People have been exchanging rings as symbols of their love and fidelity for as long as there have been people. The first recorded evidence dates back to ancient Egyptian scrolls, which depict couples presenting each other with braided rings fashioned from hemp or reeds. But, as these brittle bands did not last long, they were replaced with more durable materials such as leather and bone. It wasn’t until the Romans ushered in a new golden age of wedding traditions that rings became associated solely with marriage and began to be crafted from precious metals like gold.
The circle shape of a men’s tungsten wedding band symbolizes infinity, which is a fitting symbol of eternal love and commitment because the marriage between a husband and wife should last for a lifetime. Today, brides and grooms can choose from a wide variety of shapes, sizes and designs to fit their personal style and express their individuality.
Many people today also incorporate meaningful engravings and gemstones into their wedding bands. Some engraved designs include names, initials and the couple’s wedding date. Others feature words or phrases, symbols and even song lyrics that hold special meaning to the couple.
Depending on the design and complexity of these embellishments, a wedding band can cost anywhere from $25 for 15 machine-engraved characters to $75 or more for hand-engraving. Adding these adornments to a traditional wedding ring can also make it more difficult to clean, which can cause scratches and grime on the surface of the ring.
Another important factor to consider is how the ring will match with your partner’s engagement ring and your lifestyle. For example, if you have an active job that requires manual labor or a hobby that involves your hands, it may not be practical to wear two rings. And, if you are prone to misplacing or losing things, two rings might be too much of a hassle.
It was not until World War II that men began wearing their wedding bands in addition to their service uniforms as a sign of their commitment and love for their wives. Since then, the trend has caught on and is now common among both men and women.
While it is more popular for women to wear their wedding ring with their engagement ring, it’s up to the bride and groom to decide what works best for them. Some couples prefer a more polished look while others opt for something more casual.
Regardless of the style or materials, wedding rings are intended to be worn for the rest of your life, so choose a design that you will love. When you are ready to find your perfect ring, contact your trusted jeweler or local fine jewelry store for professional assistance and expert advice. And, don’t forget to have your ring valued periodically to ensure it is properly insured. Having an updated appraisal on file can also save you time and money when you are ready to purchase a replacement ring.