When you look at someone’s hand do you know which ring is for their engagement, which is their wedding band and which is an eternity ring?
When you look at someone’s hand do you know which ring is for their engagement, which is their wedding band and which is an eternity ring? Oh and let’s not forget about promise and purity rings. Understanding which ring is which and what they represent can be confusing. Here is a basic overview of each:
Promise Rings
Promise rings are a gift of jewellery given to represent a promise usually of a future marriage vow. Given before an engagement a promise ring signifies a monogamous commitment to a relationship. These rings can be worn on any finger but if used as a pre-engagement gift it may be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Otherwise it is common on middle fingers or the ring finger on the right hand.
A promise ring may be the perfect present for your other half if you are in love and would love to get married one day but are currently not ready for whatever reason.
Purity Rings
Purity rings however are usually worn as a symbol of the vow the wearer has taken with their God to stay pure and a virgin until they marry. Also known as chastity or abstinence rings these bands are worn as a sign of celibacy.
These rings were first made popular by Christian Abstinence groups in the USA during the 90’s and have now become popular with young individuals who wish to show their religious beliefs.
Engagement Rings
Are you thinking of popping the question? Then you may want to buy an engagement ring. An engagement ring is a symbol of the intent to marry. An engagement ring is usually given by a male to their female partner and worn on the left hand in Western culture. This may vary in different cultures.
An engagement ring will feature a solitaire diamond, a small cluster or a trilogy of gemstones.
Wedding Rings
Wedding rings are exchanged when a couple get married and are worn on the left hand, in the female’s case below the engagement ring. The rings act as a symbol of the marriage and tells others that they are off the market.
Wedding rings are usually simple smooth rings that are wider than other rings. However in more recent years these rings have also become more decorative, often with engraved patterns or gemstones encrusted.
Eternity Rings
Worn on the left ring finger above the wedding band and engagement ring this ring is given to a wife on the birth of a couple’s first child or on a special wedding anniversary. This ring has a continuous line of identical gemstones, or for comfort across the front only, to symbolise never-ending love. We love a good palladium wedding band next to a big sparkler!
So now you know the basics about rings take a glance at people’s hands – are they married with kids? Or engaged?
(first image: Wikimedia)
A member of the British Jeweller’s Association, Palladium Ring Company sell one of the largest selections of quality palladium engagement rings, palladium wedding rings and palladium eternity rings online. Plus as they are not on the high street they can cut the costs, bringing you UK manufactured and hallmarked palladium rings at reasonable prices.
