History of Wedding Rings

A SYMBOL OF MARRIAGE The History Of Wedding Rings ·Ancient Egypt- 4800 BC Ancient Egyptians would twist plants such as hemp, sedges, rushes and reeds into small It was thought of as an empty circle, representing a gateway to unknown events the couple would encounter together. Eventually, leather, bone and ivory would be used for these bands. It was known that the nicer and higher quality the material was, the wealthier the giver. circles that they wore as rings. Hemp, sedges and reed used Represents a gateivay to future Leather, bone and iwory used Better material showed wealth 1500 BC - 200 AD Ancient Rome Many think the tradition of placing the wedding ring on the left hand originated in Roman culture, believing a vein in that finger, "Vena Amoris," led directly to the heart. Roman men would claim their women with an iron ring called an “Annulus Pronubus," which symbolized the strength and permanence of their relationship. They began to give gold and silver bands, but instead of at the altar, they were given as the groom carried his bride through the threshold of their new home. A sign of ouenership Given when entering their new home A vein straight to the heart ...Middle Ages 866-1300 AD Christians began to use rings in their marriage ceremonies. These initially were decorated with doves, lyres and other romantic images. The priest would place the band partly on the bride's thumb, pointer and middle finger, saying “Father, Son and Holy Ghost," before resting the band on the ring finger. The typical gold-banded wedding ring became popular in Europe (for those who could afford it), and often the band would be garnished with a gemstone. The Church considered these images "heathen influenced," and encouraged the use of plain bands, representing the union of hearts. Embellishments were popularized then discouraged by the Church Priest's ring tradition Adding gems to plain bands 1477 - 1600 .--England & Germany- XIXIX/\|X/ XIXIX/I\X|X, П000000 posy ring, a silver ring with a love poem inscribed inside of the band, became the precursor to the engagement ring. The The Engagement ring didn't properly appear in the Western World until the 15th century. King Maximilian I of Germany proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond engagement ring.. GROAES Inscriptions popularized Noe a worldwide trend First diamond engagement ring United States. 1940-Today During WWII, men started to wear wedding bands to remind them of their loved Styles featuring titanium and cobalt became popular with men. Modern couples select rings they love at a price they are comfortable with. Each ring is as unique as the person who wears it. one back at home. Men began to wear bands Men's fashion evolves A variety of options Shane Co DIAMONDS · RUBIES · SAPPHIRES · PEARLS Sources http://wpic.typepad.com/wpic/2010/12/colored-engagement-rings.html http://www.bhldn.com/explore-contents-a-history-of-the-wedding-band/ http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/A_History_Of_Diamond_Cutting http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/weddings/2007/06/diamonds_are_a_girls_worst_friend.htmlh http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_mla/g/gold_posy_ring.aspx