A history of the wedding and betrothal rings

The exact origin of the engagement ring is unclear, nearly every civilisation since the Egyptians has used the ring as a symbol of marriage agreement, the circle represents eternity in Egyptian hieroglyphs and people still think of the circle representing eternal union.   
In ancient Egypt rings were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand as this was where the “Vena Amois” or Vein of love was thought to run from the heart.
The Romans were very much into rings; their fashion encouraged the giving and receiving of rings as love tokens or betrothal rings. Originally made of Iron, signifying strength and permanence, these “Annulus Pronubus” rings became more elaborate, being made from gold, often decorated and engraved with a lovers knot or two clasped hands.
In 860 Pope Nicolas 1 decreed that a ring was required to signify a betrothal or engagement and it was stipulated that it should be a gold ring, to signify a financial commitment being made by the groom, also Gold has always been considered a long lasting metal due to its brilliance and its resistance to corrosion.
During the middle ages, betrothal and wedding ceremonies were combined so the idea of a separate engagement ring began to mark the change in status of the “Financee”, and to emphasise the significance of the betrothal.    
The Christian tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand only dates from 1549 prayer book. Prior to that rings were worn on the third finger of the right hand. The ring was placed on the fourth finger as the groom or priest repeated,
“In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost”, finishing on the fourth finger or ring finger where the ring would stay.  
Another theory is that as most people are right handed any ring worn on the left hand is less likely to wear.
Wedding and engagement or betrothal rings were very simple pieces for many years as precious stones were very rare and were beyond the means of all but the rich aristocracy and royalty.
An early example of a diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 by Archduke Macmillan to Mary of Burgundy. Diamonds then were rare, they were thought of as being magic and created in the flames of love. It wasn’t until the 19th century when large quantities were discovered in South Africa that diamonds became widespread in engagement rings.
The tradition of men wearing wedding rings is recent. When WW2 broke out many young men faced lengthy separations from their wives, so they began wearing bands as a symbol and a reminder of their marriages.
Wedding, commitment and engagement rings are now available in many materials and diverse styles incorporating a wide range of precious and semi-precious stones.
The site galleries show some examples of my designs. I would be pleased to discuss your requirements and design custom jewellery to suit your personal tastes.