Promise rings are typically symbolic pieces of jewellery meant to represent commitment and loyalty between two people. They’ve mostly been associated with younger couples, but their sweet sentiment has found its way across any age divide and many different stages of relationships.
Nowadays, these rings are often given as preludes to engagements and tend to appeal to those who don’t observe typical relationship traditions.
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 wedding venue straight away.
The history of promise rings goes back to ancient Rome, where couples gave each other rings during a waiting period before marriage. In the 14th century, ‘posy’ rings became popular, engraved with romantic phrases to signify love and devotion.
By the 19th century, acrostic rings that featured gemstones spelling out words of devotion became fashionable.
Today, promise rings continue to serve as a romantic way to symbolise meaningful commitment, often acting as a stepping stone toward engagement.
Promise rings come in a wide range of styles, allowing for personal expression. Some popular designs include:
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.
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.
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.
Of course, promise rings aren’t just for young couples. They can also be a thoughtful way to validate a long-distance relationship, presented to partners who are older and not interested in remarriage, or for those who want to symbolise a commitment without jumping straight into engagement. They offer a novel way to express love and dedication, whatever the stage of the relationship.
The choice of gemstones in promise rings can add an additional layer of meaning. For instance, diamonds traditionally symbolise strength and eternity, sapphires represent loyalty and emeralds convey hope and renewal.
Understanding the symbolism behind different gemstones can make a promise ring even more personal and significant.
If you do end up getting engaged after previously having had a promise ring, there are many clever ways of repurposing it. Many people wear it on a different finger or hand or even on a necklace, while others might choose to put it away as a keepsake or as a future heirloom.
Some couples incorporate the promise ring into a stackable look, wearing it alongside their engagement ring and wedding band as a representation of the different phases of their relationship.
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 Lachay back in the 2000s. Promise rings are more versatile and much less restricting in their meaning than purity rings tend to be.
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.
Promise rings are usually more affordable than engagement rings, because they don’t necessarily follow the rule of having a 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.
Promise rings, like all fine jewellery, require proper care to ensure their longevity. Regular cleaning and professional inspections help keep the ring in tip-top shape, especially if they’re worn daily.
If the ring includes gemstones, it’s important to follow their specific care instructions to avoid damage or dullness over time.
Luckily, we have an excellent ring care guide for you to follow.
Promise rings have stood the test of time, serving as a symbol of deep love and a promise of commitment. They allow couples to express their very own love stories in whatever way feels right to them at the time.
Whether it’s a step toward engagement or simply a way to solidify a long-term relationship milestone, the promise ring is a representation of personal significance with a history of cultural impact.
