What Promise Rings Mean & How to Propose: Full Guide

In the realm of love and commitment, there are numerous ways to express one’s devotion and promise of a shared future.

The tradition of giving an engagement ring is widely known, but there’s another ring that has been gaining popularity in recent times – the promise ring.

The concept of a promise ring might seem new to some, but it has a rich history and has resurfaced in our modern world as a symbol of love, devotion, and commitment.

Leading jewelers such as James Allen and Blue Nile have recognized this rising trend and now offer an extensive selection of promise rings on James Allen, and although Blue Nile refrained for a long time, at the end they started offering premium collections of promise rings.

But what exactly is a promise ring, and where did this tradition come from? Let’s dive into the world of promise rings and explore their symbolic significance.

What are Promise Rings?

A promise ring, often referred to as a pre-engagement or friendship ring, is a piece of jewelry that signifies a commitment between two people. Given before an engagement ring, it’s a tangible pledge of a future together. The reasons behind this promise can vary widely – it could be an expression of devoted love, a pledge of monogamy, a symbol of friendship, or even a vow of abstinence.

Promise rings can be as diverse in design as they are in meaning. Ranging from simple bands to elaborate designs adorned with gemstones, the style of a promise ring is largely dependent on the personal preference of the wearer.

Today, promise rings are not just limited to women; men too can wear promise rings as a symbol of their commitment.

The History of Promise Rings

While the popularity of promise rings has seen a resurgence in recent decades, their origins can be traced back to centuries ago. In ancient times, rings were often used as a symbol of commitment or an agreement.

In the Middle Ages, for instance, “posy rings” engraved with romantic poems were exchanged between lovers.

Promise rings as we know them today emerged in the 20th century. During the 1970s, high school sweethearts would exchange class rings or pre-engagement rings as a sign of a promise to marry after graduation.

The tradition evolved in the 21st century and promise rings began to take on broader meanings of commitment, not strictly confined to future marriage.

In the present day, promise rings have taken on a diverse array of meanings, symbolizing different types of commitments based on the couple’s unique love story. With this rising popularity, major jewelry retailers have begun offering promise ring collections to cater to this trend, offering a wide selection to match each couple’s unique promise.

Reasons To Buy a Promise Ring

In contemporary times, promise rings are crafted from various materials, from plain gold to rose gold, bronze, and silver, adorned with a vast array of gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. More than just decorative pieces, these rings symbolize loyalty, commitment, and dedication.

Unlike in the past, when they were predominantly presented as symbols of betrothal, promise rings have evolved to represent commitments to causes such as veganism, chastity, world peace, recycling, and environmental conservation. They’re also used to signify long-term platonic relationships between friends.

The rise in the popularity of promise rings can also be attributed to their endorsement by celebrities, who wear them as a show of solidarity and commitment to various causes. But fundamentally, promise rings serve as tokens of love between couples or potential partners, encapsulating the depth of their mutual affection. They are given at various occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries, or to commemorate the day a couple first met.

The design of each ring is determined by the couples and their personal preferences. Options range from ornate diamond rings, yellow gold bands embellished with gemstones, simple silver bands with engraved pet names, to sterling bands or Claddagh rings.

While promise rings may be less conspicuous than traditional engagement rings, their uniqueness and the sentiments they embody make them truly special. The concept of promise rings, with their multitude of meanings and designs, adds an extra layer of depth to the expression of commitment and love.

What Finger Do You Wear a Promise Ring On?

The finger on which a promise ring is worn can vary depending on personal preferences and cultural practices. However, here are some of the most common ways:

1. Left Ring Finger: This is traditionally where engagement and wedding rings are worn. Some people choose to wear their promise rings on this finger to symbolize the promise of a future engagement. Once engaged, the promise ring is often moved to the right hand or another finger to make room for the engagement ring.
2. Right Ring Finger: Many people choose to wear their promise rings on the ring finger of the right hand. This helps avoid confusion with an engagement ring and is a popular choice in many cultures.
3. Middle Finger or Index Finger: Some people prefer to wear their promise ring on their middle or index finger. This can make the ring more visible and demonstrate that it has a special meaning, distinct from an engagement or wedding ring.
4. On a Chain Around the Neck: If the ring doesn’t fit comfortably on a finger or if the person doesn’t want to wear it on their hand for any reason, it can also be worn on a necklace chain.

It’s essential to remember that the specific finger or method of wearing a promise ring isn’t as important as the promise it symbolizes. The location of the ring should be a personal decision between the two people involved

Promise Ring Proposal

Presenting or proposing with a promise ring is a deeply personal moment and can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Some people keep it simple without too much planning, and others go a bit crazy with it, making it like preparing for an engagement ring proposal.

