What Is a Wedding Ring?

If you're looking to go back to the basics and understand what a wedding ring truly is, where it originated, and explore the various types available, this guide is perfect for you! With a rich history and profound symbolism, the wedding ring continues to be one of the most significant symbols of love in the 21st century.

A wedding ring is a piece of jewellery that people wear when they get married to signify their commitment to one another. These bands are usually exchanged at the wedding ceremony as a token of lifelong love and loyalty and are usually worn every day by both partners.

Wedding rings can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians who gave rings made from braided hemp to their beloved. Just as we wear them today, these rings were placed on the fourth finger on the left hand as they believed there was a ‘vein of love’ connecting this finger directly to the heart. The Ancient Egyptians also believed in the deep symbolism of the circle as an emblem of everlasting love, and a wedding ring was a way for lovers to wear this symbol.

However, it wasn't until the 15th century that wedding rings began to be personalised with the arrival and growing popularity of 'Posie Rings' in Britain. Made from precious metals like gold and silver, these rings featured inscriptions of short poems, known as posies, on the inside.

Today, wedding rings are still made in precious metals and can be personalised as much or as little as wanted. At Jessica Flinn, we offer both bespoke and custom wedding ring services, meaning you can customise one of our existing rings or create a design from scratch if you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind. Contact the team to begin your bespoke journey today!

Traditionally, a wedding ring is a simple, plain band made out of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. However, your wedding ring can look however you want it to, some choose to have gemstones adorn the band in what we call a ‘tiara’ style which gives the impression of your engagement ring wearing a crown! If you want to include gemstones in your ring but don't want the drama of a tiara ring then consider opting for an eternity ring, where the gemstones are embedded into the ring itself, so it offers all the sparkle of a tiara ring but without the dramatic appearance. Take a look at our guide on eternity rings to learn more about these types of rings and what they mean.

Other options include detailed engraving, where you can have something engraved into either the outside or inside of a ring, this could be a floral or geometric pattern, or even a special date or words from your loved one to add sentiment to the piece.

Wedding rings are usually worn on the left hand on the fourth finger, also known as your ring finger. This is because it's thought that there is a ‘vein of love’ connecting this finger to the heart, making it a truly romantic tradition! 

In modern times, some LGBTQIA+ couples have chosen to abandon this tradition as they believe it to be more of a symbol of heteronormative relationships. These couples might choose to wear their ring on their ring finger on their right hand as a way of showing their love in a traditional way whilst also honouring their unique love story and differentiating from heterosexual relationships.

There is no set rule on which hand you need to wear your ring on, so whether you wear it on your left or your right hand, the most important thing is that it means something to you. Some even choose to forgo wearing it on any hand, and might opt to wear it on a chain around their necks. The important thing to remember with this idea is that the metals could scratch, leaving you with a scuffed or marked wedding ring over time. We have a dedicated guide to this question, so if you'd like to learn more then take a look!

While there’s no set rule on this, many believe that your wedding ring should be worn on the bottom, with the engagement ring placed on top. This is because it’s believed that the wedding ring should be closest to your heart. But if you’re not one for the sentimental meanings behind all these rules, then you can wear your wedding and engagement ring in whatever you want. It also depends on which kind of designs you go for and how your rings fit around each other.

The answer to this question depends on a few different factors, but it's important to know that there is no set amount that a wedding ring should cost. The amount of money you’re willing to spend on a wedding ring is a completely personal choice and depends on different lifestyle and financial circumstances.

The price of a wedding ring also depends on the design that you prefer, as a plain band will cost significantly less than if you wanted a ring with diamonds or other valuable gemstones. Other design choices such as engraving or a less traditional shape such as a wishbone will also add onto the overall cost. Take a look at our full guide on the price of wedding rings for more information.