By Janis Verity of The Goldsmith Group Plc.

The two most symbolic items of jewellery are the engagement ring and wedding ring. The engagement ring, offered to the lady by her husband-to-be as a token of his promise of marriage, was traditionally a sign of possession, whilst the wedding ring signifies harmony and unity. The earliest known examples of an engagement ring are of Roman origin and were made of iron, although most couples today opt for a diamond ring.

The use of a ring to signify a union was practiced by the Romans and was introduced to this country during their occupation. This tradition lasted after their departure and received ecclesiastical sanction during the 11th century when the benediction of the ring was introduced into the Christian wedding ceremony. Interestingly, the law does not demand that a ring is given at the wedding ceremony, although it has become a most important part of the proceedings.
The act of exchanging wedding rings can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians for whom a circle of gold symbolised the eternity of love. In most cultures the wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand, since it is from this finger that a vein was believed to flow directly to the heart.

In 1554 Mary Tudor made the plain wedding ring fashionable when she declared that she preferred to be married with a "plain hoop of gold like other maidens".

Today, the choice of style, colour and metal type for your wedding ring is vast, but take the time to make the right choice. Your wedding ring is the most precious and symbolic piece of jewellery you'll ever own.