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
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