Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons a married woman may wear a black wedding band:
- The black band is her original wedding ring, and her personal preference.
- She is in mourning after the death of her spouse.
- She wants to signal she is not interested in attracting romantic attention.
- She and her partner have matching black bands, as a fashion choice.
- The black ring is an alternative metal, like tungsten or titanium.
While a plain black band can signify mourning, this meaning has faded over time. Black rings are increasingly popular simply as a fashion choice. The color black in jewelry and fashion no longer automatically implies grief or unavailability.
The History of Black Wedding Bands
For centuries, the tradition in many Western cultures was for widows to wear black to publicly signal their mourning following their husband’s death. This included wearing a plain black wedding band in place of the original ring. This let others know the woman was grieving and not interested in pursuing a new relationship.
The strict rules around public mourning periods have relaxed over the past 100 years. Queen Victoria was known for popularizing extended mourning rituals in the 1800s. Yet after World War I, long black mourning periods fell out of fashion, as so many women had lost husbands and sons.
Still, some widows continue to wear a black wedding band after their spouse’s death. This can signify that they feel it’s too soon to take off their ring, as they are still grieving. It’s a personal choice that depends on the individual. There are no longer strict rules dictating when a widow must stop wearing black.
Mourning Jewelry Trends
In the Victorian era, mourning jewelry was an entire category of jewelry produced. Pieces were made using black materials, like onyx, jet, black enamel, vulcanite (early plastic), gunmetal, and more.
Mourning jewelry in the 19th century also utilized hair from the deceased. This included rings and lockets woven from the hair of a loved one who had passed away. Hair keepsakes memorialized the dead.
While black mourning jewelry saw a revival in the late 20th century, it’s no longer a mainstream mourning custom. That said, some widows do opt to wear black bands or black enamel wedding rings after their partner dies.
Modern Meanings of a Black Wedding Ring
What does a black wedding band signify today? Here are some of the common modern meanings:
As Her Original Wedding Ring
Many women simply prefer the look and style of a black wedding band to a traditional gold or diamond ring.
A black ring can be an alternative metal, like tungsten, titanium, or cobalt. Black ceramic and silicone rings have also grown popular.
A black wedding ring is also less expensive than precious metals and stones. Some modern brides choose black rings as their wedding band style for economic reasons.
Signaling Unavailability
A black wedding band can signal mourning or serve as a more subtle “hands off” sign. This sends a message that the woman is not interested in attracting romantic attention.
Some widows view removing their wedding ring as leaving their spouse symbolically. A black ring allows them to keep wearing a ring, without having to explain their situation to curious strangers.
For women who aren’t widowed, a black wedding band can indicate they are focused on themselves, their career, children, or causes. Not looking for romance.
Matching with a Partner
Black wedding rings are increasingly popular as a fashion choice. Many couples opt to get matching black bands engraved at their wedding ceremony.
This makes a striking fashion statement and allows both partners to wear a wedding ring. It breaks from the tradition of only the woman wearing an engagement ring and wedding band.
As an Alternative Metal
Many black wedding rings are made from alternative contemporary metals, not traditional gold alloys. These include:
- Tungsten – A very hard, durable metal alloy with a black color.
- Titanium – A grayish-black metal that is very strong, but lighter weight than tungsten.
- Cobalt – A hard, silver-grey metal alloy that often has a black finish.
These contemporary metals make excellent wedding rings. They won’t scratch, tarnish, or need re-plating like gold rings. A black tungsten or titanium band can mimic the look of more expensive black gold or platinum rings.
Cultural Meanings of Black Wedding Rings
Here are some of the cultural meanings and traditions around black wedding rings:
Victorian English and American Customs
As mentioned, black wedding rings and mourning jewelry became quite prominent during England’s Victorian era, under Queen Victoria’s reign. She modeled extended public grieving periods after the death of her husband Prince Albert.
Americans also observed strict black mourning rituals after the Civil War in the 1860s. Widows wore black for 2-3 years to publicly signal their loss and honor the dead.
Orthodox Christian Tradition
In some Eastern Orthodox Christian wedding traditions, black wedding rings are the norm. Rather than exchanging gold bands, couples wear silver and black rings during the ceremony.
This possibly dates back to Rome’s iron and gold rings for couples. The durable black color symbolized strength and commitment.
Maori Culture
In New Zealand’s native Maori culture, woven bone or jade wedding rings have held cultural significance. More recently, some Maori brides and grooms opt for plain black ceramic bands as a nod to tradition.
| Culture | Black Ring Tradition Meaning |
|---|---|
| Victorian English and American | A sign of mourning after a spouse’s death |
| Orthodox Christian | Symbol of strength and commitment for the couple |
| Maori | Nod to woven bone and jade ring traditions |
Reasons a Married Woman Wears a Black Band
Based on all of the above, here are some specific reasons a married woman may opt to wear a black wedding ring or band:
1. As Her Original Wedding Ring
She simply chose a black wedding ring as her band style when she got married. Black is her personal taste.
2. To Signal Unavailability
A black band communicates she is not looking for romantic attention or advances. This subtly signals she is not available.
3. Her Partner Passed Away
She is a widow, and wears a black band to mourn her deceased spouse. This honors their marriage while she grieves.
4. Matching Her Partner’s Ring
Her and her partner have coordinating black rings. This is a fashionable couples’ choice, not related to mourning.
5. As an Alternative Metal
Her black wedding ring is made from an alternative metal like tungsten, titanium, or cobalt. This is a contemporary fashion trend.
6. Honoring Cultural Tradition
In a nod to her culture, she wears a black ring instead of a traditional gold band. This may connect to Orthodox Christian or Maori customs.
Conclusion
In summary, a black wedding band today does not necessarily carry the traditional meaning of mourning. Black rings have become trendy as a fashion choice and alternative metal option.
That said, a black band can also subtly signify that a woman is not seeking romantic partnerships. Some widows prefer a black ring to honor their commitment while grieving.
The color black in jewelry and fashion no longer automatically implies bereavement and unavailability. But for individual women, a black wedding ring can hold personal significance, cultural meaning, and signal they are not looking for a new relationship.
It’s impossible to infer just from a black ring if a woman is married, widowed, or simply likes the modern, minimalist look. Rings come in every color today, with no rules. So the only meaning is the significance the wearer herself assigns to her black wedding band.