A betrothal ring is rarely used today. But in the past, it was a ring given to the bride as a significant symbol of the marriage contract. It is not just a promise to marry someone but an obligation. And this ring is connected to a religious engagement – Catholic, Jewish, etc. If an engagement with a betrothal ring was broken, the other side could even go to court. This band was taken very seriously. And usually, betrothal rings were extremely intricate and costly. Often, they were made from solid gold or silver and decorated with gems, pearls, etc.
Roman betrothal ring from the 3rd century A.D. Solid gold, with an image of joined hands. From The Met collection
