Contents
- The meaning of the wedding ring
- Rules for wearing wedding rings
- How to choose wedding rings
- Popular questions and answers
- On which finger is a wedding ring worn?
- Who Should Buy Wedding Rings?
- What wedding rings can not be bought?
- How to fit an engagement ring correctly?
- Can wedding rings be worn before marriage?
- On which finger to wear the ring divorced?
- How are widow’s wedding rings worn?
- Can you wear someone else’s wedding ring?
- What is the difference between an engagement ring and an engagement (wedding) ring?
- Who should be the first to put on the ring in the registry office?
A wedding or altar ring is a symbol of marriage, fidelity and devotion to a partner. Legal spouses wear wedding rings on the left or right hand, which largely depends on the accepted traditions or religion. But is the ring finger always used to wear this symbolic jewelry? We figure out on which finger a wedding ring is worn in different countries by representatives of different faiths and nationalities.
Choosing an engagement ring is a pretty tricky business. But it is even more difficult to understand the intricacies of its meaning, traditions, and whether spouses can really refuse to wear rings. In addition, in addition to the wedding ring, there is an engagement ring. They are worn differently by representatives of various religions, residents of Europe and Our Country. In order not to get confused in the variety of information, we talked to experts who talked about wedding rings and their sometimes underestimated significance.
The history of rings, including engagement rings, begins with Ancient Egypt – they served as a symbol of power and its continuity, indicated the status of the owner.
The meaning of the wedding ring
The wedding ring represents a vicious circle, strong family fetters, their strength and at the same time the impossibility of breaking. There are a large number of myths and legends about the origin of this tradition, which tell about the hidden and secret meaning of marital jewelry. For example, the story that in the ring finger of the left hand is the “Life of Love”. So, putting a ring on him, loved ones open the way to each other’s heart. The archaeologists who carried out the excavations note that such rings were still in ancient Rome. Only women wore them: all because a man chose a companion for himself and, as it were, appropriated her to himself.
Much has changed over time. Wedding rings are increasingly perceived simply as an attribute of consolidating the union of two hearts in love. Without them, it is difficult to imagine a wedding ceremony, it is also the personification of an emotional connection. That is why many couples are so meticulous in choosing the right engagement rings. And some even make them themselves, in order not only to preserve memories, but also to get a huge portion of positive emotions.
Rules for wearing wedding rings
In any of the confessions, the wedding ring acts as a symbol of a strong and eternal union. But, despite this, there are some differences in which hand it is customary to wear it on.
Orthodox
Following traditions, Orthodox Christians wear a wedding ring on the ring finger of their right hand. This is because she is considered the hand of purity and truth. Most people carry out many actions with it, and our ancestors often used it for protection. According to Christian tradition, the fingers on the right hand are protected from evil spirits and give a vow of fidelity. In addition, a guardian angel always stands behind the right shoulder of an Orthodox Christian, who protects and guides him: so symbolically, the spouses carry this idea of care through their whole lives, putting rings on each other’s right hand.
After a divorce or loss of a husband or wife, Orthodox Christians wear the ring on the ring finger of their left hand.
Muslim
Representatives of this religion do not wear a wedding ring on their right hand. Most often, they choose the left hand and ring finger for this. Many Muslim men refrain from wearing a marriage ring altogether, in part as a tribute to traditions that often involve polygamy. With all this, Muslims cannot wear gold or gold-plated wedding rings. They choose jewelry made of platinum or silver.
Catholics
Catholics wear wedding rings to each other when registering a marriage on the ring finger of the left hand. Among the representatives of this religion there are many people around the world: these are the French, and the Americans, and the Turks. In Our Country, Catholics also wear wedding rings on their left hand.
At the same time, divorced people do not change their hands, but simply stop wearing the ring. Catholics transfer it to the other hand in case of loss of a spouse or adoption of another religion.
Jews
Marriage among Jews becomes legally valid after the handing of the ring by a man to a woman. But according to tradition, only the wife wears the wedding ring, not the husband. It should be without any stones and preferably in platinum or silver. Jews wear wedding rings on the index or middle finger: now this applies more to those who honor centuries-old traditions. If the groom puts the ring on the other finger, the marriage will still be considered valid.
