Ancient Cultural Influences in Wedding Ring Design

In today's society where life is full of modern conveniences, more couples are finding that cultural styles and traditional wedding activities are more emotionally fulfilling in celebrating their marriage.  The tradition of marriage has evolved over time so much so that many people cannot imagine a time that a marriage ceremony was performed without a wedding ring. Although we know for a fact that this is true.

As the knowledge to create jewelry spread around the world, the design of rings that would conquer kingdoms was made manifest. And of all the bodily adornments, it is the ring that still carries the most significance.  However traditions regarding the exchange of rings is not static, with each new year, couples are inventing new ways of making this important event memorable.

The love that brings two people together is considered a magical emotion, how fitting that the ring finger of the left hand has a vein that leads directly to the heart? Couples are reaching back into history not only to gain inspiration for their wedding ceremony, but for their jewelry as well. The influences of different cultures can be seen today in ring designs that uses special techniques to create them.

The exchange of rings in Japan is a fairly new tradition and it is the Mokume Gane ring that is the standard. This ring is crafted through an intricate process of forging different metals together to create the unique swirl design that is the signature of this ring.  Ring artisans now create fantastic designs with this technique used to create the handles of Samurai swords that were then decorated with elaborate engravings and symbols.

Interlocking or interwoven rings are common in Greek, French, Turkish and Russian cultures. Three interwoven rings reflect a multitude of references from the mind, body and spirit to religious values of faith, love and hope.  Most often each ring is made from a different metal such as yellow, white and rose gold.

Taking the idea of interlocking rings one step further are puzzle rings, which originally were given to a woman to prove her fidelity. Today this style is given to both the woman and the man during their marriage vows.

Just as Mokume Gane is formed through a special process to create wedding rings, Nacre or what's commonly known as Mother of Pearl is also being used to create beautiful wedding bands such as the one in the photo. Although this is not a gemstone in its own right, it traditionally has been attributed with representing fertility one of the blessings of marriage.

Today couples can express their love for one another in original ways that incorporate the best of both worlds; traditional materials and design crafted with modern technology.

 

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