The semi-nomadic Bediouin tribe of the Middle East can trace their nose-ring wearing practices back to Biblical times, when Abraham gave Rebekah, the bride of his son Isaac, gifts for their wedding including  "a golden nose-ring."

The Bedouin still live out this tradition today. Jewelry is gifted upon Bedouin women at the time of marriage, which always includes a nose-ring. The size of the ring indicates the bride's wealth, and the ring is considered to be her financial protection in case she gets divorced.

Bedouin women are also gifted with jewelry every time they bear a child as well, and a wealthy Bedouin woman will amass quite a collection of it throughout her lifetime.