GREEKS

The ancient Greeks are thought to have been forerunners in rising of traditional engagement ring. Given as a token of care and affection, rings used by Greeks were known as betrothal rings and were given before marriage. However, giving of these rings was not always a pre-requisite to marriage and was often given in same way as a friendship ring might be given today.

ROMANS

As seen by their use of wedding ring, ancient Romans weren't most sentimental of people, and early version of their "engagement ring" were thought to have carved keys on them. It has been debated that this could have been to symbolise woman's right to access and own half of everything following marriage. However, more sentimental like to think that key may have been a key to her husband's heart.

ROYALTY AND THE AFFLUENT

Engagement rings as we know them today - stunning gems encased in precious metals - became popular in around fourteenth or fifteenth century, when affluent and royals began to exchange and wear these jewels. However, these items were so expensive that nobody other than royals and rich could afford to exchange them. It was to be many centuries before these engagement rings would become more popular or traditional.

Why a ring?

The purpose of engagement rings and wedding bands is to convey deep emotions of eternal love, eternal happiness, eternal commitment, and eternal togetherness. In fact, these rings signify eternity - between giver and recipient. A ring, of course, is a complete circle with no break and no end or beginning, which means that it just goes on and on - it is eternal.

And, since folklore has it that fourth finger of left hand has a vein leading directly to heart, it is only natural that both engagement and wedding rings would be worn on this particular finger, which was once reputed to be a direct route to heart.

Summary

In short, it is clear that giving of a ring in honour of a union, betrothal, and marriage has been going on since ancient times, and although it may not always have been as glamorous and romantic as it is today, it was still a way of exchanging a contract of betrothal or marriage.

Thankfully, today's wedding bands and engagement rings are not made of hair, grass, plants or twine as they may have been in ancient times, but of beautiful metals set with stunning gems, such as platinum, titanium, white gold, gold, sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. These incredible items of jewellery are likely to remain as popular as ever as centuries go by, and even as rest of world advances in to a futuristic and technological age, it's hard to imagine a day where a beautiful diamond engagement ring doesn't melt heart of its recipient.

Marriage represents a commitment and shared love between two people. Wedding ceremonies are often shrouded in symbolism, among most significant of which is exchange of wedding rings between husband and wife.

Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Wedding Bands Online

Society is ever changing, and with advent of technology and access to a global marketplace, more and more consumers are buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online rather than shopping for these ritual symbols of devotion in a traditional store. Buying online affords consumers luxury of perusing widest selection of rings available from convenience of their home.

Some people have infused process of buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online with romanticism. New rituals and traditions are being built in face of modern technology. In fact, some couples are planning entire wedding ceremonies through their computers. A virtual ceremony can be broadcast to friends and family members world over!

What advice can we offer couple interested in shopping for wedding accessories online? Here are some suggestions for a successful venture:

• Keep an open mind. Know what type of engagement rings (diamond, gemstone, bands) or wedding rings you are looking for, but consider looking at many different varieties. You may change your mind about what type of ring best symbolizes your relationship and love.
• Make shopping online romantic! Place some candles around computer, turn on your song and have some wine! Buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online can be just as fun and exciting as buying them in person... and even more fun when you create a loving and warm atmosphere.
• Be prepared to spend a fair amount of time perusing different styles and makes. There are an incredible variety of engagement rings and wedding bands available: titanium, platinum, white gold, traditional gold, silver, gemstone, diamond... list goes on and on. Once you have reviewed a fair number of styles be sure to compile a list of your favorites to narrow down your search.
• Know your size! Nothing is more obnoxious than having to have a ring re-sized before you wear it. There are several websites that offer jewelry sizing online. Typically women wear between a size 5-9 and men between sizes 8-12. The average for men: a 10; average for women: a 7.

A Symbol of Your Love and Devotion

Ritual symbols such as exchange of engagement rings and wedding rings are time honored traditions that will likely continue through next two centuries. Though manner in which people shop and commit themselves to one another is changing, time honored tradition of exchanging vows and bands as a symbol of love and devotion will not likely change in near future.

Take advantage of modern technology, and consider buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online. You'd be surprised variety available, and pleasantly surprised by how exciting it can be shopping from comforts of your living room, office, or bedroom...