No one can really pinpoint when men starting wearing rings - either in or out of marriage. There are a number of educated guesses but the exact timeframe has been somewhat elusive. Same with women. However, there are a few things we know about the ring wearing phenomenon ...

It has been customary, at least in America, to wear a mens or womens ring on the left and on the third finger when symbolizing marriage. One might ask why? Many historians trace this custom to the Romans who proved to be a very educated and thoughtful people and particularly when dealing with human anatomy. Add their zest for love and life and philosophy and you have the making of a wonderful and rich ring wearing custom: they believed that the third finger of the left hand had a vein that linked directly to the heart; this vein was called the vein amoris (amour is best linked to the Latin word amorsus or amor which means love). One can readily see why the men's ring or women's ring was worn then on the third finger of the left hand which was connected in reality and symbolically to the heart. Joined together physically and figuratively in an act of love and loyalty.

Additionally the ring was never to be removed except in times of dire emergency - a symbol of commitment and enduring unity. Interestingly, modern day rings such as the newer tungsten rings are known for their strength and durability and for their difficulty in being removed - sometimes medical instruments must be used to remove them. I'm not sure the manufacturers of these new fashions had Roman history in mind when they designed them!

Supported by Christian lore, the wearing of the ring on the left finger solidified the symbolic nature of this custom. It then became, over time, the tradition for both the man and the woman to give and receive rings for wearing on the third finger of the left hand. Enter the Puritans who felt that this ring giving and wearing business was a source of pride and devilish behavior. They sought - somewhat successfully for a period of time - to reduce the pomp and "bling" in these customary wedding bands. Much of the ornate inlays, stones and the like were removed so that the ring could be less about the look and more about the meaning. Over time, this effort was thwarted by the many enterprising businessmen and women who knew rings could be a sign of social status and a great way to earn revenue for their fine craftsmen and sellers. Fine rings were back in vogue and prices soared.

In today's modern world, there are as many rings sold online as in brick and mortar stores - fashions from gold to silver to titanium to ceramic rings in a variety of styles and fashions and prices. You can add inlays of carbon fiber and diamonds, CZs or sterling silver ... but you will still find that regardless of the price, the color, the size, the durability or the material ... they are still primarily worn on the third finger of the left hand when tied to matrimony. Must be this vein amoris has something.

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