There are many questions surrounding promise rings. For example, can they be called something different such as purity rings, commitment rings, pre-engagement rings, or any and all of these. Questions involving promise rings will be addressed below of with some history about promise rings.
What is a Promise Ring?
A promise ring is a ring given from one person to another in a romantic relationship to signify their fidelity and commitment, often (but not always) preceding an engagement. At its most essential, giving a promise ring symbolizes one partner’s devotion to the relationship, and accepting the ring does so for the recipient.
The Meaning of Promise Rings
As the name suggests, promise rings represent a promise made between two people, but the specific, personal meaning can differ from couple to couple. Many couples give or wear promise rings specifically to signify a future engagement, while others do so as more of a general symbol devotion to one another.
The History of Promise Rings
The giving a ring as a promise of love and affection dates back several hundred years. However, the tradition of wearing a ring to demonstrate loyalty and fidelity dates back to ancient times, and there’s evidence that Roman brides wore engagement bands in the 2nd century BC. Posy rings, engraved with romantic poems, date back to 16th-century England, while Acrostic rings which spelled out a word in gemstones (for example, a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, and diamond spelling “regard”) were popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Modern promise rings have only resurfaced as a mainstream trend within the last decade or so, largely thanks to the publicity surrounding celebrity promise rings.
Proper Ring Timing and Etiquette
Although promise rings aren’t synonymous with wedding rings, they shouldn’t be treated lightly. A promise ring should be given after a couple has dated for a significant amount of time to show how serious they are about their relationship. Therefore, it goes without saying, that you should only give or wear a promise ring when you’re ready for the commitment.
Which Finger Do You Wear a Promise Ring?
Which finger, or even which hand, that you wear your promise ring on is entirely up to you. Promise rings can be worn on any finger. The most common way to wear a promise ring is on the ring finger, on the left hand if you’re not married, and on the right hand if you are married. The reason they’re typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand comes from the dubious ancient superstition that there’s a vein that runs directly from that finger to the heart.
What Should a Promise Ring Look Like?
Promise rings comes in all shapes and sizes. In terms of style, anything goes when it comes to promise rings. Popular promise ring themes and styles include hearts or intertwined designs to represent a couple’s union, Claddagh rings and eternity rings, as well as bands with a mosaic or composite of stones are quite popular and beautiful.
How to Give a Promise Ring
Promise rings do not come with the same traditional expectations of an elaborate, planned proposal where one gets down on one knee. Promise rings are most often given as a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or holiday gift, Even a romantic dinner for two is the perfect place for this meaningful exchange. In the case of a promise ring, it’s more of a conversation about the meaning behind it, and the promise that’s being made.
