The Meaning of a Gold Finger Ring

Gold rings are both popular and historically significant.

For centuries, jewelry has adorned people as a means of cultural, ceremonial, religious and decorative expression. As one of the most popular types of jewelry, finger rings have been worn to symbolize love, commitment, nobility and worship. Gold is a common precious metal that is associated with this type of jewelry.

Early Finger Rings

Ancient Egyptians were known to present their spouses with rings made of twisted or braided natural fibers, notably the reeds and rushes that grew along the banks of the Nile River. As the ring was a circle, it symbolized eternity–thus the love that the couple shared would endure. Ancient Greeks and Romans wore thick rings with heavy, inlaid precious stones and often engraved with something significant to the wearer, who was usually of nobility or high station. The popularity of finger rings soared during the Renaissance, when luxury became more widespread, and jewelry was recognized as ornamentation for the body.

The Use of Gold

The fragile fiber rings of the early Egyptians were not particularly long-lasting accessories, so people looked for more durable materials with which to craft rings. Copper and brass were common in early history, as they symbolized strength. Gold, which was costly and rare, was mainly used as currency–before coinage, gold rings were kept under lock and key until they were needed for trading purposes. Goldsmiths soon learned to work artfully with this precious metal; gold was ideal for jewelry as it was malleable and did not tarnish. The oldest known gold rings and jewelry have been found in the tombs of the Egyptian Queen Zer and Queen Pu-abi of Sumeria.

Wedding Rings

Finger rings have long been a symbol of an engagement, wedding or other romantic union. Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand, as it was believed that a vein ran through this finger directly to the heart--the "vena amoris," or vein of love. The first gold wedding rings were meant to show that the groom trusted his bride with valuable possessions and property. During the Renaissance in some parts of Europe, a man would give his betrothed a silver engagement ring, which was then replaced with a gold band after the wedding. If a man couldn't afford the gold ring, a substitute piece of jewelry was provided by the clergy, then immediately taken back.

Claddagh Rings

Another well-known gold ring is of the Irish Claddagh style. A Claddagh ring is designed to show two hands holding a heart and crown--simultaneously symbolizing love, friendship and loyalty. The roots of the Claddagh ring are disputed, but it is believed to have originated in 16th century Ireland. Much of the Claddagh ring's symbolism lies in the manner in which it is worn: when placed on the third finger of the left hand, with the heart facing inward, it conveys marriage, whereas on the same finger of the right hand, and facing outward, it expresses the possible desire for a relationship.

Gold Rings Today

Many centuries-old traditions of gold rings live on today, particularly with engagement and wedding jewelry. Couples still regularly exchange rings, which continue to represent the legal and romantic notion of marriage. Designs, types of gold, and the addition of precious stones leave symbolism up to the individual. Gold cocktail rings, which have recently come back into fashion, exude unique personal style and present a dramatic appearance. While gold finger rings have a long and rich history, the meaning and significance behind each piece of jewelry is entirely up to the person who wears it.

References

• Claddagh Ring Meaning
• "The History of the Wedding Ring"
• "A Brief History of Rings"