Wedding rings have been used for over 4,000 years with the earliest record dating back to ancient Egypt. But rings can symbolize so much more than marriage.
For instance, a purity ring is often worn by teens and young adults that have promised to stay virgins until marriage. This promise is often made to themselves, a relative, or their God. The ring used is a beautiful and symbolic representation of that promise.
Promise rings have been used as a pre-engagement symbol for around 500 years. They are often bestowed upon a significant other as a means of showing your devotion to one another even though the couple is not ready to be engaged.
In recent years, Mother’s Rings have become increasingly popular. These rings are often made to have the birthstones of the children, and sometimes grandchildren, set in various designs that any mother would proudly wear. These rings make gifts for Mother’s Day, birthdays, and Christmas.
Claddagh rings are symbolic of love, loyalty, and friendship. They are traditionally made in a simple design of a pair of hands holding a crowned heart. The hands holding the heart represent friendship, the heart is a representation of love, and the crown represents loyalty. The direction of the heart and which hand it is worn on says a lot. When single, the ring should be worn on the right hand with the point of the heart facing outwards. When in a relationship, the ring should be worn on the right hand, but the point of the heart should face the wearer. Once engaged, the ring should be worn on the left hand, and the point of the heart should face outwards. And finally, once married, the ring remains on the left hand, but the point of the heart faces inward.
Self-love rings have been climbing in popularity lately. They are, more often than not, a solitary stone on a simple band worn on the pinky. This ring represents loving yourself whether married, single or in a relationship. This movement is a reminder to love yourself, to take care of yourself, and to put your happiness above that of others. These rings are often designed with an inverted triangle to represent divine femininity, making them a great gift for any woman in your life.
Signet rings, or “Gentleman’s Ring,” are designed with a family crest or initial. They are traditionally worn on the pinky as a sign of status. Dating back to the Old Testament, these rings were used as a signature of sort by using them to stamp wax seals. Although wax seals are a bit outdated, they would still make a wonderful gift for a father or husband to show appreciation of their role as patriarch.
Wedding rings may be the most popular of rings given as gifts, but there are plenty of other symbolic uses for this piece of jewelry. Even so, rings make wonderful just-because gifts for someone in your life and are often more versatile than necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.