Wedding Rings and other Marriage Traditions
According to many customs, the wedding ring is the last in a series of gifts, given during the wedding ceremony to symbolise the final act of commitment between a man and a woman. In this tradition, which is at least as old as Ancient Rome, a wedding ring is preceded by an engagement ring, and possibly also other gifts as well. In some customs, such as Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christianity, wedding rings are not technically part of the traditional wedding service. Instead, wedding rings are exchanged at the betrothal as a two ring set which is given by the priest or the best man. There are a number of other difference between different cultures around the world, including wearing the wedding ring on different hands and fingers and giving it out at different times.
There is also a lot of variation in the style of wedding rings used around the world, although the vast majority take the form of a simple gold band. Traditionally, it is the engagement ring that features a more elaborate and expensive construction, which is joined later by the more simple wedding ring which is worn next to it on the same finger. Some other related jewellery items that are used in commitment and love ceremonies in different cultures include claddagh rings, eternity rings, and Thali necklaces. Marriage is an important institution in many nations around the world, and comes complete with its own set of customs and traditions. Along with the wedding ceremony itself, the giving away of the bride, the wedding dress, and the wedding cake, wedding rings play an important role in wedding events all over the globe.