<<< Continued from Page 1 Celtic rings & puzzle rings (continued) In puzzle rings (a.k.a. gimmels), bringing together multiple parts into one meaningful whole symbolized the union of the bride and groom. In the case of the hands over the heart – a type of puzzle ring called a fede ring – the image served as a token of trust. With the puzzle ring came a new twist on the…

In modern culture, we have grown used to the idea that when a man asks for a woman’s hand in marriage, he presents her with an engagement ring. Let’s look at how rings became associated with an everlasting bond between romantic partners. Development in Ancient Egypt In about 3000 BC, a Pharaoh in Egypt bestowed a ring on the woman he wanted to take as his wife. He used a…