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The History Of Bridal Jewelry
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Published: July 25, 2006
Beyond a cherished symbol of eternal love and companionship, bridal jewelry is also a historic tradition that extends across centuries. Even before the 2nd Century A.D., the ancient Greeks began practicing the custom of a circular wedding band. They are also credited with introducing gold into bridal jewelry, which remains the most popular choice among fine jewelry metals.
The tradition of wearing wedding bands on the fourth finger of the left hand began with the Greek belief that the vein vena amoris runs straight to the heart. Not all cultures have ascribed to this tradition though; 3rd Century Greeks wore wedding bands on their index fingers and the thumb was the finger of choice for those married in India.
During the Middle Ages men often kept a ring suspended from the band of their hat, which advertised their ability to propose to the perfect woman at any given time.
In Medieval times colored gemstones were often incorporated into wedding bands, as the type and color of gemstones were believed to hold heir own tsymbolic meaning.
Concerned with the cost of purchasing an engagement/wedding ring? Be thankful the Persian custom of the groom giving a ring to every guest at the ceremony is no longer practiced.
Diamonds were not incorporated into bridal jewelry until 1477 when Archduke Maxmilian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy. Even after they were initially introduced however, diamonds remained absent from most wedding rings until the 19th Century when the discovery of large diamond deposits in South Africa caused a surge in popularity of this rare gemstone.
The smallest engagement ring ever given was fitted on the tiny finger of two year old Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, who was arranged to be wed to the infant Dauphin of France, son of King Francis I, in 1518.
It wasn't until the 16th Century that men also began wearing wedding bands. Even then, this tradition quickly faded and was not popular until after World War II.
During the 17th Century Puritans attempted, unsuccessfully of course, to abolish the tradition of wedding rings.
Hearts were a popular component of bridal jewelry during the 17th and 18th Century, which were sometimes combined with rubies (signifying love) and diamonds (signifying eternity.)
The Tiffany, or solitaire ring, created by the infamous New York City based jeweler Tiffany and Co. was fist introduced in the late 19th Century.
Here are some other customs among bridal jewelry:
Posy Rings
Often the design of choice among bridal jewelry during the Middle Ages and Victorian Era. These wedding bands were often individually unique, as the inside metal was inscribed with poems and/or love messages.
Gimmel (Twin) Rings
Worn during the Renaissance Era, which consisted of two or more interlocking rings that were joined by a pivot and slid together to create one ring. It was customary for the bride and groom to each keep one of the rings until the wedding ceremony, when they were rejoined. If there were more than two rings, a member of the bridal party would keep the third ring in their possession until the ceremony.
Keeper (Guard) Rings
Introduced in 1761 when King George III gave one to Queen Charlotte, which consisted of a band encircled with diamonds. Today, we know these rings as a popular style for wedding or anniversary bands.
Princess ring
Consisting of 3-5 diamonds in a row across the top, this ring was a popular style for engagement rings during the early 20th Century. This style has recently regained popularity, particularly for anniversary jewelry known as past, present, future. This three stone design is sometimes used for engagement rings, as well.
Jade
A gemstone which symbolizes good luck, health, and prosperity has traditionally served as the stone of choice for family wedding traditions throughout history. This green gemstone, which is believed to bring bad luck if purchased for yourself, is often exchanged in the form of rings or necklaces to welcome new members into their families. This custom, which is popular among Asian cultures, may also be practiced by purchasing a large jade stone and passing it through succeeding generations as a family heirloom. Family members may also choose to progressively cutting from the large stone, producing smaller stones that are to serve as welcoming gifts for new family members.
Pearls
A historic wedding custom since the beginning of the wedding band, the ancient Greeks often wore them on their wedding day to bring the couple enduring marital bliss. Since then pearls have remained a popular component of bridal jewelry. During the 14th and 15th Centuries, pearls adorned both bridal parties and guests alike as a symbol of wealth and status. They have also served as a traditional wedding gift for grooms to present to their brides, dating back to the time of the Crusades.
The tradition of wearing wedding bands on the fourth finger of the left hand began with the Greek belief that the vein vena amoris runs straight to the heart. Not all cultures have ascribed to this tradition though; 3rd Century Greeks wore wedding bands on their index fingers and the thumb was the finger of choice for those married in India.
During the Middle Ages men often kept a ring suspended from the band of their hat, which advertised their ability to propose to the perfect woman at any given time.
In Medieval times colored gemstones were often incorporated into wedding bands, as the type and color of gemstones were believed to hold heir own tsymbolic meaning.
Concerned with the cost of purchasing an engagement/wedding ring? Be thankful the Persian custom of the groom giving a ring to every guest at the ceremony is no longer practiced.
Diamonds were not incorporated into bridal jewelry until 1477 when Archduke Maxmilian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy. Even after they were initially introduced however, diamonds remained absent from most wedding rings until the 19th Century when the discovery of large diamond deposits in South Africa caused a surge in popularity of this rare gemstone.
The smallest engagement ring ever given was fitted on the tiny finger of two year old Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, who was arranged to be wed to the infant Dauphin of France, son of King Francis I, in 1518.
It wasn't until the 16th Century that men also began wearing wedding bands. Even then, this tradition quickly faded and was not popular until after World War II.
During the 17th Century Puritans attempted, unsuccessfully of course, to abolish the tradition of wedding rings.
Hearts were a popular component of bridal jewelry during the 17th and 18th Century, which were sometimes combined with rubies (signifying love) and diamonds (signifying eternity.)
The Tiffany, or solitaire ring, created by the infamous New York City based jeweler Tiffany and Co. was fist introduced in the late 19th Century.
Here are some other customs among bridal jewelry:
Posy Rings
Often the design of choice among bridal jewelry during the Middle Ages and Victorian Era. These wedding bands were often individually unique, as the inside metal was inscribed with poems and/or love messages.
Gimmel (Twin) Rings
Worn during the Renaissance Era, which consisted of two or more interlocking rings that were joined by a pivot and slid together to create one ring. It was customary for the bride and groom to each keep one of the rings until the wedding ceremony, when they were rejoined. If there were more than two rings, a member of the bridal party would keep the third ring in their possession until the ceremony.
Keeper (Guard) Rings
Introduced in 1761 when King George III gave one to Queen Charlotte, which consisted of a band encircled with diamonds. Today, we know these rings as a popular style for wedding or anniversary bands.
Princess ring
Consisting of 3-5 diamonds in a row across the top, this ring was a popular style for engagement rings during the early 20th Century. This style has recently regained popularity, particularly for anniversary jewelry known as past, present, future. This three stone design is sometimes used for engagement rings, as well.
Jade
A gemstone which symbolizes good luck, health, and prosperity has traditionally served as the stone of choice for family wedding traditions throughout history. This green gemstone, which is believed to bring bad luck if purchased for yourself, is often exchanged in the form of rings or necklaces to welcome new members into their families. This custom, which is popular among Asian cultures, may also be practiced by purchasing a large jade stone and passing it through succeeding generations as a family heirloom. Family members may also choose to progressively cutting from the large stone, producing smaller stones that are to serve as welcoming gifts for new family members.
Pearls
A historic wedding custom since the beginning of the wedding band, the ancient Greeks often wore them on their wedding day to bring the couple enduring marital bliss. Since then pearls have remained a popular component of bridal jewelry. During the 14th and 15th Centuries, pearls adorned both bridal parties and guests alike as a symbol of wealth and status. They have also served as a traditional wedding gift for grooms to present to their brides, dating back to the time of the Crusades.
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