The custom of wearing a ring (or band) as a symbol of marriage began in Europe but has now spread to just about every corner of world and, while a ring was originally worn mainly by women, it is now common for both the bride and groom to wear a ring.
Traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand (in a minority of countries such as Germany, Poland and Russia rings are worn on the fourth finger of the right hand), the rings form a central part of the marriage ceremony. For example, a traditional Church of England wedding includes the words “with this ring I thee wed”, while the words “with this ring you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and Israel” form an essential part of the Orthodox Jewish wedding.
The plain gold band has long been the traditional form of wedding band and remains a firm favorite today, although an increasing number of people are choosing from a growing range of new materials, shapes and designs. One common wedding ring pattern today consists of three interwoven bands signifying faith, hope and love and another growing favorite is the Celtic style of band engraved or embossed with a Celtic knot denoting oneness and continuity.
Wedding band rings are normally made from a yellow alloy of gold which is hardened with a mixture of copper, tin and bismuth. Platinum and white alloys of gold were also formerly used but have been largely replaced today by a cheaper nickel gold alloy which is then plated with rhodium.
Two recent and popular choices are wedding band rings made from titanium or from tungsten carbide, which is frequently inlaid with platinum or gold.
Whatever style of wedding band rings you choose from the huge range available today, choosing your wedding rings together is one of the most pleasurable of many pre-wedding activities and is one over which you should take time and especial care.
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