Wedding Rings – Jewish Customs, Traditions and Trends
Though not Jewish himself, this blogger does understand that to be Jewish is to be part of a rich and ancient heritage. The customs and traditions which surround Jewish weddings and wedding rings are no exception to that statement. Unbeknownst to most people, Jewish wedding rings and wedding bands are steeped in traditional Hebrew symbolism and customs. According to many anthropologists, much of the modern Western world actually has Jewish people to thank for introducing the custom of exchanging or gifting wedding rings at a matrimonial ceremony. The exchanging or gifting of a ring at a wedding, an item which itself is a perfect circle and in the ancient world represented eternity, was for old world Jews symbolic of the ties that bound the couple to family, community and the greater Judaic people.
Some stories state that in ancient times there was perhaps for a single community a single wedding band, which would’ve been used in all of the tribe’s matrimonial ceremonies. After this “communal ring” had been used in a ceremony, the bride would have then given a simple gold wedding band to replace what would’ve been a much more elaborate ceremonial piece. The practice of employing such a communal wedding ring is again gaining traction in some Jewish circles, both in Israel and abroad. Though there are no known communal wedding rings from ancient times in existence today, the wedding rings which are being crafted range from simple gold bands with perhaps a few Hebrew inscriptions engraved upon them, to quite elaborate wedding rings which have been bejeweled in multicolored semi-precious stones or diamonds. Additionally, some Jewish couples opt to have such a communal wedding ring made specifically for their individual wedding, a ceremonial wedding ring which they can retain as a treasured keepsake of their wedding day.
As far as the individual wedding bands which are worn after the ceremony, these wedding rings are as varied and unique is the spirit of the Jewish people themselves. Most Hasidic Jews, both men and women alike, more often than not opt for a simple gold wedding band. Other not so Orthodox Jews, often times tend to follow the vogue wedding ring fashions and trends of the day. Also, the incorporation of metals in wedding rings which go above and beyond gold is quite common as well. Though perhaps alternative metals such as tungsten and titanium have yet to become the norm (or even overly popular), metals such as platinum, white gold and rose gold seemed to be in high demand as the medium for the creation of a wedding ring. An interesting trend that is developing among Jewish couples who are engaged to be wed is the incorporation of popular Hebrew phrases inscribed upon the wedding bands. Additionally, the incorporation of symbols such as the Star of David, the Israeli flag and other symbols of traditional Jewish life such as the menorah are are being introduced into many custom designed wedding bands and wedding rings.
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