Wedding bands are a traditional but sentimental part of a wedding ceremony. When two individuals come together to celebrate their union, a wedding band symbolizes that ceremony. It's a public declaration of relationship status and symbolizes the couple's love and commitment. This piece of jewelry holds different cultural significance in various cultures. 

Are you curious about the history and significance of wedding bands in a marriage ceremony? This article covers all you need to know about this subject. 

The Symbolism of Wedding Bands 

The joining of two people together for eternity has always been a sacred ceremony. All over the world, wedding bands represent different meanings to different cultures. Many cultures drew meaning from the shape and design of the rings. In Western culture, the circular shape of a wedding band signifies unending and eternal love. In India, rings are part of an ornate jewelry set that symbolizes the couple's commitment. However, the Jews have a traditional wedding band without embellishments, representing their commitment to simplicity and purity. It's said to be a constant reminder of the vows exchanged by the couples during their ceremony. 

Wedding bands were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand with the belief that a vein known as Vena Amoris or the "vein of love" connected the fourth finger directly to the heart. This tradition is speculated to have originated from Ancient Egypt, where rings symbolize eternity. However, the Vena Amoris proved anatomically wrong. Notwithstanding, the placement of rings on the fourth finger has become the custom to date. 

The History of Wedding Bands

The exchange of rings as a sign of eternity dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. However, many people believe that exchanging rings began in ancient Rome. Roman weddings were not as elaborate as today's, and marriages were more about family alliance than love. Furthermore, the Romans used copper and iron and only recently began exploring gold ring options. Brides from wealthier families had two wedding bands, which they shuffled: an iron ring around the house and a gold ring, a statement ring to wear in public. Other cultures found it fascinating and adopted the tradition of exchanging rings; they recognized the commitment and love it symbolizes. Over time, the design of wedding bands has evolved in terms of materials used. Today, wedding bands are made of simple materials like gold or silver. In addition, the designs of wedding bands have progressed, incorporating gemstones and personal engravings to give a modern touch. 

In Europe, during the medieval period, Christians introduced a wedding ritual where rings are presented as a part of the ceremony performed by the priest. The Gimmel rings, familiar in the Renaissance era, were made of two interlocking bands separated for the man and woman to wear during the engagement. Later on, they were returned to the bride, who would wear both rings after the marriage. After uncertainty began concerning World War II, marriage rates went up significantly, and jewelers began promoting wedding bands for men, which worked. By the end of the 1940s, 80% of U.S. couples exchanged rings with each other during the ceremony, which is what is still in existence today. 

Shopping Wedding Bands at Bostonian Jewelers

It's interesting to see the timeless nature of wedding bands. It's also exciting to see how their designs, materials, and shapes have evolved. But one thing remained constant: the symbolism of these bands. There is also the love, purity, commitment, vows attached to them, and the promises of eternity they represent. 

If you want to purchase a ring that does all the heavy lifting and declares your love to your bride, contact Bostonian Jewelers. Our amazing catalog can help you curate whatever ring design and embellishments you want.  

Pearls Are Back

Why Choose This Winter Gemstone For Your Wedding

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but if you're looking for something different, pearls are also the perfect bridal companion. If you want wedding jewelry that's more subtle yet still luxurious, pearls are an exceptional choice - especially for a winter wedding. Still not sure if pearls are suitable for your wedding day? These five reasons should entice you.

Symbol of Elegance and Grace

Pearls symbolize eternal love and protection, so they fit well at weddings. They may be small gems, but they hold many exceptional meanings. Pearls have a specific regal element to them that's associated with wealth and royalty. They're guaranteed to make brides feel elegant when walking down the aisle. Throughout history, some of the world's most famous women have donned pearls for their wedding day. Queen Elizabeth II wore pearls for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, while Jackie Kennedy wore a single-strand pearl necklace when she wed JFK. Grace Kelly and Princess Diana wore pearls on their respective wedding days, too.

Timeless Jewelry Trend

Diamonds and pearls have something in common — they never go out of fashion. While the way they're worn, their settings, and the styles may change, they always remain highly sought after. They exude an elegance that spans decades, and they'll add that to your big day. Pearls are also durable if looked after correctly, so you'll have a piece of jewelry that you can wear for years and possibly pass down to the next generation. It's this timeless quality that makes them such a unique gem and ensures they are always ultra-chic.

Easy to Incorporate into a Bridal Look

Pearls are not only versatile and easy to incorporate into your bridal look, but they can also be customized to suit your style. They go well with classic or contemporary gowns, vintage dresses, or a bohemian look. If you're drawn to the more traditional style of pearls, a pearl necklace and earrings are an excellent choice. Alternatively, you can wear them in your hair, either threaded through or on a comb. Just like diamonds come in a range of impressive hues, pearls don't only come in white. If you want to add a splash of soft pink, gray, or even black, you'll find pearls in these colors.

Classic Gift, Especially for Weddings 

The traditions and customs of a wedding day differ between every family, race, culture, and background. In many cultures, it's customary for the groom to give his wife-to-be a piece of pearl jewelry. This jewelry has special significance as it marks the start of a new life together. Another common custom is for the bride's mother-in-law to gift her pearls. These may be a new set or a restored family heirloom. However they're received and whatever form they take, the sentimentality and meaning behind pearls as a wedding gift make them perfect for wearing on such a special day. 

Infused With Rich Folklore, History & Legend

Folklore says that wearing pearls on your wedding day will lead to happiness. The ancient Greeks were the first to connect pearls and a happy marriage in the legend of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony. Legend has it that Cleopatra wanted to show Marc Anthony how wealthy she was and how much she loved him. To prove her point, she dissolved a rare and priceless pearl in her wine. This story evolved to the belief that any bride wearing pearls on her wedding day would have a healthy and harmonious marriage. In some cultures, they say that by wearing pearls, you ensure a lifetime of joy with your future spouse. This is a tradition that's still practiced by brides who don't want to be overcome with emotion and who want a tear-free marriage.

Pretty in Pearls with Bostonian Jewelers 

As you can see, pearls are an excellent way to make an elegant statement. We love the idea of the luster of pearls adding something special to your big day, and the fact that pearls are so versatile makes them a win in our book, too. If you love the idea and sentimentality behind pearls, work with Bostonian Jewelers to plan the perfect pearl look for your big day.