Many modern couples choose to celebrate their love with rings that tell a story about their lives together. They might opt for a ring made from traditional gold or silver, or something completely different. For example, they might select a ring that’s made from whiskey barrel wood, Colorado elk antler or Celtic tartan wool. Such rings can also include precious metal inlays or other special touches.
Regardless of what a couple chooses, it’s important to work with a jeweler and craftsman who can guarantee quality and longevity. They should also be willing to help a customer with any repairs or adjustments that might be needed down the road. The craftsmen at Rustic & Main have plenty of experience returning non-traditional wedding rings to their original, pristine state.
Even though we tend to think of the ring as a symbol of eternal love and devotion, it hasn’t always been associated with marriage. Some experts believe the practice originated in ancient Egypt, and was based on the idea that a man would give his wife a ring to signify his ownership of her. In Roman times, copper and iron rings were exchanged as part of the wedding ceremony, and by the 2nd century, gold became more common.
As time went by, the significance of the ring changed, and it was eventually positioned as a mark of fidelity and loyalty. The fact that a woman wears her husband’s ring on the left hand was thought to indicate that she’s submissive to him. Later, the tradition was bolstered by the belief that the ring finger carries a vein that leads directly to the heart.
Aside from the symbolism, wedding rings can also be seen as a status symbol. This is why some people are reluctant to wear them, citing religious or privacy concerns. Others simply don’t want to reveal that they are married, forcing other people to make assumptions (almost always wrong) about their relationship status.
Some people even choose not to wear their rings because they dislike the feel or look of them, or because of other commitments. But if you’re considering this option, it’s important to discuss your reasons with your partner, and with anyone else who may be affected by your decision. After all, you don’t want to spend your life with a ring you don’t like. Besides, there are better ways to show your availability—or lack thereof—than announcing it with your ring.