Wedding Ring History-The Diamond
Do you know the history behind the diamond wedding ring? 
A diamond is the ultimate symbol of commitment and love. Much like the marriage itself, if well cared for, it will last a life time.
The ring is a circle and this was the symbol of eternity. It had no beginning and no end, like time. It returned to itself, like life; and the shape was worshipped
in the form of the Sun and the Moon.
The hole in the center of the ring is not just space either; it is important in its own right as the symbol of the gateway, or door; leading to things and events both known and unknown.
It is not difficult therefore, to see how the ring and the gift of a wedding ring
began to be associated with love, in the hope that this most worthy of emotions could take on the characteristics of the circle and capture eternity.
It takes one million years to make a diamond. They are formed under immense heat and pressure hundreds of miles below sea level and forced to the earth’s surface through volcanic explosions.
Most diamonds found in nature are one to three billion years old and 80% of them are found in seven countries: Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia and Zaire. The major diamond cutting centers are in New York, Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Bombay.
The wedding ring, that most famous and instantly recognizable symbol of the
joining of a man and a woman as husband and wife in the institution of marriage, has a long, wide spread and mysterious history. Its beginnings lie in the deserts of North Africa, where the ancient Egyptian civilization sprang up along the fertile flood plains of the river Nile. This river was bringer of all fortune and life to the Pharaoh’s people and from plants growing on its’ banks were the first wedding rings fashioned.
In ancient times, the Egyptians and the Romans shared the belief that a vein
from the fourth finger lead directly to the heart. As such, it seemed a logical place for the placement of the wedding band. The practice was passed down and the fourth finger is now universally known as the ring finger. Science has since disproved that theory, but it is still romantic to think that our wedding rings are on a direct path to our hearts.
Caring For Diamond Wedding Rings
When you are not wearing your diamond wedding rings, keep them in a fabric lined case or a jewelry box with dividers. This will prevent them from being scratched.
Precious metals can get smudged or coated with things like oils, lotions, perfumes or hairspray. You should put diamonds on only after you have finished getting ready to go out.
It is a good idea not to wear jewelry when doing heavy work. You will also want to remove your jewelry when swimming. Chlorinated water can effect the color of your setting.
You should regularly soak your jewelry for 30 minutes in a commercial jewelry cleaner. You can make your own with equal parts of water and household ammonia. Use a soft brush to gently clean the front and back of the mounting. Then rinse and drain on tissue paper.
It is recommended that you bring your settings to a jeweler every year or so to make sure the settings are secure.
Wedding bands for men are a fairly recent innovation. Throughout history, men have been dominant and owned wives. There was no need for men to be burdened by symbols of marriage and commitment. Even after modern thinking outlawed all forms of slavery and polygamy, the fingers of men were still unadorned.
All of that changed during World War II. During the war it became fashionable for men to wear bands to remind them of the loving wives waiting back home. Use of wedding rings by men increased again during the Korean War. Today, most men wear wedding bands, regardless of military status.
The history of wedding rings date back many years. I found the thought of diamonds being forced to the earth’s surface through volcanic explosions would have been a sight to see even though most people had no idea they were even in the debris until later discovery.
History | Vicki Hasemann | October 30, 2009
Very interesting post, personal.
Martin O’Connor
http://www.smallbusinessdesigncenter.com
This was a really in depth lesson on how the tradition of wedding rings came about. The information on how diamonds are formed was very interesting as well!
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services – Babysitter in your area
Vicki,
That was a fascinating history! The symbolism of the wedding ring is wonderful.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
Vicki,
Beautiful explanation for the wedding ring.
Apparently, diamond wedding rings or engagement rings are popular AFTER diamond giant De Beers has been successfully marketed the gemstone as a symbol of love and commitment.
“A Diamond Is Forever” might be true for its durability. But its holding value as an investment is pretty poor.
John Ho
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Influence & Persuasion
I had no idea that the hole in the ring was symbolic, just figured it was functional. Makes me wonder what the rest of my stuff was originally created for . . . do my bracelets mean anything?
Kate
Very interesting. Good history and good tips.
Martin O’Connor
http://www.smallbusinessdesigncenter.com
A million years to make a diamond. No wonder they’re so expensive!
Martin Wright
Impact, Poise, Presenting
I didn’t realize bands for men were such a recent adoption. It’s nice to know that with a little polishing an old rock can be brilliant. Helpful reminder.
“Get your own Get Healthy Headquarters Journal,
Katie
Hi Vicki,
I love how you talk about the hole in the ring being the gateway. Beautiful symbolic meanings to the wedding rings.
what about incorporating different cultural elements into your wedding? Such as when either the bride or the groom are Asian where the color red is one of Feng Shui for romance and abundance (always associated with family and marriage)?
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Single Boomer Dating Expert
You obviously know every fine detail when it comes to weddings. Like anything in life you always need to know what you want and be willing to pay for it.
Jose Escalante
http://www.joseescalante.com
Very informative post. Was an interesting read.
Bert (alter ego- Mister P)
MisterP.org/blog
Hi Vicki,
I enjoyed reading your post about the symbolic meaning of the wedding ring. I especially like the doorway into the unknown metaphor.
Keri Eagan
Alternative*Insight