There are many traditions around weddings; however few are as important as the exchanging of wedding rings. In the true history of the marriage ceremony wedding rings have only been exchanged between both the man and the woman and vice versa for a very short time. Prior to that men gave the women a wedding ring, often one that included diamonds or other precious or semi-precious gems.
The history of both the husband and wife receiving a wedding ring actually started in the United States at about the time of the first World War as well as the Korean War. Young soldiers going off to fight wanted a memory of their wives at home, and a wedding band was perfect. By World War ll this tradition was firmly in place, although the wedding rings tended to be very simple and plain in design and decoration.
The first real use of diamonds in wedding rings also occurred at about the same time. DeBeers Diamond Company started their marketing campaign with the slogan "A diamond is forever", which captured the imagination and hearts of many. This also coincided with the increase in men's wedding rings, and smaller diamonds were added to some designs with very positive results.
Wedding rings today tend to feature diamonds for both the women and the men, although of course the diamond rings for women have the most spectacular stones. In addition a woman's ring often features a diamond that is raised high above the shank or band, while a man's is not.
Diamond rings for men tend to be inset into the band, presenting a flatter type of surface. While this is not true for all men's wedding rings, even with the slightly elevated diamonds they are not in the cathedral and raised settings you see in women's rings.
Adding diamonds to wedding rings, while a great marketing strategy, also symbolizes stability, longevity and endurance. Diamonds are well known for their strength and beauty, making them an ideal match for a wedding ceremony.
Newer and older styles of diamond wedding rings don't just use diamonds in isolation. Many styles for both men and women feature other precious and semi-precious stones. Popular combinations with diamonds include garnet, peridot, topaz, opal and even pearls, along with emeralds, sapphires and rubies.
The giving of wedding rings between the couple is now a tradition with deep meaning to couples. Since wedding rings are an important first step together, they are really a symbol of the hope and commitment of the couple as they start this lifelong journey together.
The history of both the husband and wife receiving a wedding ring actually started in the United States at about the time of the first World War as well as the Korean War. Young soldiers going off to fight wanted a memory of their wives at home, and a wedding band was perfect. By World War ll this tradition was firmly in place, although the wedding rings tended to be very simple and plain in design and decoration.
The first real use of diamonds in wedding rings also occurred at about the same time. DeBeers Diamond Company started their marketing campaign with the slogan "A diamond is forever", which captured the imagination and hearts of many. This also coincided with the increase in men's wedding rings, and smaller diamonds were added to some designs with very positive results.
Wedding rings today tend to feature diamonds for both the women and the men, although of course the diamond rings for women have the most spectacular stones. In addition a woman's ring often features a diamond that is raised high above the shank or band, while a man's is not.
Diamond rings for men tend to be inset into the band, presenting a flatter type of surface. While this is not true for all men's wedding rings, even with the slightly elevated diamonds they are not in the cathedral and raised settings you see in women's rings.
Adding diamonds to wedding rings, while a great marketing strategy, also symbolizes stability, longevity and endurance. Diamonds are well known for their strength and beauty, making them an ideal match for a wedding ceremony.
Newer and older styles of diamond wedding rings don't just use diamonds in isolation. Many styles for both men and women feature other precious and semi-precious stones. Popular combinations with diamonds include garnet, peridot, topaz, opal and even pearls, along with emeralds, sapphires and rubies.
The giving of wedding rings between the couple is now a tradition with deep meaning to couples. Since wedding rings are an important first step together, they are really a symbol of the hope and commitment of the couple as they start this lifelong journey together.
About the Author:
George C. Baycan of Simayof Jewelers has 7 years experience in the jewelry industry in management and marketing consultant positions. He specializes in Diamond Rings for men and Diamond Rings for women.
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