Kristin Thalmann, age 17, of Annapolis, Md., for her question:
WHO FIRST USED A WEDDING RING?
From the earliest times, marriage has been an important part of man's legal and religious systems. The ancient Romans were probably the first to use an engagement ring as a mark of betrothal. They were also the first to use a ring as part of the wedding ceremony.
In the early days, only the groom presented his bride with a wedding ring. Now, many weddings involve double ring ceremonies, in which both bride and groom exchange rings.
Through the years, a single unadorned band has been the most popular style of wedding ring. Many people believe that its roundness represents eternity, and that it is a symbol that the couple is united forever.
Members of the Eastern Orthodox Churches and some Europeans have a tradition that calls for the wedding ring to be worn on one of the fingers of the right hand.
The custom of wearing rings, just like the custom of marriage, is probably as old as man. Rings have been found in the ancient tombs in Egypt.
Primarily, rings have been worn as ornaments. Rings still adorn noses, ears, arms, ankles and toes of the members of certain tribes of Africa and the islands of the South Pacific. But in other countries, it has been the custom to wear rings only on the fingers or in the ears. Until the 1300s, people commonly wore rings on their thumbs.
A ring has long been a symbol of a ruler's authority. Kings have used rings as a way of passing on power to trusted staff members.
The ring of the pope is given to him when he is crowned. It bears a picture of Saint Peter in a boat, and is sometimes called the fisherman's ring. All papal documents, called briefs, must be stamped with this signet. When a pope dies, his ring is broken. A new one is made for the next pope.
When a pope names a cardinal, he gives him a huge thumb ring. Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church also wear special rings.
In the Bible, Pharaoh placed his signet ring on Joseph's finger when he set him over all Egypt.
Today most rings are made of gold or other precious metals. Other materials such as ivory or plastics may also be used.
Rings may be plain, engraved and decorated, or set with stones. The most popular precious stone used in ring settings is the diamond. But the amethyst, turquoise, topaz, pearl, emerald, ruby and sapphire are also widely used.