All About Wedding Rings

Antique, Diamond and Celtic Wedding Rings

Wedding rings are worn as a symbol of marital fidelity and loyalty. They typically consist of a metal ring that is worn on the left ring finger. In some parts of the world the wedding ring is worn on the right hand but in Western society most people wear their wedding rings on the ring finger of their left hand.

Wedding rings are worn by both the husband and the wife as opposed to the engagement ring which is typically only worn by woman. The ring symbolizes marriage and announces to all who see it that the wearer is taken and no longer available. Some couples will engrave their names on the bands of the wedding rings or some other meaningful phrase. Others may have the date of their wedding engraved on the inside band of their wedding rings. These rings make nice keepsakes to pass down to future generations as a record of the commitment and love that the bride and groom shared.

The Shape of the Wedding Ring

The shape of a wedding ring is not a coincidence. Made in the shape of a circle the wedding band has no beginning and no end. This is to symbolize the love between a husband and wife, that from the day of the wedding forward their love is to have no ending. The love of a husband and a wife is to be eternal and everlasting, just like the wedding rings that they wear.

In traditional Western cultures the wedding ring is exchanged during the wedding ceremony. Typically the best man and maid of honor are responsible for holding the wedding rings which they presents to the bride and groom at the proper time. At the appropriate time the bride is given the grooms band to place on his finger and the groom is given the brides ring to place on her finger. In some weddings a ring bearer, typically a young boy that is a part of the family, will carry both the brides and grooms wedding rings down the aisle on a special pillow.

Typically the wedding ring is worn below the engagement ring on the bride. Before the wedding ceremony begins many brides will move their engagement ring onto their right hand so that their left hand is free to place the wedding band on. After the ceremony the bride will then put the engagement ring back on over the wedding band. After the wedding many brides choose to have the two bands welded together for comfort and convenience.

In years past the man did not often wear a wedding band. The practice is widely popular now with both spouses wearing symbols of their union.

Celtic Wedding Rings

The word Celtic refers to people who lived in Western Europe between 500 BC and 400 AD. Celtic rings were designed to mimic things found in nature. Knotwork is a Celtic ring style that is particularly popular for wedding rings and quite traditional. Other traditional Celtic designs include crosses and animals, triskeles and spirals. The Celtic knot has significant meaning for wedding rings symbolizing the interweaving of two lives. Celtic wedding rings are reminders of family, heritage, and tradition.

Diamond Wedding Rings

Diamond wedding rings are one of the most popular types of wedding rings. Most of the traditional wedding sets are made of gold with diamond settings. The engagement ring almost always is comprised of a diamond in a setting, but this is not always the case. Sometimes other gemstones are used. Diamonds have become more popular in wedding band settings as well for both the bride and the groom.

Antique Wedding Rings

Antique wedding rings are often sought out for their history and beauty. Antiques wedding rings may have been passed down from generation to generation and have a story that goes along with them. Getting an antique wedding ring set can be especially meaningful to a bride and groom.