Wedding Jewellery and Traditions

I am often asked about some of the traditionally held wedding beliefs and traditions connected to a western marriage. Wedding rings and diamond engagement rings are obviously important but there are many other wedding traditions worth bearing in mind. Here are just a few of the wedding beliefs and traditions still practiced today with explanations of their origins. Click on the images for examples of the wedding jewellery we are able to offer you.

Diamond Engagement Rings

The Engagement Ring

Originally an engagement ring served as a 'partial payment' for the right to court a bride! It was originally placed on the fourth finger of the girl's right hand. On the wedding day it was transferred to the fourth finger of her left hand by the bridegroom. The same ring, therefore, served for betrothal and wedding. However the Marriage Act of 1754 ended the binding nature of betrothals and the engagements that replaced them were a less serious affair. As if to symbolise the difference, a plain gold band gave way to a more elaborate ring containing precious or semi-precious stones.

The Wedding Ring
A ring has always been part of a wedding, even if it was only loaned for the ceremony itself! The ring represented the original 'wed', or pledge placed on the fourth finger of the bride's left hand in the presence of a priest and congregation. The fourth finger of the left hand was thought to be the most suitable for a plain gold circle of 'unending love' because they believed a vein - the vena amoris - ran from it straight to the heart!

Diamond Wedding Rings

The Wedding Veil
The veil often represents the 'something borrowed' of the modern bride. An old veil is thought to be luckier than a new one especially if it was worn by a happily married close relative. Royal brides do not arrive veiled at church. Some say this tradition derives from a time when precautions had to be taken against any last minute substitution!


The Bride's Garter
Hundreds of years ago, it was common practice for the guests to follow the wedding couple to their bed. As the years past, the tradition started getting out of hand with some of the guests trying to disrobe the bride. To ward off the guests, the groom would throw the garter.


The Wedding Dress
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress gained popularity in the Victorian Age. Queen Victoria wore a beautiful white dress to marry her beloved Alfred, and it started a world-wide trend. Prior to that most women wore their best dress--even if that dress was black. Whatever the colour, numerous superstitions attach to the wedding dress. It is unlucky to try it on in its entirety before it is donned for the wedding. For this reason a few stitches are often left to be added at the last minute. Above all the bride must not look at herself in the mirror in full dress until shortly before she leaves for the church.

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue"

Perhaps the best known of all wedding rhymes and faithfully observed by most brides today. It is relatively new having originated in early Victorian days. It symbolises the bride's old life and the new one on which she is now embarking. An antique piece of jewellery is an excellent idea for the something 'old'.

'Something borrowed' symbolises the community aspect of marriage. Blue is the colour of true religion and constancy. It may also account for the popularity of jewellery set with sapphires, blue topaz and aquamarines.

Wedding Theme - Silver Daisy Jewellery

The Bouquet Toss
Whoever catches the bouquet is the next one to wed! (Wedding etiquette and tradition still believed by many to this day!)


The Wedding Rice
A long held symbol of fertility.


The Honeymoon
It has been claimed that in medieval times, the bride and groom were given mead - a honeywine - in the evening after the wedding. It was said that the couple would drink of it and then make love. If, as a result, the bride gave birth nine months after the wedding it was a great honour to the brewer of the mead! It would increase his business and reputation, and often the baby would be named after him.


The Top-tier of the Wedding Cake
In the days of old, the top-tier of the wedding cake was to be placed under the couple's bed so that the bride would be fertile and bear strong children. After a year, the bride and groom would consume what was left of the cake for luck or health. Needless to say, the tradition has changed somewhat in recent years, but you still find the newlyweds putting cake in their freezer till the first anniversary.

Wedding Jewellery - Pearl Stud Earrings

Over the Threshold
The tradition of carrying the bride over the doorpost comes from as far back as the ancient Romans. It was tradition for the family to anoint the doorpost with fine oil and herbs. For this reason the groom would lift the bride over the threshold so she would not slip

"Marriage is popular because it combines the maximum of temptation with the maximum of opportunity"

- George Bernard Shaw

The Diamond Engagement Ring

This was the moment that he had been waiting for!

Jasmine had just finished her crème brulée and, putting down her spoon, she gently brushed her long, silky, blonde hair away from her face. Mike was filled with awe. God, she was beautiful, he thought as he carefully observed her through the flickering candlelight.

Looking up at Mike she said, "Oh that was simply delicious, darling."

There was genuine pleasure on her face. Mike was pleased. It really had been a wonderful meal in the splendid surroundings of 'Le Ciel de Paris', the highest restaurant in Europe, situated on the 56th floor of the Montparnesse Tower in central Paris. Jasmine looked out at the incredible view which embraced a significant part of city including the Eiffel Tower in all its splendour. She marvelled at some of the monuments that she and Mike had visited by foot earlier that day. They were all so clearly visible from the restaurant and, as she looked out at them, she realised that she and Mike must have covered some considerable distance - it was no wonder her feet ached so much now!

