500 Wedding Rings
You may be surprised to learn that today’s most popular wedding ring set–the diamond solitaire and matching bands–is a relatively modern development. Ancient civilizations living along the fertile plains of the Nile River were the first people to form tokens of commitment. They twisted and braided grasses and reeds from the riverbanks into symbolic finger rings. Iron was preferred by the early Romans, who believed this strong material reflected the strength of their unions… Different types of metal and designs fell in and out of fashion from the Middle Ages right up until the mid-twentieth century. The puzzle ring, now an everyday accessory, was devised in Turkey as a wedding band with a purpose. Should the wearer desire to be unfaithful, she would have to remove the ring and then be clever enough to reassemble its parts after her indiscretion… Community rings, used during Jewish wedding ceremonies but not worn every day, suggest the architectural shape of a temple… The wedding ring has evolved in form countless times. It’s purpose, however, has remained unchanged: to signify unending union,”
-500 Wedding Rings: Celebrating a Classic Symbol of Commitment by Marthe le Van