A wedding ring is not a simple piece of jewelry. It is a symbol of unity, of the fact that two lovers have become one family. Traditionally, the exchange of rings takes place during the solemn registration of marriage in the registry office. About what happens before this sacred moment, that is, who chooses and buys wedding rings to the bride and groom, we will tell you in our article.

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Buying an engagement ring: traditions

Historically, the wedding ring was presented by the groom. So he “declared” his rights to supremacy in the family, and also emphasized his own solvency. For example, it is known that in ancient Russia, the groom had to make the ring himself, thus demonstrating that he is a master of all hands, and his wife will live in comfortable conditions by those standards.

In Germany and a number of European countries since the late Middle Ages there was a rule of “two salaries”: the groom presented a ring, whose value was equal to two of his salaries, so that the bride’s family could be sure that they gave the girl for a man who could provide for his family.

It is worth noting that until the middle of the twentieth century, wedding rings were worn only by women. Fashion for paired rings instilled American marketers: the first campaigns were held in the XIX century, but the tradition was fully formed only by the end of the 1940s. After that, systematically began to move to other countries.

Given that in the 40-50-ies women were not too independent in earning money, the purchase and payment of wedding rings fell on men’s shoulders. To this day, the purchase of a pair of rings comes at the expense of the future head of the household. “Women’s” expenses are the bride’s attire, and in modern realities, sometimes partial payment of the celebration.

The process of buying rings

Can the bride be present at the purchase of rings? Traditions have nothing against it. And it is unlikely that the chosen one will entrust such a responsible procedure to her fiancé: still, women are more picky in matters of jewelry. Especially when it comes to the ring, which will show off on the ring finger for life.

As a rule, rings are bought after the engagement. Store in this case, they are recommended to the future head of the family. And, preferably, do not try on and do not show them to anyone before the wedding. Where did this belief come from, it is not known exactly, but if you try to follow the traditions, it is better to let them lie until X day away from prying eyes.

Omen associated with wedding rings

Folk wisdom has quite a few remarks regarding wedding rings. Let’s tell you about the most interesting ones.

  • Wearing “other people’s” rings. It is believed that wedding rings must necessarily be new. No “family heirlooms”. True, there is one exception: you can borrow the jewelry of grandparents, but only if they lived in love and harmony until the golden wedding.
  • Wearing wedding rings before the wedding. It is believed that wearing rings before marriage is a bad omen. The wedding may not take place.
  • Buying rings before the engagement. Folk wisdom says that you can not do so in any case: may not take place not only the wedding, but also the engagement.
  • Buying rings separately. It is believed that rings should be bought at once a couple: in this case, the union will be stronger.
  • Design omens. To make family life smooth, it is advised to choose smooth rings. However, decorating the rings with jewelry promises a rich life.
  • Solemn moment of exchange of rings. It is considered a bad omen to drop the ring during the marriage ceremony. Promises discord and dressing the ring over a glove.

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