Betrothal ring to engagement ring
| Suitors were required to show
good faith in the betrothal agreement and give their bride a betrothal ring
(engagement ring). The Egyptians used gold and Romans used iron for these
rings. Sometimes there was a gemstone and other times it was just a simple
metal ring. If the groom was from an upper class family, he would give his
bride a very fancy ring that was impractical to wear everyday, so wives would
only wear these rings out on social events and would wear her wedding band
everyday. Poor suitors who had no money left for a betrothal ring would break a
coin in two, keeping one half and giving a half to his future bride. Broken
heart charms are a descendant of this ancient custom. During this time, men did
not wear wedding rings, only the women did. By Nicole Mazzeo Wrapwithus wedding favors |