The Ring
The giving of a ring to mark a betrothal is thought to go back to the days of Ancient Rome, when it took the form of a circle of iron, for gold inferred superiority of position, but the gold ring was introduced in the course of the 2nd century. It is uncertain at what time churches integrated the use of the ring into their ceremonies. Gold marriage rings enriched with niello engraving are in existence from the 5th century, but it is not certain whether they were incorporated in the actual marriage ceremony.
The use of the fourth finger of the left hand as the ring finger comes from the belief, which possibly goes back to the Egyptians that a very delicate nerve runs from that finger to the heart.
Whereas the engagement ring is seen as a sign of possession the wedding ring is seen as a symbol of harmony and unity.
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The Ring
