leading to things and proceedings both known and unknown. To give a woman a ring indicates never-ending and immortal love. The constituents these rings were made of did not last very long and soon were substituted with rings made of leather, bone or ivory. The more expensive the material, the more love revealed to the receiver; the value of the ring also established the wealth of the giver.
The Roman’s also ultimately adopted this tradition but, with their peculiar twist. Rather than offering a ring to a woman as a symbol of love, they presented them as a symbol of ownership. Roman men would “claim” their woman with the giving of a ring. Roman betrothal rings were later made of iron and called “Annulus Pronubus.” They signified strength and permanence. It is also supposed that the Romans were the first to engrave their rings.
It was not until about 860 that the Christians used the ring in marriage ceremonials; even then, it was not the simple plain band as we recognise it. It usually was highly decorated with engraved doves, lyres, or two linked hands. The Church disheartened such rings as ‘heathenish’ and, around the 13th century, wedding and engagement rings were considerably simplified, and given a more spiritual look which was very aptly expressed by a Bishop when he dubbed it a “representation of the union of hearts.”
Rings initially started way back and through time they became symbols of marriage and were named wedding or engagement rings. If you are looking for excellently cut rings, with the highest standard of craftsmanship the go take a look at Wedding Rings Direct. The incredible staff of cutters ensures that you have a smile on your face when looking for a ring for your beloved.