‘I’m off market’- that’s what a ring says. Whether you are engaged, committed or married, a ring says it all for you. Couple rings have come up as a symbol of love and commitment.
How can you show your appreciation and affection to your partner? Some bring them gifts or flowers while others take them for shopping or on romantic dates. But how can you show this commitment to the world, not just in words or deeds but with something tangible? Well, for centuries people from across the vast lands and oceans have been confessing love by exchanging rings. Over the years, several names have been given to these rings. And today, we know them simply as “Couple Rings”.
Meaning Behind Couple Rings
Couple rings are the most natural way to acknowledge to the world that you’re romantically linked to someone. It’s like wearing a tangible souvenir illustrating your intimate connection with your soulmate. Couple rings are a promise of chastity between two individuals in a monogamous relationship. Both must adhere to the fidelity clause regardless of their gender, social or financial status.
As for who should wear couple rings, couples who are ready to commit but are underaged or not emotionally or financially stable enough to get married can go for couple rings and offer their loyalty to their romantic partners. What matters is that regardless of your age and time, your intentions for your partner must be true and clear. That’s the key to presenting a couple ring to your lover.
Historical Origins of Couple Rings
If you’re wondering that couple rings are a modern concept given by Gen Z then you’re highly mistaken. The tradition of exchanging rings as a trademark of love bonds dates back centuries in civilizations across the globe. The only difference was the names given to these rings.
Whether you believe it or not, a practice similar to exchanging couple rings existed back in the 2nd century BC. According to some sources, ancient Roman couples willing to get married would wear “promise for marriage rings”. They would keep these rings on until they tied the knot. Isn’t that super romantic?
Couples in early Europe also exchanged rings before getting married to their partners as a pact of loyalty and devotion. Then posy rings gained momentum during the 15th and 17th centuries in England and France. These rings acted as secret love messengers for lovers with short poetry texts cited on the inner side of the rings. Later on, colorful gemstones decked acrostic rings replaced posy rings, serving the same purpose.
For centuries, Irish couples have been giving and taking the oath of faithfulness with the Claddagh rings. Then the Italian fede rings, called Fenian Claddagh or Dublin Claddagh Ring had a similar story to tell. These rings represented deep affection between couples with two hands holding a heart but without a crown. The name of the ring “fede” has been derived from an Italian phrase “mani fede” which means hands joined in faith.
The concept of “purity rings” came in the 1990s. This happened right after the Christians proposed the notion of abstinence before marriage. This promoted couples to exchange purity rings in the name of couple rings to declare their loyalty to their spouses-to-be.
Couple Rings Today Across Nations
In the 21st century, Hollywood celebs such as the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus popularized such rings. Apart from that, there have been a few instances around the globe where couples wear rings to showcase their union. South Koreans exchange rings to express their adoration for each other on the 100th day of their relationship. People in Argentina and Chile also believe in exchanging couple rings to express their faithfulness to their partners. Some of them even go on wearing these rings as their wedding rings.
Couple Rings Vs. Other Love Rings
‘Couple rings’ is an umbrella term representing the love and devotion a two people share. The two individuals can exchange these rings during any phase of their romantic relationship. But, there already exist some specific rings that strongly convey the idea of love as couple rings do. Let’s see how these rings are similar or different from couple rings.
1. Promise Rings: Lovers give and take a promise of true-heartedness with a promise ring. Generally both of them wear a promise ring though not necessarily. It’s very similar to the idea of wearing couple rings.
2. Commitment Rings: Again, these rings are proof that the couple is not just dating but is genuinely devoted to each other. You can surely sense the same vibes from these rings.
3. Proposal Rings: Often men ask for their beloved’s hand in marriage with a proposal ring. If both men and women swap these rings, the ring set can be treated as couple rings.
4. Engagement Rings: Both partners exchange engagement rings to formally announce their marriage. It is a more formal way to make the announcement than exchanging couple rings.
5. Wedding Rings: A couple takes wedding vows with wedding rings which are tokens of a marital relationship rather than just courtship.
