Wedding Rings – the Jane Austen Syndrome

When it comes to the world of literature, the allure of wedding rings being offered and exchanged seems to be an enduring one. So much so, that a recent survey into our reading habits revealed that magic, fantasy and the marriage market dominate the subjects of the books we choose to re-read or re-visit. The most frequently read titles are currently The Lord of the Rings and Pride and Prejudice, proving that rings – from wedding rings to magical rings – fire our imagination and taps into our deepest desires.
 

Wedding rings offer comfort

Snuggling up with a good book is something most of us enjoy, and it’s no wonder that many of us enjoy reading the romantic ups and downs of Jane Austen’s works or a novel by the Bronte sisters. The survey undertaken for the Costa book awards showed that old favourites where wedding rings are exchanged are loved by many. The fact that Pride and Prejudice came third in the poll says it all about our romantic notions, and our desire for a novel to end with the exchange of wedding rings.
 

The Jane Austen Book Club

The pursuit of marriage and love and the dream of wearing wedding rings is one that still dominates demonstrated by the American movie, The Jane Austen Book Club. The film follows six Californian characters that discuss Austen’s novels and marvel at the similar reoccurring obsession with relationships in their modern lives as outlined in the novels. Austen’s ironic observations on the rituals of romance still however fed reader’s desires for a happy ending with the lead characters falling in love and exchanging wedding rings.
 

Wedding rings? The End

The fact that the BBC and Hollywood has made remake after remake of Austen’s novels reveals how audiences are insatiable when it comes to tales of marriage, wedding rings and romance. In the language of 19th-century costume drama, marriage is the only happy ending and the only ‘closure’. The fact such novels endure speaks volumes. As the TV series investigating romantic fiction (Reader, I Married Him) revealed – romance is one of the most successful literary genres of all time from Jane Austen to Mills & Boon, and the enduring appeal of the love story that ends in marriage is an integral part for many readers who return to their favourite novels time and time again.
 

Buy your wedding ring from the Jewellery Company

The Jewellery Company has a wide range of wedding rings to suit all tastes and budgets. From plain gold bands to contemporary diamond rings, you can find your perfect wedding rings and order online.

Set in tasteful ring boxes and with free UK delivery, The Jewellery Company is the perfect place to find wedding rings for your big day. For more information, browse our website, or call us on 0800 023 2283.