Sometimes the meaning and significance of a wedding ring can be lost in all of the hub bub of planning a wedding. Perhaps getting your wedding rings seem like another box that needs to be ticked off the list. But, if we stop to think about it for a moment, we realize that wedding rings are the most symbolic items that we wear. Of course, many things that individuals wear can have great meaning to them personally but, in general, a wedding ring is the most symbolic. This is why finding the perfect wedding ring for you is so important.
These small, circular bands of precious metal hold profound significance, representing love, commitment, and the eternal bond between two people. Here we will explore the history and symbolism of wedding rings then offer some ideas on finding the perfect wedding ring for you.
A Brief History of Wedding Rings
The tradition of exchanging rings during wedding ceremonies dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. These ancient civilizations believed that the circle, being an unbroken and endless shape, symbolized eternity and the unending love between a couple.
In ancient Rome, the practice of giving a ring was a public pledge that a contract of marriage would be honoured. Over time, the exchange of rings became more common and eventually evolved into the tradition we know today. As cultures mingled and evolved, the tradition of exchanging rings spread across the globe, carrying with it the symbolic meaning.
Exploring the Symbolism of a Wedding Ring
The Circular Symbolism
The symbolism of the circular shape of wedding rings can often be over looked but it actually has profound meaning. It represents eternity and the unending nature of love. A ring is a circle with no beginning and no end. This symbolism is particularly poignant in a marriage context, where people promise to love and commit to each other for life.
Precious Metal as a Symbol
The choice of metal for a wedding ring can also be symbolic. Traditionally, yellow gold was used for wedding rings because of its workable properties and value. Gold was easy to alloy, form and also didn’t tarnish over time. It also had value, should the wearer require funds in a pinch.
Gold symbolized, and continues to symbolize, durability and investment. By choosing gold for wedding rings, the rings are symbolizing the same. Newer precious metal options such as platinum and white gold are chosen for the same reasons, variations on endurance, strength and value.
A Symbol of Commitment
Perhaps the most obvious symbol of a wedding ring we think of these days is that they are a public symbol of commitment. When a person wears a wedding ring, it signals to the world that they are committed to their spouse.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Ring
In understanding the symbolism we understand the importance of finding the perfect wedding ring. It needs to incorporate all of the traditional symbolism while also symbolizing something personal for you and your partner.
At Posy we encourage our clients to think deeply and carefully about what they want for their wedding ring. It’s different than choosing the colour palette for your wedding or your flowers or even your wedding attire. This is a ring, a symbol, you will wear for the rest of your life and likely pass on to your descendants. It’s an important and consequential decision.
Custom Wedding Rings and Personal Symbolism
The obvious benefit of creating custom wedding rings is that you can incorporate as much personal symbolism as you want. The rings themselves can represent a symbol of your relationship. Or, you can include personalized symbolism such as engravings of dates or text that is important to you.
Ideas to Help you in Finding the Perfect Wedding Ring
- Start with a conversation with your partner. Would you like rings that match or do you prefer different styles? Would you like them to be different but both be the same metal? Or would you both like to do your own thing? Would you like to create entirely custom wedding rings?
- Do some research. Take a look online at different rings and see what appeals to you. Pay particular attention to what you like about the rings.
- Experiment. Come by and visit us to try on lots of different styles to give you an idea what works for you and your partner.
- Once you’ve decided on what you like, have a think on if you’d like to include personal symbolism such as an engraving.
In a world where fashion trends come and go, wedding rings stand the test of time. They bridge the gap between the past and the present and future. Wedding rings are, without a doubt, the most symbolic items we wear, reminding us daily of the enduring power of love.
If you are looking for some inspiration please check out our wedding ring portfolio and if you’re ready to get started please get in touch!
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