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Ancient Greek and Roman cultures agreed that the vein in the wedding ring finger, also called the healing finger, runs directly to the heart.
In the ancient art of hand reflexology, one of the areas corresponding to the heart is just under the spot where a wedding ring resides on the left, not the right, hand. Pure coincidence?
The wedding ring finger was the last touched by the priest when quoting the "Trinitarian" formula, "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost."
During the period of western Barbarianism, brides were more often than not kidnapped and held captive. It is thought that the wedding ring was used at that time to tie the bride to the home of her husband-to-be, or whoever happened to be guarding her at the moment…like a leash!
The wedding ring of old was a promissory symbol. Since it represented a significant financial cost, it was something of a down payment by the groom, and deterred broken engagements (for which three years of excommunication was the punishment).
It is only recently that the custom of giving two wedding rings--an engagement and a separate wedding ring--has been widely adopted. Previously, the ring given in engagement was also used during the ceremony as the wedding ring itself.
A very practical reason for the placement of the wedding ring is the belief that it would be less likely to be broken, chipped or lost altogether if worn on the left hand.
But did you know that the wedding ring was not always worn on the left hand at all? There was a period when it was the custom to wear them on the right hand, and wealthy Elizabethans used their thumbs to display large, fancy rings!
Superstitions and customs abound around wedding rings. Anyone might feel, for example, that it was a portent of ill omen if the ring were dropped before the wedding, and even worse if it were broken or lost! But it's also generally considered bad luck to buy your wedding ring on a Friday or to wear the ring before the actual wedding ceremony takes place.
The rings, of course, take on whatever personal meaning you give them. A beautiful concept, embraced by the early Egyptians as well as ancient cultures around the globe, holds the ring to be a symbol of eternity. The ring has no beginning and no end, thus manifesting perfect love for a lifetime…and beyond.
When you are planning a wedding, wedding rings are one important decision that you will have to make. When choosing the rings, remember that these are the rings you will wear for the rest of your life, so you want them to be perfect for you and your spouse. Take the time to consider your choices and find rings that symbolize your love for each other in the years to come.
Find a Quality Jeweler
When you are choosing your wedding rings you need to make sure that you choose a jeweler that has quality rings. Many people make the mistake of going to a local jewelry store in a mall. If you are lucky you might find enough variety. But these types of stores usually carry a small selection of rings. It is in your best interest to find a jeweler that specializes in wedding rings so you can be sure to have various styles and materials to choose from when picking out your rings.
Complement the Engagement Ring
When choosing wedding rings, you will want a ring for the bride that will complement the engagement ring she is already wearing. Be sure the wedding ring is not so elaborate that it detracts from the beauty of the engagement ring. While you can buy engagement rings and wedding rings in matched sets, this is not always possible. Try on different wedding bands and sit them next to your engagement ring to see how they look together.
Choose a Durable Metal
The metals that are most often used for wedding rings are silver, white gold, yellow gold and platinum. Recently, platinum has become popular because of its durability. Choosing a ring that is made of durable material is especially important for the groom's ring. Many times, men can be harder on rings, especially those with jobs that include manual labor. Be sure the rings you choose will last and look beautiful for years to come.
Get Sized by a Jeweler
When you are spending much money on rings, you want to be sure that they fit perfectly. Make sure that you get professionally sized for your wedding rings instead of making a guess. You want to be sure the ring will fit correctly to prevent it from being too tight or being too loose and slipping off.
Allow Enough Time
It is important that you allow the jeweler enough time to complete your ring order by your wedding day. Be sure that you go looking for your wedding rings a few months before your wedding so the rings will be ready for your big day.
There are many different styles and materials to choose from when picking your wedding bands and it may take you some time to find the perfect one. The most important thing to remember is that your wedding rings are symbolic of your everlasting love. Such a noble commitment demands that you buy rings that you love and will enjoy wearing for the rest of your life.