Promise Rings

They’re often exchanged in instances where couples may not be fully financially established or just ‘not quite there yet,’ in terms of selecting a full-on engagement ring.

Perhaps childhood sweethearts who want to celebrate their love or a younger couple in the midst of establishing their careers.

It can be considered a pre-engagement ring of sorts. A promise ring is still a given as a sign of commitment but without having to book a dress and tuxedo fitting.

A promise ring should suit the relationship it’s meant to be solidifying. Each consideration should resonate with the couple, but here are some tips on what to look out for.

Precious Metal: Gold and platinum are really popular choices because of their durability and classic appeal. Yellow gold will fit in perfectly with anyone who enjoys the warm appeal of this most classic precious metal. White gold and platinum feel a bit more modern and sleek, and will appeal to those who favour silver tones. Platinum is known for its hypoallergenic properties and is an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin.

Gemstones and Diamonds: A diamond is a very significant choice for a promise ring because it is known to symbolise strength and dedication. Other meaningful gemstones include sapphires, for loyalty; rubies, for embracing passion; and emeralds that celebrate harmony. Birthstones or a combination of diamonds and gemstones can be a nice way of mixing a personal connection with tradition.

Design: Minimalist bands, engraved rings, or intricate styles can be a nice and thoughtful way of reflecting the personality of the wearer. Gold bands with delicate diamond accents will fly under the radar beautifully, while ornate settings with colourful gemstones create a bolder statement.

Budget: As with most types of jewellery, promise rings come in a range of prices. Gold and platinum rings with small diamonds or gemstones can be found at various price points, making it possible to choose a meaningful ring without exceeding your budget. Opting for a high-quality metal ensures more longevity.

Promise ring designs continue to evolve with modern trends while maintaining a lot of their traditional symbolism. Promise rings come in many different styles, allowing for a lot of personal expression. Some popular designs include:

• Small diamond rings

Usually under 0.25 carats, perfect for indicating future engagement – a smaller, cuter version of your soon-to-be engagement ring.

• Simple bands

Made of precious metals, sometimes engraved, that work to stack up against other rings should you become engaged one day.

• Birthstone rings

Featuring the recipient’s or the giver’s birthstone, for a more personal and sentimental design.

• Cluster rings

Groupings of smaller stones provide sparkle without the formality of a traditional engagement ring that features a large centre stone.

Each ring style can be customised to suit all kinds of tastes, making promise rings really versatile. In a nutshell, a promise ring can be whatever you want it to be.

Unlike a marriage proposal, giving a promise ring is a more low-key gesture. As with all jewellery, especially rings, it’s pretty important to clearly communicate what the ring represents, so that both partners understand what kind of commitment they want to celebrate. 

Unlike engagement rings, promise rings don’t carry as much weight when it comes to marriage and wedding plans. But, they can still represent the strong bond a couple shares in a really meaningful way. When giving a promise ring, it’s good to have an open discussion about your future together and your feelings about long-term commitment and, eventually, marriage.

A promise ring is typically worn on the ring finger of either hand. When given as a sign of future commitment, it’s often worn on the left hand on the ring finger and is usually replaced if, and when, a proposal happens.

While purity rings are a type of promise ring symbolising abstinence until marriage, promise rings generally represent a commitment to another person or relationship. 

You may remember The Jonas Brothers proudly wearing theirs and Jessica Simpson sporting hers before her wedding to Nick Lachey back in the 2000s. Promise rings are more versatile and much less restricting in their meaning than purity rings tend to be.

By and large, promise rings and engagement rings tend to have different meanings, but some couples may choose a promise ring as a placeholder until they’re ready for engagement. As long as the sentiment is clear and the arrangement works for both parties, you may choose to interpret them however you like.

Engravings can add a deeply personal touch and there may be so many special moments to immortalise. It could be a special date, initials, or a short phrase that holds a delicious hidden secret.

Promise rings are usually more affordable than engagement rings because they don’t necessarily follow the rule of having a larger focal centre stone.

The budget for a promise ring is typically lower since it serves as a precursor to the engagement ring. It can cost as little or as much as you want, depending on the design.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some choose to return the ring, while others may keep it as a meaningful memento of a chapter in their lives, in the same way that would apply to engagement or wedding rings.

A promise ring is a symbolic gesture of personal commitment and does not hold legal weight.

Promise rings can be personalised through custom engravings, unique stone combinations, or designs that reflect shared milestones.

One may choose to craft a completely unique ring where they can incorporate personal meaning, like an important date or in-joke that resonates with the couple’s journey.