The History of Engagement Rings And Bridal Sets
Both engagement rings and bridal sets come from the same source idea. Whether it was the ancient Greeks, Romans or Egyptians who first thought of symbolic rings isn’t completely clear. The original engagement rings were more of a ’sale agreed’ sign, pending the closure of the sale, as marriage was a business arrangement rather than a love union. Romans used iron rings to symbolize strength and permanence, and the Greeks are credited with the initial idea to wear the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, where the “vena amoris” or vein of love was supposed to connect to the heart.
Engagement rings became more popular when Pope Nicolas I, in the ninth century, made it mandatory to give an engagement ring – this was to prove a man’s capability of financially looking after a wife. And then, in the 13th century, this was further reinforced by Pope Innocent III who made a similar announcement.