Wedding rings, or wedding bands as they are often called, are said to have originated in Ancient Egypt more than 4,800 years ago. They were originally fashioned from rushes, hemp or braided grass. The circular shape symbolised never-ending love and the ring was worn by the bride on the third finger of her left hand as the vein in that finger was believed to be the "vena amoris", or vein of love directly connected to the heart.

The Romans continued the tradition, using the more permanent material of iron. By the Middle Ages in Europe gold was most often used, frequently in combination with precious gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and most valued of all diamonds.

Men's wedding rings are a more recent tradition that grew rapidly during the Second World War when men, separated for long periods from their wives, sought a symbolic reminder of their loved one.

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