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Wedding Bands Around the World: From Turkey to Ancient Egypt

Written by:

in Education, The Wedding Market, Trending

Posted on March 20, 2015

Tradition

 

The vein that runs through the fourth finger in our right hand has a direct connection to our hearts, or so the saying goes. Of course you can pull out the anatomy book and decide for yourself how true the saying is, but regardless, it is because of this saying that most people in countries such as the United States, France, England, and Canada wear their engagement rings and wedding bands on the finger and hand that they do. Brides in other countries like Russia, Germany, Norway, and India, wear their rings on the right hand, and this is only the tip of the iceberg when considering the historical, cultural, and in some cases even religious or regional rules that determine what sort of ring a bride (or husband) will receive and how it will be worn in different parts of the world.

 

“Turkey Wedding Bands”?

 

Once upon a time, the only way to obtain or even know about wedding bands and engagement rings considered traditional in other parts of the world was to actually be in those parts of the world. Luckily for us, the age of the internet means the ability to find out about wedding bands or whatever else with the click of a button or two. This doesn’t mean, however, that all information is made as clear as we’d like it. If something can’t be easily explained in the real world, then it has the tendency not to be easily explained on the World Wide Web either, for example: the Turkey Wedding Band.

 

KARA-SS6967P-RS

 

“Turkey Wedding Bands” is, at present, one of the most widely searched items on the internet in regards to different sorts of wedding bands from around the world. Since international destinations are already in mind, Turkish wedding bands may be one of the first places your mind goes, but in fact, the rings also called Harem rings, Puzzle Rings, or Asian Puzzle Rings, are not the traditional rings used in Turkey and in fact, have never been used in the Turkish culture. The multi band rings are similar to, and may originate from Gimmal Rings, a three band set used in the 15-1600’s in Europe. Taking a puzzle ring off can mean not being able to put in back on again if you aren’t in possession of the solution to the puzzle; a possible way of ensuring honesty and fidelity in the time these rings are said to have originated. For a fresh take on the puzzle ring influence, also evident in knotted and Celtic bands, is this Kirk Kara ring from the Angelique Collection. Unlike the “Turkey Wedding Ring”, this one can be resized to perfectly fit your bides fingers, where the puzzle ring can not.

 

Three’s No Crowd in Romania

 

Gen-11H

 

The 25th wedding anniversary, also known as the silver anniversary, is a time when an additional wedding band, a silver band,  is gifted and worn with what are traditionally gold wedding rings by both husband and wife in Romania. This simple gesture allows couples to give each other a symbolic but meaningful and practical gift that serves as a reminder of their long standing commitment and undying love for one another.

 

Ancient Egypt

 

This is the time and place associated with the creation of the modern engagement ring and wedding band, although certain ornamental customs existed long before this time, dating back as far as the Neanderthals. Bone, hemp, ivory, and leather were some of the materials used by the ancient Egyptians to make wedding rings, until they eventually discovered metals such as gold could be used for making rings. Once this became a more popular custom the ring began to symbolize a wife’s claim on all of the possessions of her husband.

 

Ancient Romans

 

A metal ring with a key attached to it was the traditional wedding band for the Ancient Romans, who saw the jewelry as a way to acknowledge a romantic sentiment as well as legal rights to property. To marry a woman meant that she had unlocked your heart if you were a man in this place and time, and so the key said to the world, this is the woman who got the job done!

 

Asia

 

There’s a gold rush across Asia, at least when it comes to choosing engagement rings and wedding bands. 18-22 carat gold is considered to be the standard choice, and this makes sense when you consider that in religions that find their origins in India, gold is a symbol of beauty, as well. The cultural train of thought goes: to invest in lots of gold is to invest in a marriage that will last!

 

Here and Now

 

TACORI-2584RD

 

The best choice of wedding band and engagement ring is based on personal preference and what the symbolic gesture means to you. No matter where you are in the world, the selection of a wedding band is a perfect opportunity to make a major statement! Ever wonder how to wear your engagement and wedding ring set properly? Check out this post to find out.


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