A promise ring is a ring given in a romantic relationship to show the commitment of one person to another. Accepting the ring shows the recipient agrees to the same commitment.
In this post you’ll learn:
- What is the purpose of a promise ring?
- When should I give a promise ring?
- What finger should you wear it on?
- What style of promise ring can I give?
Purpose of a Promise Ring
Since ancient times people have given rings to proclaim a commitment or faithfulness to one another. As far back as 2nd century BC, Roman brides wore wedding bands. The world today has followed suit with the tradition of engagement rings and wedding bands. Yet promise rings are a more recent trend.
According to the GIA, promise rings, which build on the posy rings and acrostic rings that were popular from the Middle Ages through to the Victorian era, symbolize love. Promise rings often “serve as placeholder rings” for when a couple wants to make a commitment, but is waiting on marriage. They’re also often given as mementos when distance forces a couple apart temporarily.
The symbolism of the promise ring is unique to each relationship and is typically discussed at the time given. Sometimes the ring is a placeholder until an official engagement. But this is not the only meaning of a promise ring.
Many couples today have a serious relationship yet are not ready, or don’t intend, to marry. How do they show the depth of their commitment without the social confines of marriage? Enter the promise ring.
When should I give a promise ring?
A promise ring means your relationship is beyond dating, regardless of whether traditional marriage is in the future. There is a weight of commitment to a promise ring. It’s best to give them at an appropriate time in the relationship.
There are no hard and fast rules for when to give a promise ring, as there are no set rules for when a couple should engage. Yet if you aren’t certain if you’ve been together long enough for a promise ring, a year or a year and a half is a good guideline.
Make sure that whenever you give the ring, there is time to explain your desire behind this token. While an engagement ring is a clear statement of a future marriage, promise rings land in a grayer area and must be arm-in-arm with a conversation.
On what finger should you wear a promise ring?
As there is no right or wrong time to give a promise ring, there is no correct finger on which to wear your ring. There are some fingers more popular than others.
1) Ring Finger on the Left Hand – The ring finger of the left hand is traditionally the finger people wear engagement rings and wedding rings. Often the promise ring is a forerunner to them and couples will choose to wear it in the same place which has the social connotation that the person is not looking for a romantic relationship.
2) Ring Finger on the Right Hand – Many couples enjoy wearing their promise ring on the right hand ring finger. Choosing this finger can sidestep any uncomfortable conversations about whether the couple is engaged or not.
3) Other Ways to Wear Promise Rings – Just as the promise ring is special to each relationship, the chosen place for it can be special too. Any finger will do to be a daily reminder of the commitment you have. Your ring can also dangle from a necklace or bracelet.
Styles of Promise Rings
When choosing a promise ring, most people consider it more as a fashion piece. Especially if an engagement is in your future, you don’t want this ring to look the same as a future engagement ring.
You know your partner best. By looking at their other jewelry and style choices you can gather a lot of information. You can also ask friends and family for opinions, browse jewelry together, or ask them what they like. Here are a few popular styles for promise rings to get you started.
1) Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Open Circle from James Allen – The luster of a pearl, a beautiful creation made from a single grain of sand, is a fantastic symbol of your future with your partner. With the open center, this ring is both elegant and fun.
2) Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Bar Fashion Ring from Blue Nile – This very unique style of open ring offers the beauty of a big pearl and the brilliance of 6 small diamonds on the other side. It’s definitely worthy of someone with a unique and elegant taste.
3) Petite Milgrain Curved Diamond Ring from Blue Nile – A thin band like this is another great choice. Petite diamonds inside of a milgrain border in a slightly curved band can make anyone feel special.
4) Belle Rose Fashion Ring from Enchanted Fine Jewelry – A themed promise ring is also a great way to show how you feel. If your partner is a Disney fan, you might want to consider a ring from their favorite fairytale.
5) Riviera Pavé Pink Sapphire Eternity Ring Whether it is a birthstone or a favorite color, gemstones make great promise rings. The continuous band of sapphires in this ring symbolizes the continual devotion you have towards your partner. This classy ring comes in many dazzling colors.
6) Dainty Blue Topaz Bezel Diamond Ring by Brevani – The beautiful turquoise color of this elongated Topaz in contrast of the 14K yellow gold can make a great promise ring for someone born in November.
7) Double Row Pavé Multicolor Ring from James Allen – Can’t decide which color? We love the this multicolored ring. It’s essentially a sparkly rainbow you can wear.
8) Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Signet Ring – For a classy and chic look, this signet ring is radiant with a subtle sparkle.
Signet Rings have long embodied wealth and class. Originally used to “sign” or authenticate legal papers, the style of these rings has modernized through the ages. Usually given at a pivotal moment, the signet has morphed into a sentimental symbol perfect for a promise ring.
Still have questions about the perfect promise ring? Feel free to contact us and our experts will walk you through it. Or check out our educational articles for more information:
- Promise Rings: Meaning, Price, and Buying Guide
- 6 Amazing Tips to Figure Out the Ring She Wants
- Ring Size Guide: How to Find Your Ideal Ring Size
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Read More
- Ask a Diamond Pro: Choosing a Square Cushion Cut Diamond
- Ask a Diamond Pro: Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond for a Petite Pavé Setting
- 8 Two-tone Engagement Rings: Taking the Ordinary to Extraordinary
- Ask a Diamond Pro: Choosing a “Conflict-Free” Emerald Cut Diamond
- Ask a Diamond Pro: Looking for a 2.5 Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond