What is a Promise Ring? Meaning, Traditions & When to Give One

When you’re in a committed relationship, a promise ring acts as a symbol of loyalty and commitment. If you were to give it to your significant other, this shows them that you are committed to them. Now, if you are on the receiving end, then your act of receiving shows your partner that you accept their commitment and loyalty while promising to stay loyal and committed to them as well.

Promise Ring Meaning

A promise ring represents a promise that has been made between two partners. Although, the meaning behind the promise ring is different depending on the couple. For instance, one couple may wear a promise ring as a pre-engagement ring, while another couple may use a promise ring solely to show their devotion to each other.

When giving a promise ring to someone, you essentially promise yourself to that person. If the person accepts the ring, they accept this gift of you while also promising themselves to you in return.

Sometimes, a promise ring can signify an engagement that’s yet to come, sort of like a pre-engagement ring. However, this isn’t the same for each couple. For example, if you’re someone who doesn’t want to get married, then a promise ring will show your love and devotion to one another without the paper.

Promise Ring History

Promise rings first started back in Roman times. Since Romans had to wait for a specific amount of time before marriage, they shared rings to show that they were committed to one another while they waited.

Then, in the 14th century, the famous posy ring was worn to symbolize affection between two people. Often, a phrase was engraved in French or Latin to publicly share the romantic feelings that they had for each other.

As time went on, the promise ring evolved into rings with garnets, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and other gems. In the 19th century, these gems were used to convey a particular message. Sometimes this included a poetic phrase that was engraved on the band. Different gems stood for other things.

Regard was shown with gems such as:

Diamond
Garnet
Rubie
Emerald
Amethyst

The gems that stood for ‘Dearest’ included:

Tourmaline
Emerald
Ruby
Sapphire
Amethyst
Diamond

What Does A Promise Ring Look Like?

As we’ve moved into the 21st century, the promise ring has become so evolved that there is no correct answer for how a promise ring should look. If you want to go with the classic style, you can always involve different gems or inscriptions on the ring. However, it all depends on how you want it to look; Any ring can act as a promise ring.

Here is a list of some of the most popular styles of modern-day promise rings:

Cluster rings: Another popular trend for promise rings are cluster rings. You can include several gemstones in a row and convey a message by using different gemstones.
Small diamond rings: While larger cut diamonds are usually seen as a sign of an engagement, the smaller stones containing about 0.25 carats and below typically indicate that the ring is a promise ring. This is great if your significant other loves diamonds, but you don’t want their family to assume they’re engaged.
Birthstone rings: A birthstone on a promise ring stands for longevity and can also double as a promise ring. Then, if an engagement or wedding is to happen later, this ring can be worn in accordance with the other rings.
Bands: Small and simple bands are a great type of promise ring since you can include initials or set it with various gemstones. You can also leave these plain in their own beautiful precious metal nature to use as a promise ring as well.

Finger For The Promise Ring: What Finger Does A Promise Ring Go On?

The finger you choose to wear your promise ring on is entirely up to you. However, traditionally, if you have not been married yet, the promise ring is usually worn on the left ring finger. Or, if you are married, you can wear it on your right ring finger.

Promise Ring vs. Engagement Ring: Is A Promise Ring The Same As An Engagement Ring?

While a promise ring can stand as a pre-engagement sort of ring, it differs from the engagement ring itself. An engagement ring acts as a promise to marry, while a promise ring signifies a serious relationship.

What Do You Say When You Give A Promise Ring?

Furthermore, what you say when you give a promise ring also depends on you. There is no traditional expectation. You could do a speech in front of family and friends about how you’re committed to one another and ask your significant other to accept the promise ring. Or you could simply give it to them as a gift, in private.

There Is No Rule To Promise Rings

Overall, when it comes to promise rings, you hold the reins for the terms of the ring. It’s good to have an idea of the significance behind the ring you’re giving or receiving. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to match up to anyone else’s idea of commitment that a promise ring contains. All that matters is that you and your partner know the ring’s significance and all that it stands for.