While wedding rings may be a universal symbol of love and commitment, they’re anything but one-size-fits-all. From family heirlooms to modern minimalist bands, the way we exchange rings has evolved across time, geography, and tradition.
At Holden, we believe your wedding rings should reflect your unique story—where you come from, who you love, and how you choose to celebrate it. That’s why we’re diving into the fascinating history of wedding rings across cultures and exploring how couples today are blending time-honored traditions with modern values and design.
The First Wedding Rings: A Symbol of Eternal Love
Before the days of lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold, wedding rings had much humbler beginnings—but the sentiment behind them was just as powerful.
In Ancient Egypt, rings were often woven from reeds or hemp and worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is where the vena amoris, or “vein of love,” was believed to reside, connecting directly to the heart.
Ancient Greeks and Romans elevated the tradition by introducing metal bands—typically made from iron, bronze, or gold—and often engraved them with personal symbols or messages. These rings weren’t just romantic—they were legal tokens of commitment and property rights.
By the Medieval and Renaissance periods in Europe, rings became even more elaborate. Posy rings, inscribed with short poems or love notes, were popular among lovers.
Gimmel rings, made of interlocking bands worn by both partners during the engagement and then joined at the wedding, were early symbols of unity.
How Different Cultures Celebrate Marriage with Rings
Wedding rings manifest in beautifully different ways around the world.
India: Traditionally, Indian brides wear bichiya, or toe rings, alongside stacks of gold bangles and intricately designed jewelry that symbolizes prosperity and marital status. Rings are also worn on fingers, often with ornate goldwork and gemstones representing astrological signs.
Photo courtesy of @jonathanhicksjr
Japan: The minimalist aesthetic takes center stage in Japanese wedding jewelry. Simple platinum or white gold bands symbolize purity and timelessness, often passed down within families.
Ireland & Celtic Cultures: The Claddagh ring is rich in symbolism—its heart represents love, the hands friendship, and the crown loyalty. How it's worn (which hand and which direction) conveys one’s relationship status.
Scandinavia: Some Nordic countries embrace a three-ring tradition: one for engagement, one for marriage, and one to celebrate motherhood. The trio honors the different stages of love and life.
Jewish Traditions: Jewish wedding bands are traditionally plain gold with no stones or engravings. The simplicity underscores the purity of the commitment and equality between partners.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity: In many Orthodox cultures, the ring exchange happens during the engagement, not the wedding ceremony. Rings are often worn on the right hand rather than the left.
How Cultural Traditions Shape Today’s Wedding Bands
As more couples look to honor their heritage while staying true to their personal style, one way they’re doing so is through their wedding ring design.
From metal choice and custom engravings (we can engrave characters/symbols in many languages!) to meaningful gemstone accents, modern wedding bands are becoming deeply personal expressions of identity. Some couples opt to create custom designs that blend their backgrounds—like pairing Celtic knotwork with Japanese minimalist style, or combining Eastern and Western symbolism into a single ring set.
And it’s not just about design. Many couples are choosing ethically sourced materials that align with their values, opting for lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals—something we’re proud to offer at Holden.
💍 Looking to create something uniquely yours? Explore our custom ring design page to start bringing your vision to life.
Blending Cultural Heritage with Modern Style
Not sure where to start when designing a ring that reflects your heritage? Here are a few ideas:
Choose meaningful materials: Certain metals and stones carry cultural or spiritual significance. For example, gold symbolizes prosperity in Indian culture, while jade is considered protective in many East Asian traditions.
Incorporate traditional motifs: Whether it’s a family crest, a cultural symbol, or a specific engraving style, small details can speak volumes.
Mix it up: Interfaith or multicultural couples can combine traditions—for instance, using a plain gold band (Jewish tradition) with a Claddagh-style engraving (Irish tradition).
Honor family legacy: Repurposing stones or design elements from family heirlooms is a meaningful way to honor your roots when crafting rings for your future.
🌟 Want inspiration for your design? Browse our wedding band collection to see how tradition and modern design come together at Holden.
Wedding Rings Are More Than Just Jewelry—They’re a Story
Across continents and centuries, wedding rings have remained a constant—symbols of love, unity, and shared tomorrows. And today more than ever, modern couples are making that symbol truly their own.
At Holden, we’re here to help you begin your tomorrows with rings that celebrate who you are and where you come from.
Looking for a wedding ring that tells your story? Browse our collection or design your own custom band today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the oldest known wedding ring tradition?
Ancient Egyptians are believed to have started the tradition of wedding rings over 5,000 years ago.
2. Why do some cultures wear wedding rings on the right hand?
In countries like Greece, Russia, and India, the right hand is considered more favorable for wedding rings.
3. What materials are traditionally used in wedding rings around the world?
Gold is the most common, but some cultures use silver, platinum, or even wooden bands.
4. Are wedding rings required in all cultures?
No, some cultures rely on other symbolic jewelry, like bracelets, toe rings, or necklaces.
5. Can I customize my wedding ring to reflect my cultural heritage?
Absolutely! Many couples add engraved symbols, meaningful gemstones, or mixed metal designs to honor their traditions.
You might also like:
Our Top 6 Multicultural Wedding Planning Tips
The History of the Leap Year Proposal
The History Behind Jumping the Broom
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
