Plain Wedding Bands
By: Yaghtin Afshin
Though there are now many varieties of wedding rings for every couple to choose from, the classic plain wedding band pays homage to a much more simplistic time in our history. Though the wedding band itself is over 4,000 years old, the plain wedding ring has a much different story than its counterparts. A plain wedding band was originally derived not from beauty, or tradition, but from necessity.
When the settlers landed in America they believed in an austere, efficient manner and lifestyle. There was no room in their lifestyle for frills such as riches and jewels. They had work to do and believed that in a good day’s work lay their reward. In keeping with this tradition, when they married, the groom did not put a ring on the bride’s finger, but a thimble! The thimble was symbolic in its own right. In those days, a thimble was a useful object which would protect a woman while she worked. This was the statement her husband was making as well. It was not, as feminists argue, a way to keep women from owning things, rather it was a statement of protection and dedication to their union. After the marriage, a woman would have a townsperson help her detach the thimble from the small metal or brass ring at the bottom. She would wear the thimble ring on the fourth finger of her left hand to show that she was married.
Today the plain wedding bands do not have to be soldered by a blacksmith to convey the same meaning. When a bride and groom exchange wedding bands they are promising not only ‘til death do they part, but to honor and respect each other, and to dedicate themselves to enriching one another’s lives. We choose the plain wedding band not only as a nod to simpler times but also as a statement of a classic, strong union that will weather the tests of life and time.
Price can matter also when selecting a wedding band. Online jewelers are an excellent place to look for wedding bands and online jewelers often offer plain wedding bands starting as low as $100! Do your research, shop around, and find the wedding band that is suited for you!
Afshin Yaghtin graduated as an English major at UCLA and furthered his education at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth with a M.A. in postmodern American literature before starting his own business at Wedding-Band-Ring.Com. He lives in California with his wife and 3 adorable, rambunctious kids.