I’ve always loved rings. I remember when I was at school, my mum asked me what I’d like as a treat for doing well in my exams. I asked for a simple silver heart ring, which I subsequently received and treasured. This tradition then continued and I loved choosing each new piece of jewellery. Each ring told a story.
Each Ring Tells a Story
As well as representing each set of exams I took and how hard I worked at school, each ring had a tale to tell of its own. My silver heart ring had some adventures over the years. There was the time it fell off my finger as I threw bread to the ducks at Butlins. My mum waded through the shallow part of the pond to help me find it- and we did! It felt like we’d never be parted. Another time I accidentally swallowed it! We won’t go into that story too much but once again it was returned to me safely. It’s too small for me to wear now but I always treasure it.
Rings for Different Occasions
Rings have been used to symbolise milestone moments throughout history. They can be bought or gifted for any occasion, from the birth of a child to birthdays, friendship, graduation, love, engagement, wedding day and anniversaries.
Rings Throughout a Relationship
Rings are particularly well known for being symbolic during a relationship. When things begin to get serious, a partner may give their beloved a promise ring. Rings tell a love story.
Promise Rings
When two people fall in love, the first ring they will gift to each other is usually a promise ring. This symbolises their commitment to each other. Accepting and wearing a promise ring means you share the same feelings and want to take your relationship to the next level. Traditionally, promise rings are given before engagement rings. Take a look at Jeulia for a selection of beautiful promise rings.
Engagement Rings
An engagement ring, also known as a betrothal ring, is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married. In the past, a gentleman would get down on one knee and propose to his beloved. The ritual would involve the formal asking of the question “Will you marry me?” and the presentation of an engagement ring (often in a small velvet box), which he would then place on her finger if she accepted. Traditionally, it was only allowed for women to be able to propose to their partner on 29 February (during a Leap Year). In modern times, it is acceptable for either gender to propose and to do it their own way.
Originally, diamonds were the gemstone of choice for engagement rings. There was also a traditional rule that engagement rings should cost three months of the groom-to-be’s salary. Nowadays, brides-to -be are spoilt for choice with different colour gemstones and the price is a private, unimportant matter. It’s the love that counts. This means that couples could instead choose a more ethical and sustainable moissanite engagement ring. With more choices available, the bride-to-be can be gifted an engagement ring in the style she prefers, whether that be modern or vintage rings for women.
Wedding Rings
Usually, an engagement will lead to a wedding (unless instead, you have an unintentionally very long engagement like myself!). On the day, the happy couple will exchange wedding bands during the wedding service. In Western culture, typically the ring will be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. For women, this is usually on the same finger as their engagement ring. As this bridal jewelry is to be worn together on the same finger, it’s important to consider that they suit and fit well together. For some couples, it’s important that their rings complement each other too and other couples choose very different styles of rings- it’s up to them! A wedding ring or wedding band indicates that its wearer is married. It is usually forged from gold or another precious metal.
Eternity Ring
An eternity ring is a symbol of everlasting love. This type of ring is typically given to celebrate an anniversary, a wedding, or the birth of a child. They are just as much of a promise of commitment as an engagement ring or wedding ring. Eternity rings are usually adorned with a continuous band of diamonds or gemstones, to represent ever-lasting love. For aesthetic purposes, they are often given in the same metal and stone as the original wedding band but can be a different style.
The Importance of Rings
So as you can see, this small piece of jewellery plays a large part in our lives at different stages. It signifies a lot and tells our stories and represents our love story.
What rings are important to you? What story do they tell?
