Common knowledge would tell you that wedding rings are a modern marketing invention, but that isn't the case. As far as archeologists know, the act of exchanging wedding rings dates back 3,000 years, and diamonds have been used to symbolize love since the 13th century. In fact, the first wedding rings were found in Greek, Egyptian and Roman tombs or burial sites.
Ancient Wedding Rings: Greek, Egyptian and Roman
The Egyptians are the first known civilization that exchanged wedding rings. To the Egyptians, rings represented eternity as a circle is a shape that has no end. An ouroboros, a serpent that eats its own tail, was an ordinary wedding ring concept that still exists today. Emerald rings for women were found in Egyptian tombs, typically as eyes for the ouroboros.
When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, he brought the practice to the Greeks. The Romans adopted the use of wedding rings after conquering the Greeks, but iron, copper, and gold were primarily used as raw materials for rings until the 2nd century. Afterward, gold was used to flaunt wealth which was further exacerbated by placing gems on wedding rings.
Ancient Egyptians placed wedding rings on the fourth finger as they thought it contained a vein that led directly to the heart. While that isn't true, this tradition prevails to this day.
Medieval Europe and the Renaissance Wedding Rings
Medieval Times
Medieval Europe accounts for a 1000 year period where little cultural significance occurs, but the wedding ring did go through many changes during this time. Starting from the Medieval Era, rings were more likely to be set with precious gems, like sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. The first recorded diamond wedding ring was left by an English widow in her will in the 13th century.
Medieval England also separated the wedding ring into two rings. Before the 12th century, weddings were most intimate ceremonies that didn't involve a clergyman or witness, making it easier for couples to deny they were wed. After the 12th century, weddings were declared a holy sacrament, and men could no longer place a wedding ring on a woman's finger until the ceremony. Engagement rings were given to women as a promise of marriage.
Renaissance
In the 14th and 15th centuries, fede motifs (hands clasping) were incorporated into gimmel rings or multiple interlocking bands. Both parties would wear these bands in the engagement period, and the third ring would be placed on the bride's hand during the ceremony. Claddagh rings (a pair of hands holding a heart) became fashionable well into the Elizabethian era.
Modern Wedding Ring Tradition: Men's Rings and Diamonds
Men's Rings
Traditionally, men didn't wear wedding rings despite the Christian church promoting them to the male population. It wasn't until WWII did men start wearing wedding bands as a reminder of their wives. Civilians started wearing rings after the Korean War, which makes male-specific rings a modern marketing invention that accompanies the diamond engagement ring.
Diamond Engagement Rings
While diamonds have been used in rings since the 13th century, diamonds weren't bought in excess after the depression in the 1930s. To combat the economic downturn, De Beers launched a marketing campaign with the slogan "diamonds are forever" in 1947. Before this, he gave celebrities diamonds to wear in movies, commercials, and posters to draw interest.
Thanks to Marilyn Monroe's song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" in the '50s and an aggressive advertisement campaign in the 60s, diamonds were once again seen as a luxurious item. In 1939, only 10% of engagement rings had diamonds, but by 1990, 80% of them did.
Wedding rings are a product of both ancient tradition and clever marketing tricks that are held up by consumer pressure and expectation. All of these aspects keep the tradition alive.
