This Latin name "vena amoris" literally means "vein of love". Its an ancient belief that this vein ran directly from the heart to the "third finger" of the left hand.

Due to this old belief many cultures used the "third finger," or "ring finger" as the true finger which the engagement and/or wedding ring was placed. It continues to be used till this day of course.

The earliest use of "jewelry" to signify a bonding was used by chains and bracelets, which then evolved to the use of the ring. The endless circle of the ring symbolized the eternalness of the bond, and the open center of the ring symbolized a "doorway" to things unknown!