Diamond News
The Classic Gold Ring – A Perennial Favourite
Since medieval times, the gold ring has been an almost universally recognised symbol of eternal love. Although originally made of materials that ranged from reed and hemp to bone, ivory and iron, the wedding ring, (once worn only by women), became a gold ring almost as soon as the precious metal began to be used as currency.
Before long, the presentation of gold wedding rings at the marriage ceremony became so entrenched that a gold ring was even lent to couples who could not afford one, and in some places, the superstition arose that a wedding without a gold ring was not a legal one.
Nor was that the only bit of folklore that sprang up around wedding rings. Another popular one involved the size of the ring. Naturally, a good fit is important for comfort, but according to folklore, the fit of the ring could affect the marriage itself. Rings that were too small, they claimed, meant a marriage plagued by jealousy, while ones that were too loose would lead to an eventual divorce.
Gold Rings And Equality
Despite the fact that gold rings became effectively essential to weddings hundreds of years ago, it was a long time before gold rings began to be worn by men as well. In fact, it was not until the 20th century that it became common for men to wear a gold wedding band as a symbol of their marriage.
It’s generally believed that this part of the tradition arose when men, en route to the World Wars, wished for a keepsake to remind them of their wives. Since then, it has become so common that a married man who does not wear a wedding ring is considered unusual at best, and suspicious at worst.
A Gold Ring For Engagement
Although the plain and unadorned gold ring is the traditional symbol of marriage, it is also usual for a ring to be given on engagement, as a symbol of the promise to marry. Gold engagement rings are usually adorned with a gemstone in a setting, and the most commonly given engagement ring is usually a gold diamond ring. Other stones, and other metals, are used occasionally, but the diamond gold ring is without doubt both traditional, and still one of the favourites.
The Gold In The Gold Ring
As we’ve seen, the gold ring has now long been traditional. And for most of that time, it has been yellow gold that has set the tone for wedding rings. However in recent decades, it has become common to opt for different “types” of gold when it comes to choosing a wedding ring.
Probably one of the most common variations that has arisen is the white gold ring, an alloy of gold and a white metal that gives the ring a white colour, often considered more subtle and elegant than the traditional yellow gold, especially when it comes to mens jewellery. However the trend for white gold rings is certainly not limited to men, and it is usual for the couple to use matching rings.
The purity of gold used in rings and other jewellery is measured in karats. Pure gold is represented by 24 karats. In successive steps downward, the amount is measured as a ratio of gold to the other metal. Thus and 18k gold ring contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts metal, a 14k gold ring would have 10 parts other metal, and a 10k gold ring would have 14 parts of another metal.
Although pure 24 karat gold may be seen as superior, it also makes the ring soft and prone to damage, while an alloy with slightly less gold, such as 18k, will also be imbued with the strength of the alloyed metal, making it harder and less prone to scratches or deformation.
In the end, the choice of what kind of ring to use will depend on you, your taste, and your budget. Whatever type of gold ring you choose, you can rest assured that it will be a symbol that you will be able to cherish for as long as love endures.