Korean Couple Rings What They Mean, and Where to Buy Them
In Korean culture, the couple rings and engagement ring are not the only rings. Korean couple rings are a matching pair of pieces that young lovers exchange when they reach a certain milestone in their relationships.
In the 1980s, and 1990s, Korean couples began exchanging matching couple jewelry, especially around significant milestones. In time, the practice of exchanging couple rings for 100-day and one-year anniversaries became part Korea’s “couple culture.”
Some claim that the inspiration for this trend goes even further back. “The couple rings young Koreans exchange today trace back to a tradition called ssanggarakji – literally ‘paired bands’,” explains Soungeun Kim. She is the founder and director of Naschenka – a Korean jewellery brand that has adorned Kpop stars and actors. “In Asia and particularly in Korea, wearing two identical rings in a stack is deeply rooted in the culture. Married woman wore the ssanggarakji set of two rings and unmarried wear one half, known as bangarakji. Although the couple rings we wear today are modern, their roots can be traced back to an ancient concept. The two rings must match in order to signify a bond.
What Korean couple rings represent, how they are worn and where you can buy them.
What Are Korean Couple Rings?
A Korean couple ring can be viewed as a promise band worn by both parties, signifying a shared commitment. The rings aren’t required prior to an engagement ring. However, many couples view them as a milestone worth celebrating.
Korean Couple Rings meaning
Lee explains, “Korean couples rings are matching ring that symbolise love, commitment, and togetherness in relationships.” “They’re a visual sign that two people care about each other.” These rings can be seen as a symbol of love for many couples and as an important step towards a deeper relationship.
What are the Korean Couples Rings?
Couple rings are usually minimalist rings, not flashy like an engagement ring. Lee says they’re often simple, modern designs in silver or gold. Many couples prefer minimalist bands, with subtle details. Some add personal touches, such as engravings or birthstones. The emphasis is less on extravagant and more on everyday wearability.
When do Korean Couples exchange Rings?
The Korean tradition calls this ring the Korean 100-day Gold Ring. It is exchanged by couples around the 100th day, which is a little over three months after the beginning of their relationship. Lee says couples exchange rings once they have reached significant milestones such as one year or 100 days in a relationship. “It is seen as a means to celebrate the progress of the relationships and show public love and commitment.”
Couples rings are a little different. Engagement rings are usually given as gifts by men (although women have historically been able to purchase the ssanggarakji). Kim says, “Today’s rings are chosen by both partners and reflect a commitment that is mutual rather than one-sided.” They are a cultural treasure where more than 1,000 years of history and modern expressions in love meet.
How to Wear a Korean Couple Ring
Lee explains that it is common among younger generations to purchase matching rings and save money as a joint gesture. This shift reflects an equal and collaborative relationship approach. In order to continue this trend, couples can make their own rings in jewelry workshops.
After the couple has the rings, it is common to wear them on their left hand. Kim explains, “Today rings are typically worn on the left finger of the ring, following Western tradition.” “But in traditional Korea there was no specific finger that had any meaning. Women wore rings on any finger they chose, whether it was the ring finger, the index finger or pinky.
In the end, it is up to you and your partner. Lee says some couples prefer to wear the rings on their right hands or even different fingers, based on personal taste. “The important thing is that the meaning shared between partners, not the uniformity of the tattoos,” says Lee.
Korean Couple Rings – Where to Buy?
Couple rings are an obscure category, and it can be difficult to find them online. Most often in Korea couples go to a workshop where they create their rings together. Even so, we compiled a short list of jewelers offering matching rings to couples or their versions of the Korean traditional couple ring.
Minigold
Minigold, the top jewelry retailer of Korea, has been on the Korea Brand Power Index list since its founding in 1978. Design elements are influenced heavily by Korean patterns, architecture and nature. They also pay tribute to the culture. The brand’s pieces are almost all made of recycled materials.
In Korean culture, couples’ rings have been influenced by Western culture. A few Western brands produce couples’ rings as well. Sett men’s jewellery brand offers one that is truly unique, where the couple’s initials are carved from the rings when placed together.
La Bouclette, founded by a Korean with a French-language name (meaning “little earrings”), aims to spread Korean culture throughout the world. La Bouclette’s collection includes a number of designs that are perfect for Korean couples, such as a ring with name engravings.
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