The Significance Of Wedding Bands

Wedding bands are a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are believed to be the first to use rings as a symbol of eternity, with the circle reflecting the shape of the sun and moon, objects of worship for Egyptians. The open space in the middle of the ring was thought to represent a gateway to the unknown. The tradition was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who used rings in marriage ceremonies. The Romans wore wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand due to the belief that this finger contained a “vein of love” that led directly to the heart. This belief and practice continue to this day.

Wedding bands are worn to symbolise matrimony

The tradition was then adopted by the Greeks and the Romans, with the latter using iron and copper rings in marriage ceremonies. By the 2nd century CE, most rings were gold. The Romans also adopted the belief that the ring finger contained a "vein of love" that led directly to the heart, and this tradition of wearing rings on the ring finger continues today.

Wedding bands are often chosen to be simple in design, sometimes with no adornments, and made from metals such as gold, ceramic or titanium. They are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand and are exchanged during the wedding ceremony to symbolise the special bond between two people.

In Western culture, the wedding band is typically worn on the base of the left ring finger, with the belief that there is a vein from this finger that runs directly to the heart. This belief is not anatomically correct, but the tradition persists.

The choice of a simple wedding band is also meant to be worn for the entirety of the marriage. It symbolises the day of matrimony and is a public declaration of a couple's union.

Wedding bands are placed on the ring finger of the left hand

The wedding band is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the "ring finger", due to the ancient belief that this finger had a vein called the "vena amoris" or "vein of love" that ran directly to the heart. This tradition is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt, with the first set of wedding rings exchanged nearly 5,000 years ago. The circular shape of the ring symbolises eternity, with no beginning or end, and the hole in the centre representing a gateway to things to come.

In the 16th century, King Edward VI of England declared that all couples must wear their wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand. However, this was not a new tradition, as couples had already been wearing their wedding rings on the left hand due to the belief in the "vena amoris".

Today, we know that all fingers have veins connected to the heart and that there is no single "vein of love". However, the tradition of wearing the wedding band on the left hand continues, especially in Western cultures. In some cultures, such as India, Poland, Greece, and Russia, the wedding band is worn on the fourth finger of the right hand. Ultimately, the choice of which hand and finger to wear the wedding band on is a personal decision that may be influenced by cultural norms and personal preferences.

Wedding bands are traditionally made of precious metals

Pure 24-karat gold is soft, so it can be scratched or bent easily, and jewels can fall out. For this reason, gold is usually alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. The gold used for wedding bands is typically either 14-karat gold, which contains 58.3% pure gold, or 18-karat gold, which contains 75% pure gold.

Platinum is another precious metal commonly used for wedding bands. It is one of the rarest and strongest precious metals, making it a luxurious and long-lasting choice. Platinum bands are highly resistant to damage and retain their colour, so they rarely need to be replaced.

Other precious metals used for wedding bands include palladium, a rare silvery-coloured metal with similar properties to platinum, and titanium, a strong, lightweight metal that is easy to maintain.

Wedding bands are sometimes stacked with engagement rings

Wedding bands are often stacked with engagement rings, with the wedding band worn closest to the heart. This is a popular choice for brides who want to embrace tradition.

The bridal set typically includes the engagement ring, which usually has a large diamond or gemstone in the centre, and the wedding band, which is usually simpler in design. The wedding band is given during the wedding ceremony, symbolising matrimony.

Some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, especially if the rings are diverse and cannot be easily stacked. Some brides opt for a stack of three or more bands, often with mixed metals and styles. This allows them to change the look of their wedding set daily and play around with mixing metals.

The order in which to wear the engagement and wedding rings dates back to the early days of wearing wedding rings. On the wedding day, the bride moves her engagement ring to her right hand so that the wedding band can be placed on the appropriate ring finger during the ceremony. After the ceremony, the engagement ring is moved back to the ring finger, with the wedding band remaining closest to the heart.

Wedding bands can be personalised

Another option is to have the band etched or carved with a design that is significant to you and your partner. This could be symbols, such as Chinese symbols or Celtic knots, or images like astrological signs or hearts. You could also include fingerprints or a birthstone gemstone in the design.

You can also create a completely custom-made wedding band, incorporating personalised details that are meaningful to you and your partner. This could be done by working with a skilled jeweller or using an online service.

Finally, don't forget that you can also personalise your wedding band by choosing the metal type and style. Whether you prefer a simple design or something more striking, there are endless options to choose from to make your wedding band unique to you.

Frequently asked questions