Russian Wedding Rings: Meaning, Symbolism & History
If you’re looking for a unique wedding ring, look no further than Russian Wedding Rings. These interlocked rings are full of history, meaning and symbolism. It is the perfect ring to mark the start of a marriage, a milestone, or to solidify a friendship. But what are they and what do they mean?
What is a Russian Wedding Ring?
A Russian wedding ring is made up of three metal bands that are interlocked together to create a single ring. The bands are thin and plain without any extra detailing, like gemstones. The bands tightly overlap and weave together so there’s no empty space between the rings and they move as one. Each of the bands are made from solid gold in different colours, but you can get these rings in one, two or three colours. The metals are typically yellow, white and rose gold and each colour represents a different meaning.
History of Russian Wedding Rings
The design dates back to 19th century Russia, where triple band rings were traditionally exchanged in Orthodox wedding ceremonies. The three bands represented the Holy Trinity, and the ring was typically worn on the right hand.
In the early 20th century, Cartier’s 1924 Trinity Ring brought the style into the global spotlight. Today, Russian wedding rings are worn worldwide as wedding bands, anniversary rings and meaningful everyday gold rings.
What is the meaning of a Russian Wedding Ring?
One of the biggest reasons shoppers search for "Russian wedding ring meaning” is the rich symbolism behind the three bands:
- Love, Friendship, Fidelity | linked to the three colours of gold
- The Holy Trinity | the original religious meaning
- Mind, Body, Spirit | a popular personal reinterpretation
- Past, Present, Future | a modern interpretation
Interlocked Russian Wedding Rings have many meanings. The beauty of the design is that it can hold whichever meaning resonates most with you. but here are a few meanings you can pick from:
First, let’s start with the colours. Yellow gold represents fidelity, white gold symbolises friendship and rose gold is for love. When all three colours are combined, this creates a symbol of eternal love and a beautiful ring to be exchanged during a wedding ceremony.
Another meaning is the Holy Trinity. The bands are said to symbolise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the three entwined together represent the Holy Trinity. Wearing the ring on the ring finger is also a symbol that blesses the marriage. Another religious interpretation is that each band signifies a unity of mind, body and spirit.
Finally, another popular interpretation is that a Russian Wedding Ring is an illustration of marriage, representing past, present and future or then, now and forever.
Now you know the meanings, here are a few ways to gift and wear a Russian Wedding Ring.
Which finger should I wear my Russian Wedding Ring on?
Traditionally, people wear it on their little finger of their left hand and then move it across to their right hand once they get married (to be honest, it looks great on either). We are also now making a lot as a Wedding Ring for men and women to wear on their index finger. The 4mm Russian Wedding Ring is usually worn on the index or middle fingers as this can sometimes feel too wide for a little finger.
How much do our Russian Wedding Rings weigh?
In general, our Russian Wedding Rings are always commended for having a “wonderful weight” to them. They are made of solid Gold. Depending on the width, carat and size, the weight will always vary but the below approximate weights will give you an idea.
- 2mm (9ct gold) – 4.5g
- 3mm (9ct gold) – 6g
- 4mm (9ct gold) – 7.5g
- 2mm (18ct gold) – 6.25g
- 3mm (18ct gold) – 8.3g
- 4mm (18ct gold) – 10.5g
How to wear and give a Russian Wedding Ring
The different colours and combinations mean you can pick and choose your style – so how do you choose? Although the clues in the name – wedding! - but you can give them for other reasons and to other people, not just your loved one. Plus, our Russian Wedding collection is available in ring, bracelet, necklace and earring form so you can gift these to many important people in your life. Here’s a few of our ideas!
Wedding ring
The most obvious choice would be to choose this ring for your wedding band. To get the true power of this ring, pick all three colours. The colours and their meanings create a precious stable bond that will kick off your marriage and commitment to one another. However, if you prefer one colour, go for rose gold to symbolise and confirm your love.
Promise ring
A promise ring is given as a gift to your partner to signify the commitment to your relationship and acts as a promise for a future engagement and marriage. Rather than all three colours, go for all yellow gold and promise your fidelity forever!
Friendship ring
While our number one recommendation for these rings is for a wedding or promise ring, they make a great gift for a best friend. White gold symbolises friendship, so we recommend going for bands that are all white gold. If you think a ring is a bit serious for a friendship, choose a bangle or a pair of earrings.
Mother’s Day gift
Another meaning for this ring is the concept of family, representing the mother, father and child. Giving a Russian ring or bangle to your parent is a sweet gift to show how much you love and care for them. It also makes a great gift for a new mother!
Take a look at our Walton collection and find the perfect piece for you and your loved ones.
Or if you're in search for more information about how to order your Russian Wedding Ring with Auree, check out our Russian Wedding Ring FAQ page right here >