NRDiamond Blog's

For decades, couples worldwide have used a stunning diamond engagement ring to show their undying love for one another. Learn about the intriguing history of the engagement ring and why it has become a common sign of love and commitment.

Discover the fascinating history of the wedding ring

THE HISTORY FOR FIRST WEDDING RING EXCHANGE

Do you know that the first wedding ring was made more than 3000 years ago? In ancient Egypt, two people were found to exchange their rings formally for the first time. Couples swapping rings made of hemp or reeds were portrayed in writings known as papyrus scrolls. These rings, due to their short life span, were replaced by either ivory or leather.

The cost of the material showed the love for the ring recipient. Expensive material means more love for the ring recipient. Furthermore, the form of material reflected the giver's net worth. These rings symbolized eternal love and loyalty between two individuals, according to recorded evidence. The circle of the ring reflected no beginning and no end. And the inside of the ring reflected the future, which is still true for the ring symbol today.

The history of wedding rings date back to 3 000 years

THE WEDDING RING’S HISTORY IN ANCIENT ROME

In Ancient Rome, the groom would wear an iron ring to represent his future bride. This act sparked the new trend of using precious metals in wedding bands. The couple's relationship is symbolized by the durable metal, which represents permanence and strength. The Romans were the first who engraved their metal rings, according to facts. The symbolic ring was worn on the fourth finger of the left hand by both the Romans and the Greeks, as it's today. The ring finger has the vena amoris, a vein leading to the heart. The sacred union created between two people was symbolized by the ring being placed on the "vein of love." Until now, a stunning engagement ring has represented couples' unconditional love.

Here you can know about the fascinating history of a diamond engagement ring and how the style developed over time.

• FUN FACT – Even though most South Africans wear their diamond engagement rings on their left ring finger, most European couples do so on their right hand. What's the explanation for this? According to the theory, since most people are right-handed, the ring would be less harmed.

Iron rings were given to brides to symbolise unity between the wife and the husband

WEDDING RING DURING THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Gimmel ring, which consists of two interlocking pieces, was pretty common. After a couple married, they each took a piece of the ring to wear. The groom reassembled the matched package by placing the ring on the bride's finger during the ceremony.

Highly ornate sterling silver poesy rings first appeared on the market during the Renaissance period. Many other societies at the time promoted the wedding rings’ exchange as a sign of two people's unity. For instance, the Hindu bichiya introduced the toe ring, and people in West Bengal preferred to exchange iron bangles.

• FUN FACT –Puritan Colonial American husbands used to give their wives thimbles as a token of their love before diamond jewellery became common.

During the Renaissance period, highly ornate sterling silver poesy rings made their introduction to the market

THE HISTORY OF THE WEDDING RING & ITS IMPACT ON MODERN PROPOSALS

A diamond engagement ring is a beautiful way to show your devotion and undying love for one another today. A diamond is one of the hardest materials that man knows, and it signifies everlasting unity. Furthermore, the priceless diamond can be passed on from generation to generation, offering the ideal way for loved ones to recall the sacred connection that existed between their parents and great grandparents back in the day.

• FUN FACT – Do you know that only the woman was supposed to wear a wedding ring in many cultures? Men started wearing wedding rings as a way to remember their wives back at home only during World War II.

A diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man