6. Eternity Rings: Couples often gift each other eternity rings to celebrate a milestone in their love relationship. It can be a significant anniversary, the birth of a child etc.
Most Popular Styles
Couple rings generally feature mixed metals, twisted bands, heart signs, or engraved texts depicting a love connection between couples. The following styles have inherent qualities that make them ideal candidates for being your love emblem.
1. Infinity Knot Rings – The infinity knot represents the invincible strength of a couple’s relationship and their never-ending love for each other. As such, this knot logo perfectly justifies the importance of exchanging couple rings.
2. The Claddagh Rings – Claddagh rings are traditional Irish rings that are symbolic of deep affection and trust in love relationships. These rings feature a crowned heart held by two hands. The heart stands for love, the crown epitomizes loyalty and the two hands represent friendship.
3. Engraved Custom – Made Rings: Couples sharing similar tastes can opt for matching bands with custom engravings. You can go for names, date of first meeting, fingerprints or love messages inscribed on metal.
4. Stackable Contour Bands – If you plan on stacking rings soon, why not give a contour band a go? This way you can still keep it on your ring finger accompanying your engagement and wedding bling. Isn’t that a smart move?
5. Cutout Couple Rings – Did you check out the cutout bands? Imagine a heart, butterfly, flower or other artistic patterns carved out of a metal band and made into another ring. The idea itself resonates with two individuals sharing one soul.
Buying Tips for You
I know your heart is already racing fast and you’re more than just ready for a shopping blast. Here are some pro tips on choosing the right ring set for yourself and your partner.
1. Deciding on the Budget: Since it’s a precious metal ring on your wishlist, make sure you have an estimate beforehand. This will keep you worry-free while you shortlist your options. If it’s a collective purchase, don’t forget to keep your partner in the loop.
2. Choosing Ring Style: Picking couple rings is similar to choosing any other ring. Your ring could be a matching pair or two completely dissimilar entities. Your rings complement each other even if they don’t match. You can either collaborate on the ring design or entirely go with your personal taste and comfort.
3. Picking Suitable Ring Metal: Choosing a ring style that you are fond of is not enough. Selecting the ring metal is going to be your wisest decision. You would always want your partner to wear this ring for years ahead without any inconvenience. As such, the metal must be skin-friendly, that is, it should not cause any irritation or allergy.
4. Gemstones or Not: Whether your rings should have gemstones is entirely your call. While several people opt for plain metal bands, others love to add a touch of gemstones to their couple rings. It’s just a matter of preference and budget.
5. Keeping Up with the Current Trends: If you’re into modern designs and the latest trends, you must check out unconventional gemstones and ring styles. Moreover, the craze for lab-grown gemstones and recycled metals has been on a boom lately. Ethically sourced and environmentally friendly jewels will make your commitment socially responsible.
Personalized Rings Vs. Preset Rings
The market is blooming with exquisite styles. Most preset designs feature plain or textured matching bands or those with one or more gemstones embedded in the ring. Alternatively, a customized pair of couple rings can dictate your magical love story to the world uniquely.
There’s nothing right or wrong in picking any of the two options. While preset designs save time, bespoke rings can help you cut down on budget and add a personal touch. And guess what? We, at GemsNY, offer the best of both worlds. Check out our rings and bands section for a breathtaking ring collection for both men and women.
FAQ
1. On which finger should I wear my couple ring?
Since it’s a pledge of commitment, several people prefer to wear them on the ring finger of their left hand. However, there’s no such rule, you’re free to wear it on any finger. Some people even wear them as a necklace.
2. Are couple rings different from engagement rings?
Absolutely yes! While lovers exchange the former when dating, engagement rings serve as the formal agreement of a future wedding.
3. When should I give a couple ring to my partner?
Every couple has a different relationship timeline so there’s no specific time frame. You can offer this ring to your partner once both of you’re ready to share your loyalties.
4. Should couple rings match?
No, they need not. In fact, they can be entirely different. The key is to find a pair that complement each other even if their styles don’t match.
5. Where to buy couple rings from?
Look for a trusted and reputed jewelry brand with certified jewelry options at the best prices, such as GemsNY.
