The Christmas Carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” captures this hope, but, much like today, the time in which the words to this famous carol originated was a time of many uncertainties. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow first wrote the lyrics on Christmas Eve, 1963, just months after the battle of Gettysburg had taken over 50,000 lives. The U.S. Civil War was still raging and Longfellow’s son had been severely wounded. In addition, just two years earlier, Longfellow’s wife had died tragically in a fire. It was hardly a time of peace.

As he heard the Christmas bells ring, Longfellow wrote:

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

However, Longfellow wasn’t immediately moved by the bells’ message:

And in despair I bowed my head

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

“For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

However, as he continued to listen to the bells peal, he realized that because of the message of Christmas, there was always hope:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

A faith that right will prevail gives hope to every area of our lives, including our relationships. Wedding jewelry celebrates this hope, and there’s no better time to shop for it than this joyful time of year.

The Victorian-inspired Paisley Design Wedding Band 14K White Gold captures a sense of joy. An elegant three-dimensional paisley design graciously adorns this feminine band, giving a nod to the past while looking hopefully to the future. Rows of milgrain frame this lively motif, while polished edges provide a sleek finishing touch.

Braided wedding bands celebrate the way that a husband and wife are woven together so that they move through life as one. The 14K White Gold 7.6mm Braided Wedding Band Ring is an eye-catching example. Ribbons of gleaming 14K white gold are tightly woven into a stylish symbol of your connection, while milgrain and polished edges add class.

An engagement ring captures the hope of spending the rest of your life with the one you love, and vintage styles celebrate the timelessness of this hope. For instance, the Art Deco 1/4 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold harkens back to the 1920s, but its design perfectly captures the promise of life together. A 14K yellow gold lotus flower gleams as it opens to reveal a sparkling round diamond. In contrast, this ring’s 14K white gold band is adorned with a graceful design of leaves and paisley.

The promise of Christmas infuses every area of life with hope. Celebrate the hope of life together with joyful wedding jewelry.