Top 10 Ring Facts

When choosing a ring, it’s important to have all the facts. At Rings.org.uk, we have the top facts for rings below, including when rings were first given and recieved to which finger you would wear your rings and much more.

  • Rings are small bands worn on a finger. A ring is a token that can be exchanged between members of a family, friends and lovers.
  • The custom of giving and receiving textile and metal rings dates back over 4,800 years when rings were worn to show status, religion and relationships.
  • The third finger or ring finger is the traditional place to wear a wedding band. This stems from a 16th-century Tudor belief that the left-handed ring finger was connected by a vein directly to the heart and the tradition is carried on today. Thus, wearing a ring on the third finger demonstrates the wearer is in a relationship.
  • Before exchanging wedding rings, a man will often give a woman an engagement ring to symbolise his love for her. He makes her a promise that he will fully commit to her now and in the future.
  • In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring set with a diamond as a token of his love. This started the tradition of giving engagement rings as a promise of marriage.
  • When a man purchases an engagement ring, tradition states to spend one or two months’ salary, although more or less can be spent depending on the circumstances.
  • Modern engagement rings can vary considerably in the choice of setting and gemstone. Although mainly chosen by the man for his fiancée, the modern trend is to choose an engagement ring together. It is also popular to choose the gemstone of her birth month to bring additional good luck and fortune.
  • Eternity rings are said to be symbols of everlasting love. The circular bands emblazoned with gemstones or personal messages can be worn every day. Eternity rings can be worn as a wedding ring, anniversary ring or friendship ring.
  • Most metal rings have different weights. Typically men’s rings will be larger and weigh more than women’s rings. This is worth considering when you choose your engagement ring and wedding ring.
  • Heavy ring metals include platinum, tungsten and gold. Silver and titanium are examples of lighter ring metals.

Top Rings Tip
Choose your engagement rings and wedding rings from the amazing selection of rings at Rings.org.uk.