Watch this video on YouTube
How to choose wedding rings
When choosing an engagement ring, you should pay attention to the material from which it is made, diameter, thickness, shape and design. The stores offer a variety of different options: with engravings, stone inserts, textured rings and rings in a mixture of white and rose gold. With such a wide choice, you need to identify a couple of criteria for yourself.
Metal and sample
The classic metal for an engagement ring is gold. Since ancient times, it has been of the highest value: our ancestors often chose gold jewelry because they believed that this metal could strengthen the bonds of marriage stronger than others. Previously, gold was not dyed, it was traditionally a yellowish-amber hue. Now in stores you can find metal from pink to black.
Newlyweds are increasingly choosing rings made of two types of gold: white and yellow. Silver is added to white gold, and copper is added to yellow gold. Both metals are 585 samples. Such rings do not look as simple as jewelry without impurities, while at the same time they are not much more expensive in cost.
If you like silver wedding rings, then you can opt for them. Popular options with engraving, minimalistic patterns and complete minimalism. In addition, it is worth paying attention to silver rings with gilding. They practically do not differ from gold, but are several times cheaper.
Form and design
The standard option is a smooth wedding ring. It is chosen by those who believe that this symbol of love will lead them along the same smooth path. But more and more often, future spouses prefer stylish design options for wedding rings, moving away from traditions and rules.
The most popular are puck-shaped rings, refined bagels with a round section and figured ones, with weaving, inserts or texture.
As for the inserts of stones, it is often beautiful, but impractical. With the constant wear of the wedding ring, the stones can wear off and even fall out. Therefore, couples are more likely to choose options without them. There is also a difference in the design of the engagement and engagement rings.
– An engagement ring differs from a wedding ring in that it is not paired and has a diamond insert. As a rule, a man gives such a ring to his beloved at the time of the marriage proposal, – adds Natalia Udovichenko, Head of Procurement Department of ADAMAS network.
A man’s engagement ring may well be different in design from his wife’s. It is worth thinking about interesting options: when jewelry is made of the same metals, similar in style, but not identical. This is an ideal choice if the newlyweds have different tastes and desires.
Size and Thickness
– The easiest way to choose a wedding ring in the salon. If this is not possible, then there are several life hacks on how to determine the size of jewelry at home.
Take a regular thread and measure your finger in two places – in the place where it is worn and the bone itself. Make sure that the thread is wrapped tightly, but at the same time without overstretching. Then choose the largest of the lengths obtained after measuring. Straighten the thread on the ruler and divide the resulting number by 3.14 (PI number).
There is an easier option. Lay the ring on paper and circle it around the inner perimeter. The diameter of the resulting circle will be the size of the ring, – says Natalia Udovichenko, Head of Procurement Department of ADAMAS network.
The wedding ring should not squeeze the finger, cause discomfort when worn. When choosing, also do not forget that in winter and summer the size of the finger is slightly different. Therefore, if you choose a ring in advance, take this information into account.
The thickness of the wedding ring depends on the selected diameter and length of the fingers. If the fingers are of medium length, almost all options will do. Those who have long ones should give preference to wider options. And on short fingers, a refined and slightly “narrowed” ring will look more advantageous.
Watch this video on YouTube
Popular questions and answers
She told about the correct fitting of a wedding ring, the difference between a wedding and engagement ring, and what wedding rings you should not buy. Daria Abramova, owner of the brand of wedding rings I LOVE YOU RINGS.
On which finger is a wedding ring worn?
Who Should Buy Wedding Rings?
What wedding rings can not be bought?
Another stereotype is that platinum rings are more durable. This is not true. They wear out the same way. There are only two differences between a gold and platinum ring: platinum is hypoallergenic and has a cold white tint.
In my practice, I have come across a stereotype that rings at master classes are not as even as if you bought them in a salon. This is another myth: rings are no worse than in stores.
How to fit an engagement ring correctly?
Can wedding rings be worn before marriage?
On which finger to wear the ring divorced?
How are widow’s wedding rings worn?
Can you wear someone else’s wedding ring?
What is the difference between an engagement ring and an engagement (wedding) ring?
Who should be the first to put on the ring in the registry office?