The concept of exchanging rings for a marriage has existed for over 3,000 years, and since then many traditions have grown from this idea. Below we'll answer the classic questions and share some history on how they came to be, but don't forget you never HAVE to follow these ideas!
How Long Have Wedding Bands + Engagement Rings Existed?
Dating all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, Pharos gifting their bride-to-be with a ring representing eternity was the first documented use of a "wedding ring". When the Greeks conquered the Egyptians they carried on this tradition, same for when the Romans conquered Greece. By then, Romans started stamping important motifs onto the ring, like the first engravings!
The first documented diamond engagement ring was in 1477 though it was really a band. Previous to then, bands were either entirely gold or with color stones like ruby or sapphire. From then on, engagement rings were traditionally multiple diamonds, often rose cut, on a gold band. This stayed relatively unchanged until the 1880s with the help of Charles Lewis Tiffany, who's iconic "Tiffany Setting" was invented, taking a larger single diamond and raising it high above the band to showcase it's brilliance. Since then, the solitaire has remained the most popular engagement ring style.
In Medieval times, marriage was an extremely quick and easy process. A man would present an object, often a ring, to their bride and her acceptance of the gift constituted the beginning of a marriage. The object being presented was called a "Wed" and such the ceremony of presenting the object was a "Wedding".
What Hand Should Your Bridal Stack Be Worn On?
What hand to wear your stack on is typically based on where you are in the world. For example, the "Western Standard" (US, Canada, UK, Western Europe) believed for centuries you should wear your rings on your left hand due to the old Roman belief of Vena Amoris, a vein running from your left ring finger directly to your heart.
Wearing the bridal stack on the right hand can be seen in countries like Russia, Poland and India. These can stem from cultural practices or religious reasons. For example, in India some believe the right hand can be seen as the "pure" hand, being used only for sacred activities. Wearing the wedding ring on that hand can represent the hallowed bond.
If you don't follow by any of these traditions, use the hand most comfortable (usually the opposite of your dominant)!
What Order Should You Wear Your Rings?
Since the creation of a separate ring for engagement and marriage it was common to NO LONGER wear your engagement ring after you were married, wearing only the wedding band. However, it is very common now for both to be worn, often together on the same finger.
Tradition dictated wearing your wedding band first on the finger, likely due to the Vena Amoris belief mentioned above, having the wedding band closer to your heart then the engagement ring on top.
As time has progressed (and as wedding bands and engagement rings have gotten larger) this tradition has faded with time. It is common now to see the rings separated onto different hands to be worn more comfortably.
Should My Engagement Ring Be a Surprise?
The concept of an engagement ring or wedding band design not involving the wearers preferences or knowledge of it's design does have some roots in history. For centuries, a wedding band would reflect a contract of sorts, with Pope Nicholas I in 850 AD actually decreeing that a mans gift of the band proved his intent to marry and that the rings MUST be gold to show a financial "sacrifice". Romans would also present their wives-to-be bands, but more so as a symbol of loyalty and ownership (yikes).
With these traditions being long gone and frankly out of date, it's increasingly common to see engagement ring and wedding band shopping being done together. It's understandable for both parties to choose the ring they want to wear for their lifetime, especially if it's a large purchase.
Your Special Ring with Shahla Karimi
No matter what traditions you do or don't want to follow, we're here to help create the most special pieces you will cherish for a lifetime. Shop our collections of ready made wedding bands and engagement rings or have a look at our bespoke process to gain inspiration on a completely new design that represents you perfectly. As always, we're here to answer any questions you may have, traditions or not, and always available for appointments in our atelier in New York City!
OUR WEDDING BANDS
OUR ENGAGEMENT RINGS
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