Wearing wedding rings is an ancient European custom that dates back to Roman times and is likely even older. When marriage first developed it was a business contract meant to join two families for political or material gain rather than the joining of two lovers. Love and affection were not originally even considerations. The tradition of wearing wedding bands extends to this time and originally symbolized an exchange of money or property between two families. As time passed, traditions changed and marriages came to be seen as the joining of two lovers to form a new family and the wearing of wedding rings became a symbol of themes such as undying love and devotion.

The wedding ring is steeped in tradition. It is often the last in a series of tokens given by a man to his betrothed. At the wedding the best man holds onto the ring and gives to the groom during the exchange of vows. In more elaborate ceremonies it is carried in the wedding procession by a child ring-bearer related to either the bride or the groom. Marriage’s materialistic beginnings can be seen in the wedding vows dating from the time of King Edward VI which followed the phrase, ‘with this ring I thee wed’, with ‘this gold and silver I give thee’.

Most religious traditions accept rings of any metal for making marriage vows. Traditionally they are a plain band made of a gold alloy. Other materials include titanium, tungsten carbide, nickel silver, and stainless steel. Copper, brass, and silver are not popular choices because they tarnish over time and lack the permanent character of other metals. Usually mens wedding bands are larger than those made for women.

The traditional gold band is still the most popular style of wedding ring. However, it is not the only option. Couples from French speaking countries often use three interlaced rings standing for the Christian concepts of ‘love, faith, and hope’. Rings decorated with Celtic knots symbolizing continuity and oneness or the Claddagh style standing for fidelity are popular amongst people of Irish, Scottish, and other Celtic heritages.

The wedding ring and engagement ring are the same ring in some European cultures. In that case it simply changes status when it is engraved with details such the date of the wedding and moved from one hand to the other. In cultures where they are separate rings there are a few options for whether or not the engagement ring is worn in the wedding service. In some traditions, the groom simply slides the wedding ring over the engagement ring. Some brides choose to wear their engagement ring and wedding ring on different hands. Still others give the engagement ring to the maid of honor for safekeeping and then put it on again after the ceremony.

Jewelers began suggesting giving men wedding bands in the 19th Century. However, double ring ceremonies didn’t become common practice until after World War II. More than 80% of contemporary weddings now include both.

The hand womens and mens wedding rings are worn on varies by tradition. The right hand has been the traditional hand for making oaths since ancient times. Wearing a wedding ring on this hand symbolizes the sincerity of the oath. However, in some cultures wedding rings are worn on the left hand because the so-called vein of love is thought to pass through the left ring finger. How the ring is worn can also vary. Some traditions state that wedding ring should be worn below the engagement ring so that it is closest to the heart. While others state that it should be worn above the engagement ring, sealing the engagement into the marriage. Another common tradition is to wear the wedding ring alone and put the engagement ring someplace for safe keeping.