What Does Your Wedding Ring Mean to You?

The opal rings themselves are symbolic, representing the couple's commitment to each other. But, opal earrings can have other meanings as well. Before buying your rings, you may want to consider whether you would like them to have more meaning beyond the traditional wedding. That description can be personal (something special you both share), religious, or cultural. Here are some examples of how the symbol was used in connection with wedding rings:

• European custom is to record the name of a man's boyfriend, and the date of the wedding, inside the ring.
• Probably the most prominent symbolic ring of all time was the one used in Hebrew weddings because it was so large and uncontrollable.
• In Victorian times, different stones were often used to spell love words, such as L (lapis lazuli), O (opal), V (verde antique), M (marcasite), and E (emerald), which clearly describe it. I LOVE IT.
• Another custom was to wear a ring with a different stone on each day of the week. This was based on the belief that the planets, each preferring a particular stone, controlled the days. For example, the Church is said to represent the Sun and is represented by diamonds, pearls, rubies, or red garnet (depending on the source).
• Another historical method that raised the mystery was to combine letters that seemed insignificant, but actually two words, one read from left to right and the other from right to left.
• Blending metals is a very recent phenomenon, such as artfully assembling gold and metal to show the strength of bonding and beauty.

You may want to incorporate personal change into one or more of those historical cultures. Or, choose rings with a personal purpose. For example:

• Religious Groups. Religious rings can express your strong faith. You may want to choose bands that include a cross or a logical symbol in the construction. Or, have a Bible verse engraved on the inside of the ring.
• Carved Rings. There are many ways you can customize a ring with a recording. Unless your name or verse is recorded in the band, you can have wedding vows or other special message of your choice, added to the band.
• Cultural Rings. Gems are another way to customize your wedding rings. Celtic or Irish heritage, for example, can be illustrated in a number of ways - by choosing Claddagh or a ring with other Celtic symbols. Those with a Greek heritage may want a wedding ring adorned with a Greek Key design. This combined design is said to symbolize dedication, love, and friendship. As another example, those with an American heritage may want to wear a ring that symbolizes an important animal in their nation (eagle or wolf, among others).

-Life style bands. Some couples pass on their lifestyle choices with a wedding ring. Gay couples often choose rings with appropriate markings around the bands, for example. The owners of Harley Davidson are another example. Most importantly, many couples not only choose wedding rings adorned with the Harley logo, but also plan the whole wedding with a bike theme.

Marry Anderson has worked in online marketing since 2011, specializing in event marketing, content management, organic and paid social media, community and reputation management.