The exact meaning and symbolism of a promise ring is fluid. For some, it is a pre-engagement ring, or it’s a symbol of friendship, and for others, it represents a romantic commitment without titles. We will explain everything you need to know about what a promise ring is, how you wear it, why you give it, and who you give it to.
Love, whether it is friendship, romantic, or platonic, is a beautiful thing. Many choose to mark this love with a promise ring. That promise can represent a monogamous commitment, mark a special occasion, represent a significant period of time, or simply be an expression of your heart. Promise rings are a beautiful way to celebrate your love, commitment, and unique story.
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What Is A Promise Ring?
A promise ring is simply a ring. It can be pure gold, decorated with diamonds, be inscribed with a personal message (all options at James Allen, of course!), feature a birthstone, or be imbued with gemstones of your choice. It can have a simple solitaire style, featuring one key diamond, or have that perfect pavé sparkle.
The physical promise ring can be any ring you want, as long as it is special to you and your partner, then it is perfect!
Promise Ring Meaning & Symbolism
Traditionally, a promise ring is given after a period of dating, the “next step.” You are more than “in a relationship” but not yet ready for the next Facebook definitive term for your relationship.
A promise ring is also a great way for people to mark their commitment to each other outside the traditional bounds of marriage. For couples who are bucking the ideas of traditional marriage but still want to symbolize their commitment to each other, a promise ring is a great alternative. After all, you don’t need to want the paper or the ceremony to want the bling!
Due to youth, status, or simply a bucking of tradition, a promise ring is used to symbolize love, and, more importantly, the commitment between two people.
Promise Rings vs. Engagement Rings
You might be thinking if you are making a commitment anyway, why not just get an engagement ring? Because they are different. A promise ring is a precursor or instead of an engagement ring.
An engagement ring symbolizes an impending wedding, while a promise ring symbolizes your commitment to each other, without the need to hire a planner and start planning a wedding. There are a lot of reasons couples choose to go the promise ring route.
Maybe you are too young to think about planning a wedding, maybe one of you is overseas, and it doesn’t make sense to get engaged just yet, or maybe you prefer a more non-traditional commitment.
Promise rings can also have non-romantic meanings. If you are marking a unique friendship, for example, you probably do not want to propose marriage! Whether it’s a placeholder or instead of, a promise ring can look similar to an engagement ring but certainly isn’t one.
How Do You Wear A Promise Ring?
Ok, so we know what a promise ring is, we know why it isn’t an engagement ring, now let’s cover how to wear it.
Which Hand Does A Promise Ring Go On?
This is an easy one, whichever hand you want! If you are wearing it as a pre-engagement ring or a symbol of romantic commitment, many choose to wear it on the left hand.
Which Finger Does A Promise Ring Go On?
This is another easy one! You can wear your promise ring on any finger. However, if your promise ring is a step on the road to marriage or symbolizes a monogamous, romantic commitment, it is traditionally worn on the ring finger on your left hand.
Can A Promise Ring Be A Wedding Ring?
A promise ring can be anything you want! It can be a replacement for a traditional wedding ring or as a step on the road to the wedding. While many couples choose to purchase a separate wedding ring, many also use the promise ring as a wedding ring once they have reached that step.
Promise Rings For Her
Promise rings come in all shapes and styles, a small solitaire, a classic band, a brilliant birthstone, or a dazzling ring filled with diamonds and gemstones. Check out these below and go to our website for more!
Promise Rings For Him
Promise rings aren’t just for the ladies! Love and commitment can be shown to anyone and everyone. Check out these promise rings your man is sure to love!
How Long Should You Be Together Before Giving A Promise Ring
While there is no official timeline for giving a promise ring, as it symbolizes a commitment, you want to have dated long enough to make a loving commitment to that person. For some, that could be as little as three months or as much as three years. Many choose to make such a commitment after six to twelve months.
When To Give A Promise Ring
A promise ring is not something that should be given lightly, it should be given when you are ready to show your commitment to someone you love. You give a promise ring when you are ready to show your partner that you are committed to them, and solely to them.
Whether given as a precursor to an engagement or as a stand-alone commitment, a promise ring should be given with serious intentions and a full heart.
How To Give A Promise Ring
Ok, so HOW do you give a promise ring?! Don’t worry, we’ll explain this too! When giving a promise ring, one must be careful that it is momentous, but not so much so that it will be confused for a marriage proposal.
Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and the holidays are great times to give a promise ring. A special occasion to give the moment extra meaning without conveying the wrong message.
But like so many things, giving a promise ring is personal, and how you do so will likely be personal to you and your partner. There is no right or wrong way or time to give a ring that shows your love and commitment.
How Much Should A Promise Ring Cost?
You might think we are repeating ourselves….and we are! Like many things about promise rings, there are no rules. If your promise ring is a step on the road to marriage, you may want to spend less and save up for bling-tastic engagement and wedding rings.
If price is not a concern, then the only limit is your imagination. But for most of us, price is indeed a consideration. Like anything else, you need to consider your budget, your partner’s taste, and of course, the occasion (is this a stand-alone symbol of your love or the first ring you will buy to cement your relationship.
FAQs About Promise Rings
- What is the point of a promise ring?
- A promise shows that you are taking a relationship seriously and that you are committed to the person you are giving it to. Whether out of friendship, romance, or another unique reason, promise rings are given out of love.
- What do you say when giving a girl a promise ring?
- This is something very personal and often unique to every couple. What you say also depends on the exact reason you are giving the ring. You can pledge to be faithful, promise your commitment, or express your friendship. You can be traditional or creative, the sky’s the limit!
- Can you buy two promise rings?
- Of course! If, as a couple, you are making a commitment to each other, just like engagement rings or wedding rings, you can surprise your partner, or you can buy them together. You also have the option of buying for your partner and yourself, offering both rings as part of your promise.
- Are promise rings still a thing?
- Absolutely! People will always love and want to express that love, and one of those ways is through promise rings. Rest assured, promise rings are a classic that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Parting Thoughts
A promise ring is how many couples express their love and commitment. Whether it’s teenagers who are deeply in love but too young to take those next steps, partners who are too far apart, a couple who want to make a more non-traditional commitment, or two people expressing a committed relationship all their own, promise rings are a great way to express these special and loving sentiments.
No matter your style, no matter your reason, James Allen has the perfect promise ring for you!
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With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.