In the United States and a few other countries, Sweden, UK, and France the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This tradition reportedly dating to classical times was based on the belief that the fourth finger on the left hand contained the 'vein of love' and that this vein ran directly from the heart to that finger. Popular wedding bands are typically yellow gold, white gold or silver. The man's ring is wide and the woman's is narrow. They usually are just a plain band but some wedding sets are embellished to match. The man's wedding ring, the woman's wedding ring are sometimes set with small stones usually diamonds to match the engagement ring. They also can be engraved with just about anything that fits. Most couples have their wedding date engraved on the inside of the wedding band sometimes with names or initials or both.
It is no mistake that rings are circles which are associated with magic. A circle has strong magical characteristics. By being round it is considered timeless and endless. Some people even believe it implies reincarnation. Our lives, our schedules revolve in circles. Most of us basically do the same thing every day. We go to work, come home, go to sleep and get up tomorrow and do the same thing all over again.
The variety of engagement and wedding rings is vast. The most important thing to consider is the likes and dislikes of the bride. Does she prefer gold or silver or something entirely different. Does she have her heart set on a certain type of ring. Sometimes the wedding ring is purchased at the same time as the engagement ring because a lot of jewelers have wedding sets. Not to say they don't have single rings you can purchase and put together your own set. One of the popular metals for rings today is platinum which is heavier and more expensive than gold. Sterling silver is a beautiful choice although you don't want pure sterling as it is soft and easily damaged. So it is typically mixed with copper which improves the strength of the silver and doesn't affect it's color. To be sterling silver a ring must contain 925 parts out of a 1000 pure silver.
Some families have an engagement ring and sometimes wedding ring that has been handed down over generations and want to continue this tradition. If this is the case and all parties are agreeable most likely the ring will have to be taken to a reputable jeweler to be sized to the bride's finger. This is a popular trend in families who have possibly lived in the ancestral home since they were born and someone who is a believer in roots and tradition and position. It is all right to refuse this offer if this is not your style, however be prepared to try and be persuaded as these families are firm believers in tradition and the handing down of family heirlooms.
Just remember whatever type of ring you ultimately end up with it will be around for a long time as the symbol of the love you share with the person you plan on spending the rest of your life with.
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