HOW ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS CAME ABOUT

Image by Sweet Ice Cream Photography on Unsplash

So, you have found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Firstly, congratulations! That’s a huge deal and love should always be celebrated. However, when your loved one was bending down on one knee to place that shiny sparkly ring on your finger, what sprung to your mind?

The furthest thing from your mind was the history behind why humans do this whole routine anyway. Most likely you were caught up in the pure joy and excitement of the moment. It’s interesting however to detach for a moment and delve into the historical aspect of these sentimental rings.

With so many newlyweds springing into 2018, you may well be looking for the perfect ring. If you’re in the hunting stage, you can find a selection of engagement rings in Sydney CBD or in your local area. You will find bespoke jewellery pieces and value for money all in the same place with jewellers such as AE Design Jewellery.

Let’s Get Historical

The tradition has been going since the Egyptian times. In line with marriage being a life-long commitment, the Egyptians saw circles as a representation of eternity. Couples, who were due to be married therefore, would swap rings that were created from interwoven reeds.

Now, why the left finger you are wondering? Well, they also believed that the left hand and finger was the one which held the vein running directly to the heart. Even though this is no longer true, the people of the time believed this so much, the vein came to be known later as Vena Amoris.

Roman Times

The next big movement for the wedding ring was during the 2nd century which welcomed the time of ancient Rome. Now, rings took on a more of a monetary value. They were swapped to give the bride an object of value.

However, unlike the romantic view of the ring today, the bride wore it more as a sign of ownership. The groom gave it to the bride as a symbol of their legal agreement that he now owned her. Not so romantic, right?

When Wedding Rings Became More Glamorous

It wasn’t until 1477 that the first diamond engagement ring was seen. This is when it was more glamorous in Europe for those with nobility to have very valuable jewellery. Some of the rings were even so ornate, poetry and romantic phrases would be carved onto them.

Then welcome the late 1800s which saw the discovery of diamonds in South Africa. As soon as the mining began, diamond production went global. Marketing and advertising all helped the boom and popularity of the shiny engagement ring.

As you can see, the wedding and engagement ring is steeped in history. Some not so romantic. However, it’s interesting to know how such traditions originate and make their way in modern society.

*this article is published in partnership with mediabuzzer

This article may contain affiliate links and I may earn a little commission if you purchase through my link. But this is at no extra cost to you.

21 Comments

    • Wendee
      April 7, 2018 / 9:31 pm

      enjoy your weekend too dear

  1. April 7, 2018 / 3:13 pm

    Such an interesting post, it was so lovely to learn more about the history of wedding and engagement rings! <3

    Sophie | soinspo xo

    • Wendee
      April 7, 2018 / 9:32 pm

      glad you liked it. thanks for stopping by

    • Wendee
      April 12, 2018 / 2:24 pm

      thanks jess

    • Wendee
      April 12, 2018 / 2:25 pm

      yeah, it does

    • Wendee
      April 12, 2018 / 2:27 pm

      it sure is. thanks dear

  2. Yiota www.instagram.com/yiotou_la
    April 8, 2018 / 5:13 pm

    That’s so interesting to know how it all started. I knew about the left hand and fourth finger that connects the vein to the heart, I was wondering a long time ago wanted to find the meaning behind it 🙂

    Yiota
    pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com

  3. April 12, 2018 / 2:41 am

    This post is so informative. It feels good to learn something new. Great post Wendee!

    • Wendee
      April 12, 2018 / 3:51 pm

      thanks Sweetie

  4. Vera
    January 23, 2019 / 9:45 am

    Nice one

  5. June 11, 2022 / 10:00 am

    Such an interesting post, it was so lovely to learn more about the history of wedding and engagement rings! Thanks for sharing!!

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