The History of Bridal Jewelry
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A Time-honored Tradition
The custom of sealing the bond of marriage with a ring is common in many cultures and religions, western and eastern. Ancient Egyptian and Roman records report wearing rings on the forth finger of the left hand as it was believed to be connected directly to the heart by the vena amoris, the vein of love. The inception of the engagement ring has been tied to Pope Innocent III who declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage in the early thirteenth century. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was presented by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy as a betrothal gift in 1477. The discovery of large diamond deposits in Africa in the nineteenth century and extensive awareness campaigns by De Beers have popularized the notion of Diamond Bridal Rings for all. Until the twentieth century it was more common for women to wear wedding rings but since World War II as many young men were facing lengthy separations from there wives, many soldiers began to wear rings as reminders of their wives and home.
Ring Ceremony Customs
Promise and Pre-engagement Rings are becoming increasingly popular and are often exchanged by both women and men. Engagement rings are presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride simultaneously to the proposal. Acceptance of the ring is considered a binding commitment to marry. Wedding rings are traditionally exchanged during the wedding ceremony. It is customary to entrust the rings to the best man or have them ceremoniously presented on a cushion by a young ring bearer.
Contempory Usage
Modern convention stipulates that an engagement ring should have single or multiple diamonds as they are considered symbols of eternity and endurance. They are expected to be valuable and to reflect the prospective groom's commitment. In Europe precious gemstones are also popular. Wedding bands send a proud message about our marital status. They can be plain gold but frequently are designed to match the engagement ring. Many people enjoy celebrating their enduring commitment by adding diamond anniversary bands or engagement ring wraps and inserts.
