Wedding Ring - History

The wedding ring is said to be one of the most famous and instantly recognizable symbol of the joining of a man and a woman as husband and wife in holy matrimony has a long and wide spread history. The oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt over 4800 years ago. Then, the ring was linked with the supernatural, a never-ending band linked with eternal love. For the Romans later, the ring's acceptance by a young lady was a binding, legal agreement and the girl was no longer free. Today we accept the ring as part of a religious ceremony when we marry in church.

As time passes the traditions have changed. Today, not only the brides wear rings as a symbol of their lasting affection, but the majority of men also choose to wear this badge of fidelity and commitment. The ring's band does not have to be gold. In early Roman times they used iron, for its symbolic strength. But that has been replaced in the third century with silver and gold because of its beauty while iron rusts. There are attractive alternatives for yellow gold, such as Silver or Electrum. You can also think about the hardness of the metal and the color of your wedding band.

Most husband and wives today wear their wedding bands on the left hand, the third finger in. However, some European women wear the ring on their right hand. Some Scandinavian women wear three rings, one each for their engagement, their marriage and then their motherhood. Jewish brides have the ring placed on their index finger, since that is the finger with which they point to the Torah as they read.

Do you know any additional facts and secrets about the history of wedding rings? What does your culture say about how wedding rings should be worn? Would love to hear more history laid out.

By Philippa Channer

The Secret to Buying a Diamond is What Your Jeweler Won't Tell You!

If diamonds are a woman's best friend then why does the man have to buy them? Most men are not familiar with the fine details of diamond characteristics and value. Making such a large purchase without any experience or knowing who to trust can make diamond shopping a daunting task. A visit to your local jeweler almost always consists of a tutorial on the "4 C's" leaving you more confused than ever.

What your jeweler will not tell you is the single most important diamond trait which determines value and brilliance. The rarely mentioned yet most important detail is a diamond's depth percentage. A diamond cut to the ideal depth percentage will reflect substantially more light known as brilliance or fire. A diamond with the same color and clarity may appear dull and boring compared to a diamond with an ideal depth percentage.

Diamonds are often cut either too shallow or too deep in order to save diamond mass which results in a dull appearance and cheaper cost. You may think you are getting a good deal but you are really paying for poor quality. The ideal depth percentage is different for each diamond shape. An ideal round diamond should be cut between 58-63%.

To find the best quality diamond look first for an ideal depth percentage, then consider color, clarity, and carat weight. Buy only certified diamonds which come with a third party verification of its characteristics. Make diamond education a large part of your search and you will be better equipped to make an educated purchase. You work hard for your money so make sure you are buying the best!

Most jewelry stores will charge a hefty premium for a properly cut diamond. Desert Brilliance offers ideal cut diamonds without any additional fees giving you the most for your money. Buy with confidence at Desert Brilliance for the best priced, best quality diamonds available.

By Jared D Gonzalez