History and Traditions of Wedding Rings (part 2)

Welcome back to our series on the different histories, meanings, and significance of wedding rings throughout the world! Here is some more information about wedding rings you might not have known!

Asian Countries

Even though “Asian countries” is a broad term that can’t capture each of the many countries on the Asian continent, this is just a broad overview of the history of wedding rings.

Early History

Focusing less on love and romance, early Asian wedding bands served as a symbol of legal unity bound by a contract. The marriage was officially sealed with a puzzle-styled wedding band, which actually fell apart if taken off. If a wife was found to be unfaithful, she would be forced to take her wedding band off, which would symbolize the end of a marriage. Unfortunately, the same didn’t apply for men. These rings were almost always fashioned from yellow gold, and the more money spent on the ring or the more gold it had in it, the more attractive or more desirable the wife was considered to be.

More Modern Times

As time went by, Asian wedding rings became more like Western styled rings, where diamonds were mounted to the ring, and wearing one became something fashionable, rather than contractual. This didn’t really happen until the 1940s however, when globalization began to rise.

Celtic Rings

Still popular today as promise rings, Celtic rings were designed with a Claddagh in the middle. This design, which features two hands holding a heart with a crown, has traditionally signified marital fidelity, rather than love. However, the meaning has changed over time to emphasize love and commitment to another person, rather than strictly fidelity itself.

Native American Rings

While each Native American tribe has its own traditions and customs, having an actual band has been standard, while each design and significance varies. For the most part, Native American wedding bands have sported the semi-precious stones found in that particular region, including  turquoise, various shells, and even red corals.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this two-part series on some of the different wedding bands from around the world! Stewart Kuper Jewelers has always provided top quality jewelry in Tucson, and can help you find the perfect wedding ring for your significant other!