9.3 Have You the Ring?

Rings have been associated with marriage since Roman times, but they didn't necessarily look like the modern ones. This episode tracks the history of the ring from the Romans, through the middle Ages (with a brief diversion to JRR Tolkien), by way of the Anglicans and the Puritans, and direct to a huge 20th century advertising success that led us to the now more-or-less obligatory diamond ring on so many married women's fingers. Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures. Support the show on my Patreon page for bonus episodes, polls, and a general feeling of self-satisfaction. Join Into History for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content. Follow me on Twitter as @her_half. Or on Facebook or Instagram as Her Half of History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices