Course:HIST104/Gold Wedding Ring

Section:
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Class Schedule:
Classroom:
Important Course Pages
	Syllabus
	Lecture Notes
	Assignments
	Course Discussion
[[Category:]]

Origins of the Wedding Ring:

While wedding rings have been worn for centuries, its exact origin is unknown. However, there is an abundance of historical documentation that traces the wedding ring back to the ancient Greeks and Romans - although their use of the ring was to signify engagement rather than marriage. Documentation of the origins of the wedding ring is most prevalent during the early years of Christendom. In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas wrote "Christians first presented a women with espousal gifts, including a ring which was placed on her finger; the dowry was then agreed on; and afterwards came the nuptial service". The rings used during the Roman era up until the writings of Pope Nicholas were made from various metals such as iron, brass, copper, and gold. Additionally, rings during this time were distinct depending on their usage. Rings for engagement were ornamental and when the engagement came to an end, the marriage ring took a more plain shape - as it does today.

The ancient Greeks and Romans wore the wedding ring on the "next least finger of the left hand". Many historical artifacts indicate that this is the reason because the "next least finger" of the left hand contained the vein or nerve that went directly to the heart and therefore the outward sign of marriage (the ring) should be placed on that finger to represent the couple's eternal love for each other. Other sources indicate that the left hand was chosen because it was "less employed than the right hand," thus leaving the ring more protected from damage. Early marriage practices of the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century indicate that the ring was actually placed on the right hand of the bride where it remained until marriage and was then transferred to her left hand.

During the times of King George I and II, the wedding ring was sometimes worn on the thumb, which can be seen in portraits of "titled ladies" during that time. It was also during this time that the wedding ring was sprinkled with holy water by a Catholic priest. However, the ring was not popular with all Europeans. In fact, the puritans attempted to abolish the use of the wedding ring while the Quakers did not use a ring at all because of its "heathenish origin".

Many superstitions were also attached to the wedding ring beginning in the 6th century. In Ireland, for example, the ring was often rubbed on warts or sores in order to cure them because they were blessed by Catholic priests. As a result, the Irish would prick a wart with a "gooseberry-bush thorn through a wedding ring" because they believed it would disappear. The English believed that a sty on an eyelid could be removed by rubbing it with a wedding ring. The Romans believed that the wedding ring finger was sacred and stirred medicines and other vital liquids with their wedding ring finger. Other superstitions included: the loss of a wedding ring meant the loss of a husband's love, the destruction of a wedding ring would result in the death of a husband, and the removal of a wedding ring would also result in the death of a husband.

Wedding Ring Compositions and Styles:

In western countries, most wedding rings are made of white or yellow gold. The materials the wedding ring is created out of appear to be symbols of love and devotion. Gold and diamonds are all materials that represent “forever” in some aspects. Gold has been the most popular metal for wedding rings for centuries and is set for a fresh lease of life as traditional yellow gold comes back into vogue. Its popularity comes from its intrinsic value and its attractiveness. There are different levels of gold bands on the market. The 9 carat gold is cheapest and 18 and 22 carat gold are more expensive. White gold is another choice, but it requires more maintenance. People also choose other rare and expensive metals to make rings, for example the platinum.

Platinum is becoming more popular for the wedding ring these days. It is superior among other metals used for jewelry because its durability and hypo-allergenic properties. Some brides prefer the heft of platinum rings over the lightness of gold because it makes them conscious that they are wearing a ring. Compared to gold wedding bands, platinum rings are ductile and relatively softer than gold but more durable, which allows it to be shaped into intricate patterns of jewelry and still keeps the meaning of durability for a wedding ring. Silver, Wood, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Hula Hoop crisps, Zirconium, Tungsten and Palladium are all materials that have been used as wedding band materials. To choose a suitable wedding band from these various materials is solely based on how the two partners are going to wear the rings. For example, if their jobs involve manual labor but they want to wear the rings all the time, then they should look for a hard wearing metal based on the properties of different metals. Obviously, the design is always another aspect to consider when making the choice. Engravings are common on the inside of the ring, indicating the name of the partner or the names of both parts in the relationship.

Nowadays, wedding bands are becoming more various in styles. There are metal bands, diamond bands, and solitaire enhancers on the market. The most traditional band is the metal band, which is an unending circle, symbolic of a love that has no beginning and no end. The diamond bands and solitaire enhancers are more common for the bride.

Wedding Rings in Different Cultures:

Egypt:

Several hundred years later, the Egyptians began making rings from bone, leather, ivory and hemp. Later, they discovered that metal could also be used to make rings, and as such, it was known as ring money. When a woman received this ring, she would at all times have a claim on her husband's possessions.

Roman:

In Roman times the wedding ring took on a more romantic meaning. Not only did married women have a right to their husbands' worldly possessions, the wedding ring also served as a sign that the wife had unlocked her husband's heart. In order to symbolize this, a key was often part of the wedding ring.

Asia:

A somewhat less romantic significance was attached to wedding rings in the early Asian world where the wedding ring was regarded as the seal of a legal contract. The marriage was sealed with a puzzle wedding ring, which immediately fell apart when taken off. An unfaithful wife would be found out at once if she took off her wedding ring during her husband's long absence. The gold content varies across the world too. Asian countries and countries in the Far East are much more used to purchasing pure yellow gold, which means 18 and 22 carat gold are regarded as the norm. The origins of this can be found partly in religion, whereas in India, gold is linked to superiority, beauty and attractiveness. According to tradition, the more gold the bride is given, the happier she will be. Higher gold content is also considered to be more long lasting so, by investing in long-lasting jewelry, you are directly investing in a long-lasting marriage.

