Symbol of eternity

Paolo Marziali Arezzo, 


     The wedding ring, the most instantly recognisable symbol of the joining of a man and a woman as husband and wife has been traced back to North Africa and the ancient Egyptians. But while the shape being of course a circle and the symbol of eternity, it was the Italians who over time changed the ring in to the wedding ring we know recognise today. 

Originally the ring was made of rope or leather and it was in early Rome that iron that was adopted as the metal of choice rather than copper or brass as mostly elsewhere. This symbolised the strength of love a man felt for his chosen woman, though rust was a problem.

Gold or silver rings were given on occasions, to show all the bridegroom

trusted his betrothed with his valuable property. Later they added gemstones with rubies chosen for their color of red like a heart, sapphires, blue like the sky above, or most valued and sought after of all; the indestructible diamond.

Diamond rings became popular as a symbol of love in Italy. The Italians believed that diamonds were created by the fires of love, so to reflect their love, they started to give beautiful precious diamonds to their brides to be. 

Tiffany & Co

In renaissance Italy the idea of a betrothal ring emerged and even today I have met seen couples wearing a silver ring, yet they are not officially engaged they are betrothed! However originally the silver ring would have been seen as a promise of marriage and was swapped in the wedding day for a ring made of gold. 

Gold still holds strong in Italian wedding rings although it may surprise you to learn that Italians like a bit of bling! Most women receive a diamond on their engagement, yet some women like to have a eternity ring as their wedding band. There are no rules to the type of wedding ring you can wear. 

Milgrain Eternity Ring

If you are getting married in Italy, and would like to have your wedding ring made here, there are some spectacular jewellers who we would be delighted to introduce you to.