Jasmine hadn't expected the last minute suggestion of a weekend in Paris. It seemed to come completely out of the blue. Of course she was delighted. After all it was so unlike Mike, who was usually entirely predictable, and this invitation was contrary to his methodical, premeditated approach to almost everything he did. At times it drove her crazy. Mike had a 'five year plan' for everything and having trained in the army after leaving school, he had become painfully neat and precise in his daily routine too. His clothes were always carefully pressed and stacked in his wardrobe and he clearly would not tolerate clothing being thrown on the floor. He had even told Jasmine off once for casually leaving a cardigan hanging over the back of a dining chair before a dinner party they held at his flat in Putney. "God ... what would he be like to live with!" Jasmine had thought.

Mike felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. All of a sudden the room seemed a little too warm and he yearned to open the window of this famous Bistro 200 metres above the streets of Paris. For once in his life he actually felt less than certain. Was this really the right moment? He certainly didn't want to break the spell of the magical evening he was having with Jasmine. But there was this gnawing fear in the back of his mind: "What if she said no?"

He hadn't mentioned the weekend break to Jasmine for weeks as he plucked up courage to actually go ahead with his plan. Indeed he had given careful thought to this for several months. Without a little 'forethought' it would have been impossible to get a restaurant booking at 'Le Ciel de Paris' at short notice. He had made the phonecall a fortnight ago. In his fluent French he had requested 'a discreet table for two' ensuring that the table he booked was by the window to the right of the entrance and not too far from the pianist. Having been once before, several years ago, he knew this spot had the best view and was well away from the kitchen door to the far side. Everything had to be perfect and he had planned this weekend break with military precision. Naturally he told none of this to Jasmine. He had kept the secret without any difficulty for over a month. He had only suggested it two days before they left! Of course he tried to sound spontaneous. But it felt awkward and he wondered if Jasmine was convinced by his clumsy attempt. She seemed surprised enough, he thought, and her eyes had lit up with an almost bewildered disbelief.

"Paris? For the weekend! ... Do you mean this weekend, Darling?" she asked.

"Yes of course," he said. "I just thought it would be nice to get away ... and so I booked the flights this morning .... A spur of the moment thing ... you know," he lied.

That conversation seemed a long time ago now as they sat here high above the lively streets of Paris enjoying this very special, memorable evening; this life changing moment! Mike fumbled nervously in his pocket, feeling out that small black box that held a symbolic gift that was so importantly attached to the question he was about to ask Jasmine. Christ! He had been amazed at how much he had actually needed to spend on the ring. He hadn't really given much thought to the value of a diamond. The man in the shop had given him some guidance and he had readily accepted the advice. He hadn't wanted to seem mean and, it was true, the rings with more affordable diamonds just didn't seem to sparkle as much as this one. No ... not nearly as much as the one that was now secretly hidden in his right hand pocket! The moment he was shown this ring he knew she would just love it. It was beautiful. How could she not? Shit! He would spend the next twelve months trying to pay it off but there was no doubt in his mind. She was worth it. He couldn't wait to give it to her....

...... He just didn't know exactly when!


Paul Wright has been designing and making diamond engagement rings and wedding rings since his jewellery business was incorporated in 1995. He has met hundreds of young couples who originally sought advice from him on the best engagement ring to buy. His romantic ‘vignettes’ and short stories are all actually based on real life experiences. The names and places have been changed, of course, to protect the identities of the innocent!

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Diamond Wedding Rings

Diamond Engagement Rings

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Have you read:
Prince Charles at The Royal Show 2008
The Badminton Horse Trials 2008

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Welsh Cobs & The Royal Welsh Show 2008

“Frankfurt approach this is Aer Lingus Three .. Two .. Nine at Flight level Three .. Five .. Zero..”

Carolin was already aware of the incoming Boeing 747 which had appeared moments before on her radar screen at Frankfurt airport. Responding politely, in perfect English, she said:

“Good morning Aer Lingus Three .. Two .. Nine.”

She monitored the Irish airliner as it continued along its approved flight path - along with five other approaching aircraft - and then spoke with authority into her VHF radio:

“Aer Lingus 329 descend to altitude 2500 feet, QNH .. One ..Zero .. One .. Five.”

What, you may ask, has this conversation between an air traffic controller in Frankfurt and a Boeing 747 pilot got to do with the Royal Welsh Show?

Allow me to explain.

Last week Wendy and I were attending Europe’s largest agricultural show with more than 230,000 visitors. The Royal Welsh Show is held in Builth Wells and we, alongside other trade exhibitors, were showing our new silver and gold jewellery designs for the 2008 season - including the popular silver and gold daisy jewellery collection!

Our Guest House accommodation in Wales is something quite extra-ordinary. Each morning, at the crack of dawn, we are treated to one of Biddy William's famous full 'Welsh' breakfasts. In the evening there is always a delicious roast dinner served once we return from the Show at 8.30pm sharp! We all sit around a large 18th Century oak dining table and share experiences with the other guests who have come to attend the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd. This year two German air traffic controllers, Carolin and Stefan Klose, had flown to Wales from Frankfurt and booked into the same Guest House - a small Grade II listed cottage in a picturesque valley not far from the Showgrounds. We all immediately became firm friends and Carolin, also a semi-professional photographer, kindly agreed to provide the pictures for this our ‘Royal Welsh’ blog.

