The History of Engagement Rings And Bridal Sets
Posted on August 17th, 2010 by admin
Engagement rings and bridal sets have the same origin. Whether it was the ancient Greeks, Romans or Egyptians who first thought of symbolic rings isn’t completely clear. Betrothal rings were meant to symbolize a woman’s connection to the man who would become her husband, though the arrangement was more of a business proposition than a romantic union. The ancient Romans used iron rings to portray enduringness and permanence, and the Greeks are believed to have originated the idea of wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because they believed the vein of love connected that to the heart.
During the ninth century, Pope Nicolas I endorsed the idea of engagement rings by making a gold ring a betrothal requirement to demonstrate the groom’s wealth and ability to care for a wife. And then, in the 13th century, this was further reinforced by Pope Innocent III who made a similar announcement.