The mythical vena amoris, or vein of love, was once believed to run through the left hand’s fourth finger, connecting it to the heart.
FOR THIS REASON, LEGEND SAID, THE WEDDING RING, WHOSE SHAPE SYMBOLIZED ENDLESS LOVE, BELONGED ON THIS FINGER.
We still wear wedding rings on our “ring fingers” and believe their shape signifies an eternity of devotion, but wedding jewelry has evolved over the years, transforming from simple iron adornments to the beautiful pieces we admire today.
David Walton, master goldsmith and owner of Hudson Valley Goldsmith in New Paltz, says that vintage inspired designs are big this year, with rose and other colored golds being the new hot trend.
“Alternative cut diamonds are also in, like rose cut and rough cut,” he says. “They’re not traditional, like princess cut, but are very vintage-looking.”
Clients who shop at David’s store usually search for more unique and eclectic pieces of jewelry. Using resilient stones like sapphires, which come in almost every color, is one of the many ways David creates distinctive pieces.
OTHER WAYS TO MAKE YOUR RINGS SPECIAL
Did you and your fiancé wear promise rings before you were engaged? Ask your jeweler to melt down the metal from your first rings to use in your wedding bands.
Consider posie rings, which were popular during the 15th and 17th centuries. These rings include inscriptions on their surface.
Family heirloom rings are special to begin with, and vintage rings are stunning too. You can refurbish and personalize them by resetting or adding your own inscription inside.
You could also opt for gimmel rings, which consist of separate bands that interlock. In the 16th and 17th centuries, two engaged people would each wear one hoop and join them to create a wedding ring.
A final and most unique option to make your rings special is to ignore anything you’ve ever heard about what a wedding ring should be. Just pick something out that you love, and use your wedding ceremony as a way to dedicate it as your wedding ring.
WEDDING PARTY GIFTS
It’s common practice to present gifts to members of your wedding party on the big day, expressing gratitude for their support and friendship.
Jewelry ideas for women include bracelets, anklets, rings, necklaces, earrings, or brooches. For men, consider watches, money clips, cufflinks, tie clips, or key chains.
