The History of Wedding Rings: A Timeless Symbol of Commitment

The History of Wedding Rings: A Timeless Symbol of Commitment

At first glance, a wedding ring may seem like a simple piece of jewellery — but its symbolism runs deep. Worn on the hand yet tied to the heart, this enduring circle represents eternal love, unity, and fidelity. From ancient cultures to today’s Australian weddings, the tradition of exchanging wedding rings has spanned thousands of years, evolving through materials, meanings, and customs.

In this post, we explore the fascinating history of the wedding ring — and what it continues to represent for modern couples.

1. The Earliest Rings: Ancient Egypt

The tradition of wedding rings is believed to have started over 4,800 years ago in Ancient Egypt. Papyrus scrolls show illustrations of rings exchanged between lovers, crafted from hemp, leather, and bone. The circular shape symbolised eternity — no beginning, no end — while the open centre represented a doorway into a shared future.

These early rings were often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, a custom rooted in the belief that this finger contained the vena amoris — the “vein of love” — which connected directly to the heart.

2. Roman Influence: Ownership and Status

As the Roman Empire rose, the wedding ring took on new meaning. Rings were now made of iron and symbolised not just love, but control and ownership. A ring given to a woman was often seen as a binding legal contract — a token of obedience rather than romance.

Eventually, gold replaced iron among the wealthy, shifting the symbolism once again: now, wedding rings represented status, wealth, and commitment. This period saw the rise of the inscribed ring, with personal messages engraved on the inside or outside of the band.

3. Medieval and Renaissance Romance

In medieval Europe, wedding rings took on more romantic connotations. The use of precious gemstones became fashionable, especially rubies (for passion), sapphires (for loyalty), and diamonds (for enduring strength). The idea of a ring being blessed during a religious ceremony also emerged, connecting the token to sacred vows.

In the Renaissance, gimmel rings became popular — interlocking bands worn separately by both parties during the engagement and joined at the wedding. This period also saw intricate designs like poesy rings, engraved with poetic lines in French or Latin.

4. The Rise of the Diamond Ring

While diamonds were worn in engagement rings from the 15th century, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that they became mainstream in wedding jewellery. This shift was largely driven by global diamond mining — and by clever marketing. The famous De Beers campaign of the 1940s ("A Diamond is Forever") cemented the diamond’s association with eternal love.

Wedding bands, however, remained simpler — typically plain gold, sometimes with engraving or symbolic design.

5. Men’s Wedding Rings: A Modern Tradition

Men traditionally didn’t wear wedding rings until the 20th century. It wasn’t until World War II that the practice became more common, as soldiers began wearing rings to feel connected to their partners back home. This act of sentimental connection became a norm that endures today, with men’s wedding rings evolving to include everything from platinum bands to textured finishes and modern two-tone designs.

Today, more Australian men are choosing unique and stylish bands that reflect their personal taste, from traditional metals to lab-grown diamond inlays.

6. Cultural Traditions Around the World

Wedding rings have different meanings and customs across cultures:

• India: Rings may be worn on the toe (bichiya) by married women, while bangles or mangalsutras serve as marital symbols.

• Nordic countries: Couples often exchange engagement and wedding rings together.

• Russia: The wedding ring is worn on the right hand, and three-band rings are popular.

These variations show that while traditions evolve, the essence of the wedding ring remains universal — love, partnership, and commitment.

7. Today’s Couples, Today’s Rings

In 2025, couples are more empowered than ever to design wedding rings that reflect their personal stories and values. Many are choosing:

• Lab-grown diamonds for sustainability and ethical sourcing

• Moissanite for brilliance and budget-friendly beauty

• Custom rings that include hidden birthstones, hand engravings, or unique metal combinations

• Matching sets that honour the connection between partners

At Diamond Lab, our Custom Jewellery Design service lets couples shape their rings exactly how they envision — timeless or modern, minimalist or bold.

Why the Circle Endures

No matter how trends evolve, the wedding ring remains a symbol of continuity. It is:

• A reminder of a shared promise

• A piece of history worn daily

• A beautiful reflection of two lives united

Whether you choose a traditional yellow gold band or a platinum ring with custom elements, what matters most is the intention it carries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials were wedding rings originally made from?
Ancient rings were made from natural materials like hemp or bone, while Romans used iron and eventually gold. Today, rings are made from precious metals such as platinum, gold, and titanium.

When did men start wearing wedding rings?
While historically rare, men began commonly wearing wedding rings during World War II. Today, they’re a meaningful part of the tradition across the globe.

Is it okay to modernise the tradition?
Absolutely. Your ring should reflect your love story. Whether that means choosing lab-grown stones, moissanite, or a personalised design — modern rings are all about meaning, not rules.

Can wedding rings be upgraded or redesigned later?
Yes. Many couples upgrade bands or redesign them to mark anniversaries, life changes, or evolving styles.

Do you have options for same-sex couples?
Of course. We celebrate all love stories at Diamond Lab, and offer fully customisable designs for every couple.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

The history of wedding rings teaches us that traditions are always changing — shaped by culture, creativity, and love. Today, you have the freedom to design a ring that honours the past while celebrating your future together.

At Diamond Lab, we’re proud to help you create a ring that’s not just worn — but deeply cherished.

✨ Begin your story with our Wedding Ring Collections or design something truly personal through our Custom Design Process.