Bridal Jewelry Across The Globe – Customs And Traditions Of Modern And Ancient Times

by Robert F. Read My Articles, Learn More... The wedding is a special custom – almost as old as humanity itself. For thousands of years, this cause for celebration has been accompanied by a number of rituals, which vary based on custom, location, and tradition. One thing that all weddings have in common, however, regardless of time and place, is the care and attention devoted to the attire of the bridal party. For centuries, wedding jewelry has formed an essential component of the bride’s attire for her special day.

Greece

Modern brides and grooms in Greece still practice some of the ancient Greek wedding traditions. One of these is wearing Stefana (traditional wedding crowns), with a modern twist. The crowns centuries ago were comprised of vines, leaves, and flowers, which were joined together by a ribbon, symbolic of the union of the couple. The modern Stefana usually is made of gold, pearls, sterling silver, and crystals.

China

In Chinese weddings, it is custom for the bride to wear a red gown with gold patterns (a qipao). Some dresses will also have an embroidered phoenix, as this is the traditional emblem for brides. The color red is symbolic of luck, wealth, joy, and luck. Some modern brides, however, have adopted white dresses, but will still pay homage to this tradition by pairing it with red shoes. As numbers and dates are significant in Chinese culture, some Chinese couples will also consult with fortune-tellers to find the best date for the wedding based on the couple’s birthdays.

Ireland

Some Irish couples wear a special traditional ring called the Claddagh – a Celtic symbol of friendship, loyalty and love. As a wedding ring, it is placed on the left ring finger, so that the heart faces the wrist and the crown points outward, to symbolize that the groom or bride’s heart is taken.

England

You may have heard the saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe”. This was part of a verse from an Old English rhyme from the Victorian era. Similarly to the way the color red is symbolic of good fortune in Chinese culture, the English bride will often gather these five items from friends and family, as they are believed to bring good luck if she wears them on her wedding day. In particular, the “silver sixpence” is meant to bring prosperity and good fortune to the newly married couple.

Where To Buy Wedding Jewelry

There are many retailers that specialize in bridal jewelry (also sometimes called wedding jewelry). One of these is CAROLEE, which has a wide range of bridal jewelry – including the “something blue” items from English tradition. For more than 40 years, the New York-based jewelry retailer has been recognized for its design, value, and workmanship. CAROLEE pieces are distributed in department and specialty stores across the globe, including Bloomingdale’s, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, and Macy’s. All of its pieces also come with a worldwide lifetime guarantee. As an added plus, orders through the website are eligible for free delivery in the US.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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