Diamond Wedding Rings & Wedding Bands

The romantic traditions associated with rings resounds throughout history. Since the time of the Pharaohs the ring, in the form of a circular band, has been regarded as a symbol of eternity a constant reminder that happiness and love have no beginning or end.

In Roman times it was an established tradition to give a ring as a public pledge that the marriage contract between a man and a woman would be honoured. Early Christians later adopted this custom and the ring became an integral part of the marriage service.

The significance of the ring was soon enhanced by the addition of gems. Coloured gems were often used because of the symbolism of particular colours, but it was the diamond that was most highly prized. It's beauty, rarity and strength thought to epitomise the virtues of the marriage covenant.

The symbolism and the custom of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger is credited to a number of origins. In Christian wedding services the priest arrives at the fourth finger after touching three fingers on the left hand "In the Name of the Father...Son..and Holy Ghost". A more romantic and less orthodox explanation harks back to Egyptian times where it was held that the vena amoris (vein of love) flowed from the third finger of the left hand directly to the heart.

Despite many profound changes the world has undergone since the time of the Pharaohs it is heartening to note that the simple tradition of exchanging rings as a symbol of love and commitment remains intact, as meaningful an act today, as it ever was.

(Source: Matlins, Bonanno, & Crystal, Engagement & Wedding Rings, New York, GemStone Press, 1989).