Catholicism:

Contrary to what we often see in films, the wedding ring is not always worn on the left hand. In several countries where Catholicism is dominant, people actually wear their wedding ring on their right hand. For example, Dutch Catholics wear their ring on their left hand, but Austrian Catholics wear theirs on their right hand; and in Belgium it varies according to which region you live in. One of the reasons for wearing your wedding ring on your right hand is that the left is regarded by some as ‘evil'. In fact, the Latin word for left is ‘sinister', which now has negative and dark connotations.

Western Countries:

This way of thinking is apparently not shared worldwide as most Western countries regard 14 carat gold as the norm. In the USA, 10 carat gold is sold and in Germany we even see 9 carat gold. Dutch law states that anything less than 14 carat gold may not even be called gold. Even so, 9 carat gold is becoming increasingly popular. The country of origin plays a major part in the choice of gold content. People from countries where pure gold is the norm often consider 14 or 9 carat gold to be low budget. On the other hand, people who are used to lighter gold actually find pure 22 carat gold too showy and fake.

Russian and French Wedding Rings:

Anyone thinking that we have mentioned all the differences between countries and cultures is mistaken. There is also a wide variety of ring designs. Russian and French wedding rings, for example, often consist of three multi-coloured, interwoven bands.

Celtic Rings:

The rings in Celtic countries are often engraved with a Claddagh design, which symbolizes marital fidelity.

England and America:

In England and America, rings are often worn as sets: First you have the engagement ring, then the smooth wedding ring and finally the ‘eternity ring', which is traditionally given on the occasion of the first wedding anniversary or the birth of the first child.

Native American Tribes:

The wedding rings that differ most from Western designs are the ones worn by the many Native American tribes that still live in North America. Traditionally, they still use the materials and symbols that have powerful links to their own culture. For example, the rings are almost always made of silver and are decorated with semi-precious stones or natural materials such as turquoise, red coral and shells.

History and Symbolism of Gemstones:

Diamonds:

The diamond is one of the most commonly used materials when choosing a stone for both engagement and wedding rings. The size, cut, and clarity of the stone are all notations of its value. Some individuals prefer a large, solitaire stone, while others prefer the entire ring band to be adorned with small sparklers. The diamond is an expensive option, thus adding to the importance and delicacy of rings for the wearers-- something to hold in high value, just as the relationship should be.

Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite:

For those on a budget or looking to achieve a blemish-free stone, “diamond simulants” have been popular choices. Cubic zirconia was best known up until the end of the 20th century, but was often easily recognizable by the wearer for its lighter weight, and by jewelers for its lack of density and shade. In 1998, Moissanite was introduced as an alternative and has been a large success, for its clever imitation of a genuine diamond.

Gemstones:

Many couples may choose a stone of colour, both for the eye-catching flare, and most especially for the representation of the stone itself.

Red stones are historically associated with passion and love, and come in many forms. While the red ruby is an obvious choice, there are also less expensive items such as a red garnet or red tourmaline that may better suit an individual’s taste or price range.

The sapphire is a traditional stone for the colour of blue, and has was at one time the most common colour of the engagement. Blue is denoted for its qualities of purity and spirituality, and may also come in the form of blue spinel.

A green stone such as an emerald is the most expensive and rare form of a stone which represent faithfulness and continuity. One may find this colour as well in both the garnet and tourmaline stones, for a more modest budget.

Alternative Semi-Precious Stones:

Many cultures and faiths have special stones that may represent something specific to the tribe or the region, and will be used as a special way of honouring the group or family of origin. A few examples include the turquoise, opal, lapis, onyx, jade, and agate.

Pearls:

One of the earliest known materials used to adorn wedding and engagement rings has been the ocean-rarity, the pearl. This natural material is traditionally thought of for its uniqueness -- each precious pearl representing the unique love of the couple.

Modern Wedding Rings:

The wedding bands today are considered to be a multi-billion dollar industry; where there is approximately seventeen tons of gold used in the manufacture of wedding rings each year in the United States alone. The modern design of the wedding ring is still quite commonly crafted as a metallic circlet of either white or yellow gold and can host different degrees of design styles, although the plain style is the most common design. More recently there has been preference in wedding bands that feature different types of unique metals. The band is found to be worn on the base of either the right or left ring finger depending on the person’s culture or preference; however the band is quite commonly found on the right hand in most countries.

In the United States it was traditional for only the wife to wear a wedding ring prior to the 20th century and was not until after this period that the husband and wife would both wear a wedding ring. This shift in tradition was a result of successful ad campaigns run by the American jewelry industry that resulted in an increase in double-ring ceremonies from 15% prior to the Great Depression to up to 80% by the late 1940’s. Double ring ceremonies are now a common tradition in the United States, Canada, and some other parts of the world; where efforts are now being made by the jewelry industry to encourage the double ring ceremony worldwide.

The meaning of the ring still retains its intrinsic values from its historical origins; where a man and women express commitment to a lifelong devotion of partnership. However the ring has served different purposes in the past for different cultures. In Ancient Egypt, a man would place a ring on their lovers hand to show that he had confidence in her ability to care for his home. Romans and Greek’s at one period would give their lover’s father a ring as a type of bridal purchase. The ring has also signified a contractual binding of families in which their subsequent wealth would be joined; resulting in families to encourage their daughters to marry bachelors from a particularly wealthy background. The ring more recently is a gift provided during a wedding ceremony to seal the union of both the bride and groom.

Ceremonies are quite common in today’s traditions although they can vary between cultures, religions, and countries. The use of wedding ring is the gift given during the ceremony and is common for different types of gifts to be exchanged instead of a ring, such as flowers, money, symbolic items, and other offerings.