Bridal Jewelry in Other Cultures

In the United States, there are a few unspokennot made of hemp. Rather, the Romans used iron
traditions that commonly take place at weddings.as the basis of their rings. And, while love may
The bride is dressed in a white gown, wearinghave played a part in the Romans wedding rings
bridal jewelry made of pearls, diamonds, orthey were more about ownership and showing
crystals, and the groom is dressed in a tux. Therethat a particular woman was her husband's
are flowers, a wedding party, and wedding music,property. The Romans wore their rings on the
and the event usually takes place in a church.same hand and finger as the Egyptians.
However, not every culture has weddings thatSilver found its way into bridal jewelry during the
are just like those in the United States. In fact,Italian renaissance. During this time frame wedding
bridal jewelry in other cultures can be quite variedrings began to take on a style of their own. The
and has a long and interesting history.silver lent itself to beautiful designs and wedding
Beginnings of Bridal Jewelryrings, and bridal jewelry as a whole, began to take
The beginnings of bridal jewelry are noton another form.
completely clear, but it is believed that weddingIreland is to thank for the idea of gold bridal
rings originated in Egypt. The first wedding ringsjewelry and that a wedding ring must be made of
were not platinum, gold, or silver even witha precious metal in order for the marriage to be
diamonds and other precious gems. Instead, earliersuccessful. Today, in many parts of the world,
wedding rings were woven hemp rings. The ringsthe idea that bridal jewelry should be made of
were worn on the same hand as today on thegold or another precious metal and decorated with
fourth finger. The reasoning was that the loveprecious stones is very popular. In fact, the
vein ran from this finger to the heart and thewestern world's bridal jewelry is being adopted in
wedding ring stood for fidelity and love. As such,other parts of the world. However, there are still
this is how the fourth finger wedding ring camesome places in the world that have their own
about.types of bridal jewelry that are not anything like
Later, the Romans began using the idea ofwhat the western world has.
wedding rings as well. However, these rings were