Wedding Rings: A Glimpse at Cultural Traditions

The wedding ring – a romantic expression and symbol of fidelity and love – is an important element to today’s marriage ceremony. Through the centuries, the wedding ring has symbolized many things for couples – and not always the romantic notions we hold today.

The tradition of the wedding ring goes as far back as ancient Egypt, more than 4500 years ago. The Egyptians were the first to link the symbolism of a ring with the supernatural – an unending circle representing eternal love. Egyptians used materials such as hemp or the stems of plants into circles which could be placed on the finger of the bride. Romans, on the other hand, fashioned wedding bands from iron, considered to be a symbol of strength. That was later replaced with silver and gold because of their durability against rust.

Both the Egyptians and Romans supported the belief that the “ring finger” or fourth finger on the left hand, led directly to the heart. And while science has since disproved this theory, couples still hold the belief that the wedding ring is a direct path to the heart. However, for the Romans this practice was not based in romanticism. In Roman society, wives were considered possessions of the husband. A ring simply symbolized ownership. In fact, women had no voice in this decision. Once she was “ringed,” a woman became a possession of the man.

In the Far East, a man presented his wife with a “puzzle ring” that was meant to keep her faithful in his absence. The ring was designed to collapse if taken off and could only be put back together again if one knew the correct arrangement. Puzzle rings were employed especially during times of war or if a husband traveled for business.

The Irish bride has sported a “claddagh” since its creation in the 17th century. Used as both an engagement and wedding ring, the ring features a heart and two hands on the sides and is still in wide use today. Meanwhile, some Jewish brides have a wedding ring placed on their index finger, the same finger used to point to the Torah as it is read.

For the Puritans of early American colonization, the wedding ring, like other forms of jewelry, was considered wasteful and immoral. Men instead presented their wives with thimbles as a symbol of their live and fidelity. Interestingly, this tradition gave way to new brides who would cut off part of the thimble to create a makeshift ring.

Wedding rings worn by men are a fairly new innovation. For centuries, men had no need of a ring indicating their betrothal, as they were considered the dominant partner in the union. However, with the events of World War II separating men for years at a time from their wives, men began wearing a wedding band to indicate their marriage and as a sentimental reminder of the wife waiting at home. The motive was purely romantic which has been carried on in modern times.

In some cultures, the wedding ring is considered the last gift in a series of gifts presented to the bride. This has given way to newer ring traditions, which may begin with a promise ring, presented during serious courtship, followed by an engagement ring and then the wedding ring. Eternity rings are also being given as to symbolize a renewal of marriage or in honor of a special anniversary.

While many countries practice the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand, some cultures, such as Germany, Norway and Greece wear the ring on a the right hand. In other European countries, the engagement and wedding ring are the same. Their status is indicated through engraving or according to which hand the ring is worn.

Today’s couples give much thought to the choice of wedding rings, choosing most often rings made of precious stones and metal. These rings represent more than simply adornment for the wedding day. Wedding rings will remain an important symbol of a couple’s love throughout their lifetime.

About the Author

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of
Pandora Jewelry
. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

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Extend the Life of Jewelry With Careful Cleaning

From inexpensive baubles to family heirlooms, jewelry reflects new trends and the cherished moments of a woman’s life. Careless treatment of any kind of jewelry, however, shortens its life, value and beauty. Careful cleaning of jewelry extends the wear and value of a collection.

Gemstones

Gemstones are a popular choice for jewelry aficionados because of their beauty. They are also some of the most durable choices for jewelry. Still, care and maintenance are important factors to maintaining their good looks and value. Some gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and other single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a precise mixture of ammonia and water to remove any film that may be present and to restore shine to the stone. Gentle soap and warm water may also provide a safe mixture to clean specific gemstones. If a piece of gemstone jewelry needs extra cleaning, it may be feasible to employ the use of a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone.

When it comes to ultrasonic cleaners, be very selective. Not all gemstones can be safely cleaned using this method. Opaque gemstones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise or malachite should never be cleaned with ammonia or an ultrasonic cleaner. These stones can absorb chemicals or soap, resulting in discoloration, due to the porous makeup of these gems. Instead, these gemstones should be wiped with a moist cloth.

To avoid scratching a gemstone or another softer stone near it, keep all jewelry separate from one another. Also, remember that gemstones are often harder than the metal it has been set it. Gems can scratch the finish on gold, silver or platinum.

Diamonds

The hardest substance known to man, diamonds, need special care as they are some of the most often-worn jewelry. Lotions, styling products, and the grime accrued from daily wear can leave a diamond looking dull and lifeless. Avoid waiting too long in between cleanings to decrease the buildup of adverse materials.

Diamonds may be hard but they should not be cleaned with just any cleaner available. For diamonds in need of a really good cleaning, a professional ultrasonic cleaning is often necessary to remove encrusted dirt. However, the method should not be used on fragile settings without having been inspected by your jeweler, as ultrasonic cleaners may shake loose stones from their mounting.

A safe and gentle method for cleaning diamonds starts with soaking the piece in a formula of three parts water to one part ammonia and a tiny drop of mild liquid detergent such as Ivory. Use a soft brush to remove dirt. Do not use a stiff bristled brush as this will scratch the ring’s metal setting. Rinse the diamond thoroughly in warm water and follow up with a lint-free cloth to dry the piece.

Store diamonds in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in a box with separate compartments. Diamonds may also be wrapped individually in tissue paper and stored in a box. Do not store diamonds with other jewelry in a drawer or jewelry case. This can result in scratching of other jewelry. Perhaps most importantly, avoid leaving a diamond ring on the rim of a sink where it may slip down the drain.

Pearls

Pearls are more fragile than most other gemstones. They should be handled gently to keep them in the best condition. Most of today’s pearls are cultured pearls. That means they have been created by the initiation of humans who place a bead or other object into an oyster. The oyster then coats the bead with nacre, the patina that gives pearls their much-loved appearance. The thickness of nacre dictates the quality and durability of the pearl.

An excellent rule of thumb to maintain the beauty and value of your pearls is: your pearls should always be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off when dressing. To maintain the luster of a pearl, avoid applying hand creams or lotions while wearing a pearl. Also, put a pearl on after using hairspray, makeup or perfume. When cleaning a pearl, use mild soap mixed in warm water. Solutions such as ammonia or harsh detergents will damage a pearl, as can an ultrasonic cleaner.

Because pearls can scratch easily, store them separately from other pieces of jewelry. Pearls may also be kept in a soft bag made of chamois for safe storage. It’s a good idea to have pearl necklaces restrung from time to time to ensure the silk or nylon cord connecting them is in good shape.

About the Author

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of
Pandora Jewelry
. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.