From Rain on your wedding day – to seeing the bride before your wedding. We have put together some of our favourite and most bizarre superstitions and myths surrounding the wedding ring itself and diamonds.
The earliest examples of wedding rings have been found in Egypt, dating back to 6,000 years ago. The wedding rings of this time made of reeds or hemp, which braided into a loop.
Itchy left palm myth
What does it mean when your left-hand itches? More than one myth surrounds the itchy left palm. Firstly, it can mean that extreme wealth may be on it’s way to you. The superstition transformed from rubbing silver on the skin to the belief that when someone had an itch, it would mean you will come into some silver, money, soon. Secondly, and more relevant, spiritually, an itchy left palm means that you just entered a new romantic relationship – you are going to find love soon.
Can a wedding ring determine the gender of your unborn child?
Probably the most bizarre myth this old wives tale suggests that if you tie some thread to a yellow gold wedding ring and dangle it over your bump, it’s thought to determine the sex of your unborn child. If the ring swings back and forth, your baby will be a boy, and if it swings around in a circle, then it is a girl.
The ring finger
Why is the third finger on your left hand the ring finger? Perhaps this started from myth. However, this is now a tradition. The superstition is there is a vein running from this finger that goes straight to your heart. Read more about which hand for an engagement, wedding, and eternity ring here.
The wedding cake myth
This myth entails a small amount of wedding cake being passed through the bride’s wedding ring after the ceremony and given to the unmarried bridesmaids to eat – In conclusion, it is said to bring them a husband within a year!
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”
We still see this now, and probably one of the only myths that has become a tradition. This rhyme originated in England during the Victorian Era and symbolized luck for a bride on her wedding day. At Serendipity, we have the perfect gift for a bride to be our something blue pendant Beautifully styled with a blue Aquamarine, moreover surrounded by a halo of diamonds, engraved on the reverse with a date or personal message.
Healing Properties
In 19th century Ireland, rubbing a wedding ring on an injury or sore helped heal it. They also believed that pricking a wart with a gooseberry thorn through a wedding ring would make the wart disappear. In Somerset, they thought that rubbing your wedding ring on sore eyes would remove any infection.
Diamonds and engagement rings myths
Engagement rings trace back to Ancient Rome. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Roman women wore rings of ivory, flint, bone, copper and iron “to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience.” Gold rings were later found in the ruins of Pompeii, proving the shiny metal became the material of choice.
The truth detector
Do diamonds hold the magical power of detecting honesty? The gem grows dim in the presence of a lie and shines brightly when the truth prevailed. We believe this more to do with the quality of diamonds you choose. Read more about diamond clarity.
Gemstone myth
In addition, the opportunity to supply any gemstone into our designs is available. But what is the superstition behind them?
- Firstly – a Diamond – considered to represent affection. Diamond the symbol of certainty and security that comes with being in a committed relationship.
- Secondly – a Sapphire – believed to bring a happy marriage.
- Thirdly – an Aquamarine – also believed to bring a long and happy marriage.
- Emeralds – considered to bring marital bliss, and some cultures believed emeralds have aphrodisiac properties.
- Pearls – traditionally avoided, thought to bring tears to a marriage if used as the gemstone on an engagement ring.
About Emily Austin
Emily is one of our dedicated team members. She remains a valued member of our expert team and a part of the Serendipity Diamond family. Emily works on almost every aspect of our shop, from helping customers to updating our social media pages. She also takes care of many of our international deliveries, ensuring they arrive with clients safely as expected. Contact Emily directly by email or chat with her most days online.
