Wedding Rings ? Make History by Choosing the Perfect One
Which element of a wedding ceremony is the most meaningful? Is it the bride’s gown? Is it the wedding cake? Is it he pictures? While all of the objects are important, the rule "out of sight, out of mind" applies. Wives occasionally retrieve their dresses from the attic; while husband and wives flip through pictures, to relive their wedding day. Unfortunately, the original splendor of the wedding cake only lasts until the reception guests start devouring it.
Arguably, wedding rings are the most lasting elements of modern wedding ceremonies. Various theories exist about the origin of the wedding ring. While some experts believe that they date back to the Medieval Age, others trace the exchange of the jewelry pieces to prehistoric times. For instance, ancient humans believed that Wedding rings made the man and woman complete. However, the ring remains a symbol of the love between the new husband and wife. The ring’s shape symbolizes the eternal love between them.
THE HISTORY OF WEDDING RINGS
The structure of the wedding ring (including today’s platinum wedding ring) has evolved throughout time. The ancient Romans were satisfied with using unattractive metal bands. Meanwhile, the wedding rings of Hebrew gypsies during those times indicated the couple’s social standing within a particular tribe. In other words, the broader and heavier the rings were, the more prominent the couple was in the tribe.
Besides the symbolism of the ring itself, traditions about how to wear wedding rings have grown throughout time. Have you ever wondered why brides and grooms place the rings on the fourth finger of their left hands? This tradition originates from a Grecian fable. The fable reveals (unscientifically) that that finger’s artery flows straight to one’s heart. However, during Elizabethan times couples actually wore wedding rings on their thumbs as an elaborate fashion statement.
Even the exchange of two rings during the wedding ceremony, has increased in popularity somewhat recently. Before the 1940s, less than an eighth of bridegrooms in the United States received rings. However, by the start of World War II, over half of weddings were a double ring ceremony. By the 1950s, nearly 75% of all US weddings included two rings.
LORD OF THE (WEDDING) RINGS
Today, the exchange of two wedding rings has become standard in the United States. However, selecting the perfect ring remains somewhat challenging. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect wedding rings for you and your fiancé:
1. Pick a ring that reveals your personality
Assume that you will be wearing your wedding ring for decades. Thus, it is important that the ring reflects your unique personality, rather than the latest fashion trends. Is your personality reserved or outgoing? Are you willing to have a wedding ring that is somewhat avant-garde but not too much? Do you want a ring that reveals your ethnic or cultural heritage? You should consider these issues before choosing a wedding ring, in order to make the ring much more meaningful to you.
2. Select a ring that is ideal for your lifestyle
While all of us have unique lifestyles, this means that we should select a wedding ring that is ideal for how we live. Here are some considerations that you should make:
• Will you wear the wedding ring every day of the week?
• Will you wear the ring while you are working?
• Will manual labor be tough on the ring?
• Will you play sports while wearing the wedding ring?
In a nutshell, you should ensure that the form and function of rings such as gold wedding bands will suit your lifestyle—will your ring be tough enough?
3. Choose a wedding ring that is comfortable
Just as when buying any other piece of jewelry, it is important that the wedding ring you select is comfortable. Men tend to be particularly concerned about this issue, if they have never worn a ring before. The edges of the ring should be rounded and soft. Meanwhile, the interior of the ring should include a gradual curve.
Another issue you should consider is the width of the ring. Think about factors such as your fingers’ size, your fingers’ length, and your own preference. You should also consider that rings with wider bands tend to be less comfortable than those with narrower bands.
4. Pick a metal type that is perfect for you
Men’s wedding rings are available in four types of metals:
A. Gold: This is the most popular type of men’s wedding rings. When selecting gold rings, you should consider the shade of gold the ring is, and the number of carats that it contains.
B. Platinum: This metal is very dense and durable, yet is significantly pricier than gold is.
C. Silver: Silver is softer than gold, platinum, and titanium, and is quite vulnerable to becoming black (due to oxidation). Thus, you should consider silver wedding rings for occasional wear.
D. Titanium: If you want a ring made of the hardest substance on Earth, then select a titanium wedding ring. The main benefit of titanium is that it is extremely strong, yet also lightweight.
5. Select a design that is perfect for you
The style of your wedding ring is also of particular importance. Historically, men have chosen basic gold wedding rings for their weddings. However, this trend has changed during the past few decades, as men have begun to select more ornate rings. The bottom line is that you should select a wedding ring style that matches up well with your personal preference.
6. Determine if you want gemstones in your wedding ring
When choosing a men’s wedding ring, you can consider one with gemstones or diamonds. If your work includes manual labor or you play contact supports, then you should generally select wedding rings with a basic design.
Throughout history, the wedding ring has evolved to its current state. Today, you can make history by using the aforementioned tips to choose a men’s wedding ring, such as gold wedding bands.
Tags: Platinum wedding ring | Platinum wedding ring | Gold wedding bands | Gold wedding bands | Wedding rings