A Guide to Wedding Bands
A Shining Tradition
Wedding bands are more than beautiful adornments; they are timeless symbols of love, commitment and unity. At Bremer Jewelry, we are your family jeweler, dedicated to helping you find the perfect pieces to tell your love story, and we invite you to explore the rich history of wedding bands, understand how to choose one that complements your engagement ring, explore today’s top styles and learn the traditional way to wear them.
A Journey Through Time
The tradition of exchanging wedding bands dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians are believed to have originated this custom, crafting circles from braided hemp, leather or reeds to symbolize eternal love and the unending cycle of life. The circle, with no beginning or end, perfectly represented the concept of forever.
The Romans adopted this tradition, introducing rings made of more durable materials like iron, signifying strength and permanence. They also popularized the practice of wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, believing it contained the "vena amoris" or "vein of love," directly connected to the heart.
Interestingly, engagement rings became prominent in Western cultures during the medieval period. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring, marking one of the earliest recorded uses of a diamond engagement ring and setting a trend that widely resonates today.
In modern times, both men and women wear wedding bands to signify their love and commitment, and there are an endless number of styles to choose from when selecting a wedding band. Whether you prefer a classic precious metal band or a diamond or gemstone-encrusted ring, you can find the perfect wedding band at Bremer Jewelry.
Choosing a Wedding Band to Complement Your Engagement Ring
Selecting a wedding band that harmonizes with your engagement ring enhances the beauty of both pieces. Here are some considerations to guide you:
Metal Match: Pairing metals ensures a cohesive look. For instance, a platinum engagement ring pairs beautifully with a platinum wedding band. However, mixing metals can create a unique and personalized style.
Design Harmony: Consider the style and setting of your engagement ring. A vintage-inspired engagement ring may be complemented by an intricately designed band, while a modern solitaire might pair well with a simple, unadorned band.
Profile and Fit: Ensure both rings have compatible profiles so they sit comfortably together on your finger. Some prefer a contoured or notched wedding band that fits snugly against the engagement ring.
Gemstone Accents: If your engagement ring features gemstones, you might choose a wedding band with similar stones to create a unified appearance.
Coordinate With Your Partner: You may want to choose the same materials or a similar design style as your spouse. Choosing complementary bands can be a meaningful and collaborative project that tells an important part of your special love story.
Styles to Explore
At Bremer Jewelry, we offer a curated selection of wedding bands to suit every style. Here are a few of our favorite styles:
Channel Setting: A channel-set diamond wedding band is infinitely stackable. Sparkling diamonds are set securely with a protective channel setting, making this style a great choice for those with active lifestyles.
Mexed Metals & Diamonds: Diamond wedding bands that mix metals offer a striking aesthetic that lends personality to your bridal look. This modern trend may appeal to those with a contemporary sense of style.
Classic Gold Band: Symbolizing both the simplicity and richness of love, an unadorned gold wedding band is a classic choice that will never go out of style. The gold band appeals to both lovers of tradition and modern minimalism.
Curved Guard: A curved guard style is contoured to fit around your engagement ring, ensuring a cohesive look and a protective fit around your engagement ring. Plus, a diamond guard adds extra sparkle!
Eternity Bands: Featuring a continuous line of diamonds all the way around the band, an eternity wedding band sparkles brilliantly from every angle. Eternity bands make beautiful wedding bands and anniversary bands.
The Wedding Band Ceremony
Traditionally, during the wedding ceremony, the wedding band is placed on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring. This placement positions the wedding band closer to the heart, symbolizing the primacy of the marital bond. To achieve this arrangement, brides often temporarily move their engagement ring to the right hand before the ceremony, allowing the wedding band to be placed on the left ring finger. After the ceremony, the engagement ring is returned to the left hand, positioned above the wedding band.
Try Bands on at Bremer
Your wedding band is a profound symbol of your love and commitment. By understanding its historical significance, selecting a band that complements your engagement ring and honoring the traditions associated with its wear, you weave your personal love story into a tapestry that spans centuries. At Bremer Jewelry, we are honored to assist you in choosing pieces that reflect your unique journey, offering a blend of timeless elegance and personal significance.
Visit us at our store in Bloomington to try on stunning wedding band styles, or shop online here.
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