Princess Anne opens The Royal Welsh Show 2008

Carolin owns a Welsh Cob stallion called “Old Radnor” and she and Stefan had come to see the famous Welsh Cob Pony competitions held every year at this world renowned event. One of the most stunning spectacles at the show is undoubtedly the running of the Section D Welsh Cob Stallions on the Wednesday afternoon. This attracts huge numbers and the noise from the crowds is matched only by the most excited football fans at a top international game! This is partly down to their enthusiasm for these very special horses and partly as an attempt to actually influence the judge who must make the difficult decision of declaring a very highly prized winner!

This year’s event was judged by the Synod stud breeder Doreen Jones of Gellihen Farm who, along with her husband Cerdin, was also staying at our Guest House ... making our Tuesday evening roast dinner all the more interesting! This appointment is a once in a lifetime honour and one that Doreen was taking very seriously indeed. The winning Stallion can instantly become a

priceless asset as far as future stud fees are concerned! The judge must make a completely impartial and 'objective' decision based on the criteria laid down by the British Show Horse Association. We enjoyed discussing the enormity of the task that lay ahead of Doreen the following day!

Apparently all sections of the Welsh pony and Welsh cob competitions demand horses that are sure-footed with sound feet, dense bone, and that display very hardy characteristics. The ponies should also have a well-laid back shoulder, deep chest, short back, well-sprung rib cage and strong hindquarters. Their legs should be “clean" with good bone, short cannons and correct hocks. Indeed they must exhibit the substance, stamina and soundness of their ancestral bloodstock!

DROGEDA ‘Stormy Tempest‘, a beautiful chestnut displaying lively action and striking beauty in equal measure, was finally named the Stallion Champion Cob by our recent acquaintance, Doreen. It took more than an hour of careful studying of nearly fifty fabulous entries, and a whittling down to an impressive shortlist, before she could be sure. And the George Prince of Wales Perpetual Cup went to junior mare, Trevallion Racheal’s Miracle, a glossy-coated and spirited bay, with quite unusual markings.

DROGEDA ‘Stormy Tempest' - Champion Cob 2008

I am pleased to say that our display of silver and gold jewellery attracted almost as much attention as the famous Welsh Cobs! We were happy to see our regular customers, who have been enthusiastically faithful to us over the past twelve years, at this event. We were delighted to have assisted with two romantic engagements at our stand too and we will be making very special diamond engagement rings for these happy couples!

I must, of course, thank Carolyn Klose for her photographic contributions which have made this blog a really special one. She and Steffan are now on their way back to Frankfurt and I leave them with the rest of my fictitious recording taken from Frankfurt radar control to the approaching Irish 747 jet:

"Aer Lingus Three .. Two .. Nine, you have traffic, a Fokker at one o'clock, two miles, Eastbound," Carolin warned the incoming jet.

The Aer Lingus pilot quickly responded:

"Frankfurt approach .... I've always wanted to say this... I've got the little Fokker in sight!"

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Photos by Carolin Klose for
Paul Wright Jewellery

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The Royal Highland Show 2008

The Royal Highland Show has a proud and successful history with its origins dating back to 1784 when the 'Highland Society of Edinburgh' was formed to positively influence the industry, culture and social life of rural Scotland. Granted a Royal Charter in 1787, King George VI bestowed the title "Royal" on the Society at the Highland Show in 1948.

This year's exciting programme of events included comprehensive practical demonstrations and rural pursuits and other activities including over 4,000 competing animals and almost 1,000 trade stands! This year marks the show’s 168th year and the 49th to be held at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston just outside Edinburgh.

One of the highlights this year was the introduction of a Highland Games competition held in the main ring. International competitors demonstrated the skills involved in caber tossing, stone putting and weight for height where a 56lb weight is heaved over a bar. Other features included farming machinery demonstrations, sheepdog displays, axe throwing competitions, and a variety of popular equestrian events. The bandstand was naturally a big attraction with a wide range of talent featuring the Queen Victoria Pipes & Drums, The Royal British Legion Band and the Argyll's Cadet Band ... to name but a few!

Silver & Gold Jewellery

For those with a keen interest in serious shopping, Paul Wright Jewellery was once again a popular draw with a fine display of silver and gold jewellery including the popular "silver daisy jewellery" collection. One delighted customer, Fiona MacIntosh, was pleased to add to the silver daisy necklace she bought last year.

"I have had so many compliments - I just had to buy the matching silver daisy earrings and the new silver daisy bangle design. I am thrilled to see the new silver and gold jewellery products that have been added to this popular range."

Another equally satisfied customer had just purchased a diamond wedding ring set in platinum to compliment the diamond engagement ring bought earlier in the year from the new Paul Wright Jewellery website.

"We just love these original jewellery designs and the fantastic attention to detail that Paul Wright Jewellery has to offer", he said.

The short video presentation gives an idea of the great time had by all. For further information on the silver daisy jewellery, platinum wedding rings and diamond engagement rings available through Paul Wright Jewellery please log on to:

www.paulwrightjewellery.com