WEDDING RING FASHIONS.

Shannon News, 25 October 1929, Page 4

WEDDING RING FASHIONS.

It is not only fashions in clothes, furniture, furnishings, and names which change, but even fashions in wedding rings, says an English writer.' The plain gold band of narrower proportions which for many hundreds of years faithfully fulfilled its duty and proclaimed to.the world the married state of the wearer, is to-day considered quite out of date. Modern brides demand something far more elaborate. The neaest approach to the old type of ring is the plain ring of platinum oi silver. This probably ow'cd its origin to the increased vogue for setting diamonds, in fact, all precious stones, in platinum instead of gold, and so tlm wedding ring was made to match the engagement ring. When this fashion first originated an enterprising French jeweller lined his designs to appease the conscience, should anyone have religious scruples against being married without the traditional band of gold. In Russia, where men also wear wedding rings—the man’s ring is of gold, emblematic of the sun; and tho woman ’s is of silver, emblematic of the inoon.

The diamond eternity ring, a tiny band of small diamonds set closely together, is often to be seen, but more up to date stall is the onyx and diamond ring. America, which is always one step ahead of every fashion, and where to be first with the latest is considered a heaven-sent gift, lias sponsored a wedding ring of enamel. It is obtainable in a variety of shades, and may be perfectly plain, but is more often outlined with a narrow band of gold or black. More elaborate designs are also much in demand; symbolic emblems, for instance, worked into small panels, oi the groom’s'initials *and the date of the wedding worked into an intricate pattern around the circlet. These wedding lings certainly show signs of individuality, but often they are far more curious than lovely*.

It is said that the idea of a more decorative wedding ring had its origin in a desire to stem the increasing distaste by* women who consider themselves too advanced to adopt what is regarded as a sign of possession.