The Wedding Ring a Symbol of Eternal Love

Modern symbolism in the form of tattoos or jewellery other than the traditional wedding ring are creeping their way into the wedding ceremony but there is something essentially so simple and pure about a band of precious metal, gold, platinum, silver or any other metal, that still captures the imagination of even the most contemporary of brides, many of whom still opt for the simple wedding band as a symbol of their marriage. The symbolism of the ring is set deep in antiquity, thought to date back to 17th century Europe or even as far back as ancient Egypt. 

The tradition of placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand is a custom believed to have derived from the Egyptians who believed that the ring finger and the heart were joined directly by a 'vein of love': placing a wedding band on the third finger of the left hand was designed to denote the eternal aspect of love. The wedding ceremony, during the 17th century, actually incorporated the ring into the ceremony in a far more integral manner than it is used today. As the priest intoned the blessing 'In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit' the groom slid the ring firstly on the bride's thumb [the Father], then on her index finger [the Son], and then on her middle finger [the Holy Spirit]. It came to rest on her third finger as this was the first finger free following the blessing.

Wedding rings have to last as they are intended to remain on your finger for the rest of your life, no matter what tough jobs your hands have to take on.  As such, it needs to be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of everyday life. Most couples choose their wedding rings together.  This is pretty important as both the potential bride and potential groom will have to live with their decisions, so take your time and choose carefully.  I have noted over the years the different styles of wedding rings available, from the narrow 22 carat gold utility band worn by my mother who married in 1950, to my own wedding ring when I married in 1972. This was a wide 9 carat gold band.  I remarried in 1989 and my new wedding ring was in a wishbone style, carefully chosen to accommodate the chevron shape of my diamond engagement ring.  My husband's ring, meanwhile, was a hand-made twisted ring, one strand being ordinary 9 carat gold and the other strand being 18 carat white gold - a ring which he is still very proud to wear almost 20 years later.