Beautiful Paisley Wedding Bands
October 8, 2009 by Yelena Jenkins · Leave a Comment
The paisley pattern is incredibly prevalent in our society, yet few people are familiar with the meaning behind the paisley design. Perhaps this is due in part to the paisley’s ubiquity; it has become a cherished symbol in so many different cultures that it is difficult to trace the paisley to its original meaning. Though the word ‘paisley’ derives from the town in Scotland that created famous paisley-covered shawls in the 1800s, the symbol’s origins were at least 300 years earlier in India and Persia.
Thanks to the East India Trading company the paisley eventually made its way into Europe, and became a fashionable design to print on everything from shawls to skirts to bandannas. Throughout its multi-cultural journey, the meaning of the paisley design has been linked to life, love, eternity and royalty, which helps explain why the paisley is often found adorning jewelry, and wedding bands in particular. The paisley’s popularity was also boosted by its modern celebrity admirers; it has been appropriated by both Prince and The Beatles, which is to say that admirers of the paisley design find themselves in the company of pop royalty.
Apples of Gold is not immune to the lure of the paisley design, and carries a lovely selection of paisley wedding bands for our customers. Though we handpick each of the paisley wedding bands added to our collection, we have to admit to playing favorites. Here are three paisley wedding bands that we can’t take our eyes off of: 
Carved Paisley Wedding Band in 14K Gold
What makes this paisley wedding band so unique is the fact that the design is carved out of solid 14K gold. Most paisley designs are etched into a solid piece of gold, while this one is fully cut away, leaving recesses of empty space behind the paisleys. It looks wonderfully unique and beautiful against the skin, and makes an excellent choice for wedding band, promise ring and piece of everyday jewelry.
14K White Gold Paisley Wedding Band
This solid white gold paisley wedding band (shown at top) is carved deeply into the ring for a recessed effect that really makes the paisley design pop. Further highlighting the paisleys are two thinly carved ropes that line either side of the design for added visual interest.The ring has a comfort fit design meant for continual wear.
Paisley Engraved Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
The paisley design in this solid 14K white gold wedding band are much more subtle than in the previous two rings. It’s the ideal wedding band option for people who love the paisley’s symbolic meaning but don’t like to make overt statements with their jewelry. As with the previous wedding band, this one has a comfort fit design that makes all day wear easy and comfortable.
Origin of the Paisley Wedding Band
February 9, 2009 by Afshin Yaghtin · Leave a Comment
The paisley pattern is prevalent in design, fine jewelry, wedding rings, art, chic furniture, tableware, and is a fashionable wedding motif. But it is so much more than that.
Resembling a twisted tear-drop, kidney shape, or elongated comma, the paisley design is of Persian and Indian origin, but the modern name, “paisley” is of Scottish descent, made fashionable in Europe by the town of Paisley in Central Scotland.
Spiritual meaning of the Paisley
The paisley design is rich in spiritual and symbolic meaning. In India, the paisley signified the time of harvest, a time of both socio-economic and spiritual significance.
In Eastern religions, the two paisleys are reminiscent of the yin-yang, the interaction of two polar energies of which encompasses creation (a befitting motif for the union of marriage).
Some scholars also believe the paisley is a convergence of a floral spray and the ancient cypress tree of the Middle East–a spiritually rich tree that is often found in the pages of the Bible.
Noah’s ark, for example, was made with cypress wood: “So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out” (Genesis 6:14). The cypress was also a symbol of holiness and aesthetic beauty: “The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the pine, the fir and the cypress together, to adorn the place of my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place of my feet” (Isaiah 60:13).
Royal Insignia and Artwork
The paisley also had its origins in royal design; In the Safavid dynasty of Persia of the 16th and 17th century, the paisley floral motif was a popular pattern used to decorate royal insignias, crowns, and court garments–and was later prevalent in Persian carpets, embroidery, and jewelry.
The paisley design quickly made its way into Europe through Indian imports, including in England, France, and Scotland, where the paisley derived its modern name.
Modern Influence
The paisley design saw a heavy resurgence in modern times with the advent of the 60s psychodelic culture and interest in Indian spirituality and culture, which was made popular by the Beatles pilgrimage to India in 1968.
Today, fashion and design has reached far back into Mid-East and European history to resurrect the beauty, depth of meaning, and royal floral paisley pattern.
Paisley Wedding Bands are a fashionable statement for wedding bands that are not only full of historical significance and meaning, but are simply beautiful and enduring.
Apples of Gold offers many quality paisley wedding bands in gold or platinum, with or without diamonds. Visit Apples of Gold to view their fine affordable gold jewelry and wedding rings in a variety of unique styles.
Featured in this Post:
Paisley Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
Engraved Paisley Wedding Band in Two-Tone Gold
Engraved Paisley Motif Wedding Band
Related Wedding Band Designs: The Floral Wedding Band
