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Magazine 58F
The History of Wedding Rings
The alliance, this ring traditionally worn on the left ring finger, as a daily witness to the vows of love and promises exchanged. But where does this tradition come from and what is the meaning of wedding rings?
Evolution of the alliance over the centuries
Unlike the engagement ring, it is not known exactly when the alliance appeared.
Ancient Egypt
The origins of the exchange of rings are thought to date back to around 6,000 years ago, during Ancient Egypt., where they were considered a symbol of eternity because of their shape: the circle has no beginning or end. The Egyptians made rings from reeds, woven papyrus or circular rushes. Gradually, these perishable materials were replaced by ivory, bone or leather for more durable rings. The material also represented the financial resources and social position of the individual. Just as is done today, they placed the ring on the ring finger of the left hand, because they believed that a vein in this finger, called "come love"(vein of love), was directly connected to the heart.Ancient Rome
Even at that time, these rings were used to seal the union between two people and they even had the value of a marriage contract. They were generally made of iron, a symbol of solidity, commitment and durability of the union. In the Middle Ages, wedding rings became a sacred part of Christian marriage, and were often adorned with precious stones and engravings. Gold wedding rings were reserved for the wealthiest families, while the lower classes wore rings made of silver or bronze. The typical alliance “fede ring” meaning ring of faith, with two intertwined hands, was particularly popular at that time.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance period allowed the emergence of new shapes and more sophisticated designs for wedding rings thanks to the technical advances invested in the world of jewelry. Now, rings are adorned with intricate patterns and precious stones (especially diamonds) and sometimes even messages engraved on the inside of the ring such as poetry and sentimental mottos.17th and 18th centuries
Alliances are becoming simpler and more refined, especially among the working classes.
19th century (Victorian era)
The Victorian era saw the emergence of romantic motifs such as flowers, hearts and curls. In England, wedding rings adopted asymmetrical styles and sometimes included symbols such as hearts or crowns.
20th century
In the last century, alliances in platinum and white gold are becoming more democratic. Designs have become simpler and more refined, reflecting the modernist and contemporary trends of the time. On the precious stones side, advertising campaigns, particularly that of De Beers "A Diamond is Forever", establish the diamond as the stone par excellence for wedding rings.
21st century
Today, wedding rings are made in a wide variety of metals and styles, with something for everyone. However, there is a trend towards precious metals such as gold and platinum. The designs range from simple rings to others set with diamonds, engraved or chiseled with handwritten letters, floral motifs, Roman numerals, etc.
The difference between engagement ring and wedding ring
It is from the 15th century that we clearly distinguish the two jewels. The engagement ring must then be adorned with a precious stone (often a diamond) while the wedding ring is usually a sober ring.
The engagement ring is the jewel that is offered to make a marriage proposal, from which begins the “engagement period”, which is generally dedicated to the preparations for the wedding ceremony.
The alliance, for its part, is the ring that is exchanged during the wedding ceremony, most often after the vows. This jewel is worn by the man and woman who said yes to each other, as a witness to their union and their love. In France, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the left ring finger. It is then worn before the engagement ring.
On the same topic, you might also like to read
The History of the Engagement Ring
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