Every marriage tells its own special story, mixing cherished traditions with personal touches that mirror the couple's values and beliefs. As someone who designs and makes jewellery, I find myself captivated by the intricate details of weddings, particularly the symbolism woven into every piece of wedding jewellery.
Join me as we delve into the captivating realm of Australian marriages, exploring both statistical insights and the shimmering beauty of wedding jewellery.
Marriages in Australia: A Snapshot
In Australia, the landscape of marriage has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting broader global trends and cultural shifts. Although marriage remains a cornerstone of our culture, symbolising commitment, love and partnership, here’s a look at a few things that have changed over the years.
How old are we when we marry?
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), since the mid-1970s, the average age at marriage has steadily increased. Reflecting on the past, in 1974, men typically married at a median age of 23.4 years, and women at an average age of 20.9 years. Fast forward to 2021, the median age for men tying the knot raised to 31.4 years and women, to an average age of 29.4 years. This shift reflects changing societal norms, with individuals prioritising personal and professional pursuits before saying "I do."
When do we marry?
In Australia, people tend to choose specific times of the year to tie the knot, with the popularity of weddings peaking between February to April and again from September to November. This pattern is influenced by the increased likelihood of having ideal weather conditions on your special day.
Living together before marriage
Recent insights show most couples now live together before getting married, with levels of cohabitation before marriage increasing greatly since the mid-1970s. In 1975, only 16% of marriages were preceded by cohabitation. By 2017, 81% of couples had been living together before marriage.
Religious vs civil weddings
Civil celebrant-led marriages have surged in popularity over recent decades, officially surpassing religious ceremonies in 2000. This marks a significant shift from 1902, when almost all marriages (97%) were conducted through religious services. However, by 2000, for the first time, more marriages were performed by civil celebrants than by religious services.
The Symbolism of Wedding Jewellery
Amidst these changing dynamics, the tradition of wedding jewellery remains steadfast and serves as a tangible expression of a couple’s love and commitment. With its timeless allure, jewellery plays a pivotal role in weddings, serving not only as a symbol of union but also as a personal and cultural expression.
Engagement Rings:Â The tradition of presenting an engagement ring dates back centuries, symbolising a promise of love and fidelity. In Australia, the choice of engagement ring styles varies, from classic solitaires to unique designs incorporating coloured gemstones.
Wedding Bands: For me, as a jeweller, the wedding ring is one of the most important pieces I could make. Simple yet significant, wedding bands represent a promise between two people. Not only is it a symbol used along with the vows made on your wedding day, "With this ring, I…," it is also most likely the one piece of jewellery you will continue to wear for the rest of your life.
Family Heirlooms:Â Some couples choose to incorporate family heirlooms into their wedding jewellery, adding a layer of sentimental value to their special day. Whether it's a grandmother's necklace or a father's cufflinks, these pieces connect past, present and future generations.
Beyond rings, other jewellery pieces such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces also find their place in the celebration. As a jewellery designer and maker, I have the privilege of crafting pieces that become part of couples' love stories. Each custom creation is infused with passion and craftsmanship, reflecting the unique bond shared by the bride and groom. As we celebrate these moments of joy and connection, let us also cherish the timeless beauty of wedding jewellery, which serves as a tangible symbol of the love shared and vows spoken on that special day.
Tayha Designs one-of-kind wedding rings