“With this ring, I thee wed”
There is no greater symbol of a marriage than a wedding ring.
In modern marriages, two rings are often given to symbolize eternal love and two lives coming together as one. The first is a diamond engagement ring which is often a must-have item in a proposal. The second is a wedding ring or wedding band which is usually exchanged during the wedding ceremony. However, have you ever wondered why couples seal their marriage vows with a ring and why a wedding ring is such a powerful symbol of love?
History Of The Wedding Ring
The tradition of giving a wedding ring dates as far back as the Roman times and was set in a perfect circle to symbolize eternal love. Metal was used for its long-lasting properties and some of the very first rings were simply made out of simple iron! Later, as the economy improved, precious metals such as gold and platinum were used in wedding rings as a symbol of how precious the marriage and covenant between man and wife was.
However, in olden times, the wedding ring was more than just a promise of love. It was also often linked to the giving of earnest money and according to the prayer book of Edward VI, the groom was required to hand the bride a purse of gold and silver coins together with the words “This gold and silver I give thee” after the rings were exchanged!
Traditions Of The Diamond Engagement Ring
Engagement rings did not feature widely in olden times as times were hard and one ring was what most could afford. In 1477, a wealthy Austrian aristocrat presented his beloved a diamond ring which is believed to start the diamond engagement ring trend across Europe’s wealthy. Diamonds, as nature’s hardest substance, started to symbolize the unbending love and eternal promise between a husband and wife.
De Beers, the powerful diamond company, too played an important role in stoking the diamond engagement ring fire. With their powerful campaigns promising “A Diamond Is Forever” and diamonds are priceless just like true and eternal love, the demand for diamond rings started to sky-rocket throughout the 20th and 21st century.
Today, most brides are presented a diamond engagement ring by their fiancé to signify their precious love and as a formal promise to marry her. This ring will then be exchanged with a simple wedding band during the wedding ceremony. Modern wedding rings are simple bands as they are usually worn throughout each other’s lives, which makes wearing a diamond ring less practical. Nevertheless, the diamond engagement ring continues to remain a precious keepsake to a woman and just as important to her as her wedding ring.
Photo credits: The Knot