Wedding Ring Tattoos

For some tattoo enthusiasts, choosing wedding rings is an easy task: they get wedding ring tattoos. This popular trend has people getting ink on their ring finger in many different styles.

Classic wedding rings.

For some couples, wedding rings are the most important part of the whole wedding. It is believed that the tradition of exchanging and wearing wedding rings, or bands, dates back to the ancient Egyptians more than 3,800 years ago. This culture began twisting reeds and grasses into wedding bands, and wore them as a symbol of eternal love because the circle formed had no beginning and no end.

Romans were the first to use metal for their wedding bands, but it wasn't beautiful silver or gold. Practical iron was used, and the band was more of a legal necessity which showed that a Roman woman was bound to her husband in an act of ownership. As history went on, rings became more elaborate and were fashioned out of precious metals. During these periods, however, it was usually only the woman who wore a wedding ring. Eventually, during World War II, it became commonplace for a man to wear his wedding band, in order to remember the wife at home.

As the 20th century drew to a close, many couples started searching for more unique styles of wedding jewelry. Some choose to design their own rings in gold or platinum, having them designed and inscribed with symbols that meant something in their relationship. Others choose to get inked on their left ring finger. Wedding ring tats can range from a simple black band of ink to Celtic bands. Some even get their beloved's name tattooed along their finger.

While the idea of an indelible symbol of your love and fidelity may seem irresistible, it's important to note that your ring tattoo may not come out exactly as you would like. As with any hand tattoo, the process of healing on a finger can mean that your wedding ring tattoo may become distorted or blurry. Additionally, these tattoos can take a while to heal, because your fingers are in constant use. It's important to practice good tattoo aftercare, and choosing a less intricate wedding band design may also be a good idea.

Perhaps the most famous wedding ring tattoos belong to Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. Pamela got a tattoo on her left ring finger that read "Tommy" and Tommy received one that stated "Pamela". When the couple divorced, Pamela had her ring ink modified into a tattoo that reads "Mommy".

Other couples soon followed the Pamela and Tommy lead, and this can be seen as the beginning of the explosive popularity of wedding ring tats. Comedienne Kathy Griffin also had a wedding ring tat, but had hers removed with a laser after her five year marriage dissolved.

These tattoos have become so popular that they are even mentioned in song: the artist Ben Folds has a song entitled "You to Thank" that talks about getting matching "tattoos that look like rings".

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