All About Wedding Bands
What is wedding band?
A wedding band or ring is traditionally a metal band that you receive when you exchange your vows during the wedding ceremony and wear from then on.
How did wedding bands come about?
It was said that the Egyptians first used rings to represent eternity. That’s because a circle has no beginning and no end and reflects the shape of the sun and the moon, which the Egyptians worshipped.
When Alexander the Great conquered the Egyptians, the Greeks adopted the tradition of giving rings to their lovers to represent devotion. Many of these rings depicted Eros or Cupid, the god of love. When the Romans conquered Greece, they picked up on this tradition and began using iron and copper rings in marriage ceremonies.
Which finger is the wedding band usually worn and why?
It is traditionally believed that the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as ring finger, has a vein that leads directly to one's heart. Therefore, wearing wedding bands on the ring finger is treated as a lasting sign of commitment to your sacred union. Although the vein of love has been proven to be a myth and is not anatomically correct, the tradition of wearing rings on the ring finger continues to this day.
Do the wedding bands need to match/be the same design?
Absolutely not. Although it is common to have matching design in a set of wedding bands, it is not a compulsory thing to follow.
If you prefer to stick to tradition, getting matching wedding bands would be a sweet way to symbolize your union. But getting different bands won't take away their sentimental meaning or value.
What other rings are there apart from wedding bands?
Apart from wedding bands, the other most popular ring is the engagement ring. This ring, usually a diamond ring, is given as part of the proposal or an early point in the engagement.
In recent years, a third ring is rising in popularity - the anniversary ring. Typically worn stacked with your wedding band and engagement ring, anniversary bands symbolise and celebrate the commitment or milestones you have made, for example, another diamond ring for the 10th wedding anniversary.
How to choose the right ring size?
Read our previous blog:
https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-ring-size
OR
Visit our retail stores to view our wide range of ring designs, try on the sizes, or even customise your own rings!
References:
https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/blogs/news/symbolism-of-rings-and-fingers
https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-ring-size
https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-ring-engagement-ring-etiquette
https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/origin-of-wedding-rings/
http://www.jewelrywise.com/engagement-wedding/article/should-our-wedding-bands-match
https://www.theknot.com/content/do-wedding-rings-have-to-match