If you've experienced an influx of engagement announcements on your newsfeed lately, you're not alone. December through February is a very popular time for engagements (fondly known as 'cuffing season').
The history of wedding bands, and eventually engagement rings, is surprisingly murky. Like most things, use of a wedding ring was first noted in ancient Egypt. Later on in western culture, the fourth finger was utilized as it was commonly believed that said finger had a vein that ran all the way up, directly to the heart. This particular vain was called vena amoris, latin for the vein of love.
During the Renaissance, posey rings were quite popular as wedding bands – these had a poem or romantic message inscribed on the inside of the ring. Later on in the 16th and 17th century, many women were given Gimmal bands as betrothal rings. It wasn't until mid-20th century that men commonly wore wedding bands.
Shop our Vena Amoris collection here + find your loved one the perfect ring – or better yet, treat yourself to something wonderful this Valentines Day. Interested in a custom or bespoke piece? Email our studio to get all the details: studio@hannahblount.com
