Not ready to get engaged but still looking for a way to show your partner that you’re fully committed? If the answer is yes, a promise ring might be the perfect option for you.
Not as well known as the ever-famous diamond engagement ring, don’t feel silly if you have a few questions when considering a promise ring for your beloved. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything that you need to know, from what is a promise ring, to the history behind the ring style to how to wear your commitment ring. We’ll also cover important factors such as promise ring cost, promise ring vs engagement ring, and ring-giving etiquette to help you cover all of the bases. So before you head to the jewelry store, read on to learn more, and be sure to check out our other jewelry blog articles.
What Is a Promise Ring?
History
Jewelers estimate that the modern pre-engagement ring dates back hundreds of years. However, there’s evidence to suggest that Roman brides wore something similar back in the 2nd century BC. From posy rings inscribed with romantic poems to Acrostic rings spelling out a word in gemstones, trinkets of love and devotion have been around for centuries.
As far as today goes, promise rings enjoyed a resurgence in popularity a few years ago when celebrities like the Jonas Brothers and celebrity couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth were spotted rocking the style.
Symbolism
Simply put, a promise ring is a ring given from one partner to another in a romantic relationship as a sign of commitment. The ring is most often, but not always, given before an engagement, and accepting the ring symbolizes the wearer’s mutual devotion and fidelity.
Meaning
Promise ring meaning can differ from couple to couple; however, at its core, this ring is a representation of a promise made between two people. Many couples wear or give promise rings as a sort of placeholder to signify a future engagement, while others gift it as a general reminder of their love.
“You’re promising yourself to each other, I often think of promise rings as similar to the mid-century tradition of giving your high school sweetheart your class ring or pin,” said GG, AJP, marketing coordinator at Simon G. Jewelry, Elizabeth Woolf-Willis in an interview with the Knot. “Now you’re more than just dating, there’s a physical symbol of the romantic relationship to show the outside world.”
Are Promise Rings and Engagement Rings the Same Thing?
Someone might give their significant other a promise ring as a promise of a future engagement, however, the ring is not the same as an engagement or a wedding ring. While some people do choose to transition their promise ring and wear it as an engagement ring once their relationship progresses, the two are indeed two different things.
Is a Promise Ring a Purity Ring?
No, a promise ring is not the same thing as a purity ring. Purity rings are given from a parent to a child, or to oneself, to encourage abstinence before marriage.
What Finger Do You Wear a Promise Ring On?
When it comes to styling, promise rings are versatile and can be worn on any hand on any finger. That being said, some promise ring finger placements are more popular than others. The most common placement is on the left hand ring finger(the fourth finger). Then, once an engagement ring is given, the wearer swaps the promise ring to another finger.
Another popular choice is to wear your promise ring on the right hand, leaving your wedding ring finger open for a diamond engagement ring. Placing it on the right ring finger is particularly nice because it helps to deter any awkward questions about when you’re getting married.
Alternatively, some people choose to wear their promise ring on a chain around their neck.
How Much Do Promise Rings Cost?
You can expect to spend anywhere between $500 to $2,000 for the average promise ring. These commitment rings are often purchased by younger couples who don’t necessarily have a lot of money to spare and the promise ring cost is set to reflect that.
Where Can I Buy a Promise Ring?
From your local jewelry store to online retailers, promise rings are widely available at a variety of locations and price points.
How Do You Give a Promise Ring?
There’s no hard and fast rule for how to give a promise ring to your partner. That means that you can feel free to add your twist to the occasion because, unlike an engagement, there are no traditional expectations.
If you need a little inspiration consider giving the ring during a holiday or a special event such as a birthday, vacation, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas. If that’s not quite your style, try something a little more lowkey like a romantic dinner for two or a date at the park.
What Are the Most Popular Promise Ring Styles?
From a plain band to intimate details, promise rings come in all shapes and styles. Typically, simplicity is key as promise rings can be easily mistaken for an engagement ring or wedding band if they consist of too many flashy details.
Popular design elements for promise rings include heart motifs, love knots, infinity symbols, engravings of fingerprints, names, and roman numerals. Eternity bands, fede rings, and Claddagh rings, and simplistic diamond jewelry are also fan favorites.
When it comes to precious metal, the choice is yours. Sterling silver, rose gold, white gold and yellow gold are all fabulous options.
Sources:
https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/guide-to-promise-ring-meaning/
https://www.theknot.com/content/what-is-a-promise-ring
*Here at Diamond Nexus, we strive to provide valuable information while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab created diamond simulate that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog.