Circles Unbroken: A Ring and a Promise Quiz

Answer: all

Gimmel or gemmel rings separated into two parts, which the lovers divided, each wearing half. They were joined after the wedding. The first diamond engagement ring known was presented by Archduke Maximillian of Austria (later Emperor Maximillian I) to his intended bride, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477.

However, the identification of diamonds with love and betrothal was promoted aggressively and successfully by DeBeers in the 20th century. While the rings bestowed at weddings could be of any material the couple wished, the legal standard for rings sold as "wedding rings" was 22K!

Answer: none

Roland Phelps, owner of the Gwynfynydd gold mine in Wales, announced in 1999 that gold production could not meet the cost of keeping it in operation. Gold in the form of dust and nuggets is still found in the area, but not concentrated in significant deposits. The royal family has a large nugget; they are not expected to run out soon.

Answer: "Because maidens were so married in the old days."

Mary was 42 years old when she married Philip II of Spain. He was a Roman Catholic and Mary wanted to restore the throne of England to a Catholic dynasty; he was also a handsome man and Mary fell in love with him. Unfortunately, once it became obvious Mary could not have children, he had no further interest in her and left her to return to Spain."Bloody Mary" was the last English monarch to openly profess Catholicism.

She is remembered for cruel persecution, but her private life perhaps should merit some sympathy.

Answer: A second husband might inherit the wife's property, so her children by the first husband could be left penniless.

Although the widow vowed to remain chaste, relationships other than legal marriage presumably sometimes occurred.

Answer: Either hand, on any finger including the thumb.

The Romans (or sometimes the Egyptians) are credited with the legend that a "vein of love" connected the left ring finger to the heart. However, this was far from a universal custom. In some European countries the ring is worn on the right hand today.

Answer: 1890s-1920s

Platinum was known in the 17th century and was used as coinage by Catherine the Great. However, it has a high melting point and is difficult to work with. Platinum became popular for jewelry only after newer manufacturing techniques were developed. It peaked in demand through the 1930s, but was rarely used during World War II because of its strategic value.

Answer: True

Gold was a strategic metal, and laws restricting gold content and permissible weight had been passed in the UK. Soldiers heading out to the front lines wanted wedding rings as symbols of home and family, and so they purchased and wore them.

Answer: No. In fact an heirloom ring can be especially appropriate.

There is no consistent rule on this matter; however, looking for the cheapest bargain available is probably the reason least frequently given.

Answer: True

Reasons sometimes given for this included a wish to wear a cherished gold ring, yet still be in fashion. Some also considered platinum to have superseded the less expensive silver as a symbol of the moon, and liked the symbolism of the union of sun and moon. Since rings originally manufactured in this style are seen, as well as altered ones, both reasons were probably current. White gold of high quality was also used.

Answer: posey rings

From "poesy." Many inscriptions rhymed. Love, marriage, and religious themes were all popular. Jewelers had lists of popular sayings to choose from, but some are unique and may have been composed by the giver for the occasion. Today, inscribed initials and date inside wedding rings are the last echo of this custom.