Between those & those, we have some ideas on how to make the moment special:

1. Plan a Special Date: Arrange a day or night out together. This could be a dinner at your favorite restaurant, a picnic in the park, or a walk along the beach. At the height of the date, present the promise ring.
2. Intimate Moment at Home: Sometimes the most significant moments are the quiet ones. Cook a meal at home or order takeout from a beloved restaurant. Afterward, when you’re relaxed and comfortable, present the ring.
3. Surprise Gift: You could surprise your partner with the ring as a gift on a special day, like a birthday, anniversary, or holiday. Wrap it up nicely, and when they open it, explain its meaning.
4. Write a Letter: Expressing your feelings in writing can be very powerful. Write a letter explaining why you are giving the promise ring. This can be a great way to articulate your feelings and the commitment you’re making.
5. During a Shared Activity: If there’s an activity you both love, like hiking, painting, or watching a movie, you can incorporate the promise ring presentation into this shared experience.

Remember, a promise ring is not the same as an engagement ring, so there’s no need for a traditional “down on one knee” proposal unless you feel that it’s appropriate for your relationship.

The main thing is to convey the meaning behind the ring – your promise for the future and your commitment to each other.

Promise Ring Ideas & Prices

Promise rings may not be as costly as engagement or wedding rings, but they do come in a variety of styles that can influence their price.

While prices can vary widely, factors such as the ring’s material, the use of gemstones, craftsmanship, and branding can all play a role. Here’s a basic price breakdown to give you an idea:

1. Sterling Silver Promise Rings: The most budget-friendly option, these tend to range from $100 to $300.
2. Gold Promise Rings: Whether it’s yellow, white, or rose gold, these promise rings usually start at around $100 and can climb to $1,000 or more. This depends on the gold quality and the intricacy of the design. James Allen offers a broad selection in this category.
3. Diamond or Gemstone Promise Rings: The presence of diamonds or other precious stones can significantly bump up the price. These rings can start around $400 and reach into the thousands, all dependent on the size, quality, and type of the stone(s) incorporated.
4. Designer or Branded Promise Rings: If you’re considering rings from known jewelry brands or designers, be prepared to pay a bit more for their brand value, superior craftsmanship, and unique designs. These can vary from several hundred to thousands of dollars.

Remember though, it’s crucial not to lose sight of what a promise ring symbolizes. It’s a token of commitment and love, not an invitation to debt!

So, it’s wise to choose a ring that embodies your unique promise and aligns with your budget. After all, this ring represents the first step of your journey together, so make it count without breaking the bank.

Where to Buy Promise Rings

As the saying goes, not all that glitters is gold. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to promise rings. Despite their significant symbolism, the market is unfortunately flooded with low-quality versions of promise rings. This makes it even more crucial to purchase from well-known and reputable brands or vendors.

Consider this: these rings represent a commitment, a promise. So, their quality should reflect the endurance of that promise. A ring that lasts only a few months doesn’t exactly scream ‘forever,’ does it?

Now, let’s get one thing clear – quality doesn’t necessarily come cheap. However, if you’re investing in a symbol of your commitment, it’s worth it to spend a bit more for a ring that will stand the test of time, both in durability and style.

In the spirit of guiding you in the right direction, here are three of the most reputable brands and sellers of promise rings that we’ve encountered over the years. Please bear in mind that their products may not be the cheapest on the market, but their focus on long-lasting quality is well worth the investment.

Online Retailers:

1. Blue Nile: One of the largest online store for diamonds, you can find tens of diamonds for your budget and within your preferred selection of 4Cs and other diamonds factors.

2. James Allen: Our all-time favorite website for diamonds shopping, they are also the top player (in terms of inventory) in this field, just make your diamond & ring characteristics, and head directly there to get yours.

3. Whiteflash: If you’re looking for a premium and top quality diamond & ring, and even packaging, look no further, Whiteflash comes best here in terms of premium selections, with reasonable prices when you compare it to Tiffany & Co. for example.

Traditional Jewelry Stores:

1. Tiffany & Co.: Known for its iconic blue boxes, Tiffany & Co. offers a range of high-end promise rings.

2. Kay Jewelers: As one of the largest jewelry store chains in the United States, Kay offers a wide variety of promise rings at various price points.

3. Zales: Another well-known jewelry store, Zales offers a range of promise rings, including diamond, gemstone, and engraved styles.

Other Options:

1. Etsy: If you’re looking for a handmade or unique promise ring, Etsy has a broad range of options from independent jewelers and artisans.

2. Local Jewelers: Don’t overlook local independent jewelers. They can often provide a personal touch, and might be able to customize a ring to your exact specifications.

When buying a promise ring, it’s important to do your research. Consider the reputation of the retailer, their return policy, and whether they provide a certificate of authenticity for the diamond or gemstone. Remember, the meaning behind the promise ring is what truly makes it special, so choose something that fits the style and preferences of the person who will be wearing it.