There are plenty of great wedding rings in Atlanta. Everyone knows the story of De Beers using advertisements to popularize the idea of diamond engagement rings in the late 1940s. However, many people don’t realize that wedding rings have much older origins. In fact, wedding rings and wedding bands can trace their histories as far back as Ancient Egypt. Marriage has been around a long time, and couples have always wanted a symbol to demonstrate their love and commitment.
Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome
Nearly 5000 years ago, Egyptians wore rings made of woven reeds or leather to indicate their love and affection for one another. The circle was considered to be a powerful and important symbol. Rings were highly regarded and significant within their culture.
The Greeks and Roman adopted signet rings. These were used as a form of personal signature. Supposedly, these signet rings helped to inspire the adoption of betrothal rings in Rome. In Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures, the ring played a valuable role, and this tradition continued throughout the centuries.
Lovers Heads
Over time, Romans began to personalize their wedding rings. One way of doing this was by depicting the lovers themselves. Eventually, this practice was passed on to the Byzantine Empire, and it was widely adopted throughout the Middle Ages. After Christianity was established as the official religion, the rings often included an image of Jesus Christ or a cross placed in between the lovers.
Fede Rings
Fede rings came in a variety of types, and they were popular across Europe for more than a thousand years. Their popularity reemerged in the 1100s. Although Fede rings originated in Rome, the most notable example today may be the Claddagh. The Claddagh is an Irish ring, which features two clasping hands and a heart in between them. The design first appeared in the 16th century, but it’s still popular today.
Posy Rings
Poetry and love have a long history of their own, so it’s not surprising to see poetry have an influence. A posy (or posie) is a short verse, usually from a poem. These verses are inscribed on rings, usually on the interior. Posy rings first became popular in the 15th century, but even today, couples often have a phrase or saying inscribed on their wedding bands.
Gimmel Rings
Gimmel Rings are designed to be miniature puzzles. They first became popular during the 15th century but continued to be fashionable through the 17th century as well. As goldsmithing became more advanced, intricate patterns and designs were possible. Gimmel Rings feature 2-3 interlocking bands. These bands can form complex shapes, patterns, or designs. The symbolism of interlocking bands should be fairly obvious, so Gimmel Rings were well-suited for weddings.
Jewish Marriage Rings
It’s well-established in Jewish tradition that the wedding ring must consist of an unbroken circle, usually made from gold or silver. These traditional rings didn’t include stones or other ornamentation. This was to symbolize a marriage free from distractions or complications. They were common among Jewish couples in the 10th century through the 19th century.
Diamond Rings
The first known diamond ring was found in Rome. However, the first-ever documented diamond betrothal ring was in 1475. It was presented at the wedding of Costanzo Sforza and Camilla D’Aragona in Italy. By the 17th century, diamond rings had become common as both wedding rings and engagement rings.
Obviously, diamond wedding rings in Atlanta continue to demonstrate enduring popularity. Contact Essex Fine Jewelry at 404-481-5555 if you’d like assistance with your wedding or engagement ring.