| The wedding ring is a ring that will often be made | | | | the engagement ring is the wedding ring, and the |
| from precious metals, and it will be worn on the | | | | status of the ring will change once the couple is |
| left ring finger. It is also worn on the right ring | | | | married. If a different ring is used for the wedding |
| finger in countries such as Norway or Russia. The | | | | ring, the bride may still wear it if she chooses. |
| purpose of a wedding ring is to represent a | | | | The choice of which finger the ring should be |
| marriage. Both spouses will wear rings to show | | | | worn on has changed over the centuries. |
| that they are commited to each other. The | | | | Traditionally, the fourth finger on the left or right |
| custom originated in Europe, but has spread to | | | | hand has always been used, and when a married |
| many other countries which are outside of | | | | couple wears their rings on their left hands, this is |
| Europe. In some cultures the wedding ring is only | | | | a sign that they have eternal love for each other. |
| one of three rings that will be given when a | | | | While wedding bands have historically been worn |
| couple is in the process of getting married. | | | | by women in the US and UK, they are now |
| The other two rings are the engagement ring and | | | | commonly worn by men. The use of diamonds on |
| the promise ring. The engagement ring is well | | | | wedding ring is extremely popular. The precious |
| known, and will be given when a couple has | | | | metals that are used in the ring will often be gold |
| become engaged. A promise ring is not as well | | | | or white cold, but titanium has also become |
| known, but will be given once a couple begins | | | | popular, especially for men. Many couples will avoid |
| courting each other. In many European countries, | | | | using diamonds and will use other precious gems |
| the name of the soon to be spouse will be placed | | | | such as rubies or sapphires. |
| within the ring. While wedding rings have | | | | In addition to this, stainless steel is now being |
| traditionally be worn by women, wedding rings are | | | | used in a number of wedding rings. Stainless steel |
| now designed for men as well. It is the | | | | has a much higher durability than gold, and can |
| responsibility of the best man to make sure the | | | | showcase a better finish than titanium. Some |
| rings of the couple are cared for. The best man | | | | metals are poisonous, and are not used for |
| will present both rings during the marriage | | | | wedding rings. If you want to buy a gem, you will |
| ceremony. | | | | want to measure the quality based on its |
| In highly intricate weddings, a ring bearer may be | | | | softness. Gems have a softness scale that |
| used to carry the rings as well. The ring bearer | | | | ranges from 1 to 10. A gem with a rating of 1 will |
| will usually be a young male who is related to | | | | be the softest, while a gem with a rating of 10 |
| either the groom or bride. He will carry the rings | | | | will be the hardest. Gems that have a rating of 7 |
| on elaborate pillows. In some European countries, | | | | should not be picked for wedding rings. |