A promise ring is awarded to symbolize a promise that one person makes to another in good faith.
In some cases, a promise ring is a precursor to an engagement ring. Although the latter symbolizes a promise to marry, a promise ring can also represent many other types of vows. Both men and women can give and wear a promise ring.
Promise rings can mean
- I will be faithful
- I will come back to you
- I will make you a specific promise
- I will keep your secret
- My feelings for you are serious
- I love you
- My intention is to marry you, but I’m not ready to get engaged yet
- I will keep my virginity for you
- We are best friends
- I will always be there for you
- You are my only valentine
- I promise to abstain from a vice (gambling, drinking, smoking)
- I promise to replace this ring with a (bigger) diamond as soon as I can afford it
Do engagement rings and engagement and wedding rings look different?
When a promise ring is given as a pre-engagement gift, it often bears a heart in the same metal as the ring. However, any ring can represent promise, even those with small and modest gemstones. Couples of Irish extraction can treasure giving and receiving traditional Claddagh rings.
- Engagement rings tend to have a distinctive look and often include a diamond or other gemstone.
- Wedding rings are typically band rings that can be made in a polished or matte precious metal. Sometimes they are adorned with small precious stones.
- Both engagement rings and wedding bands are generally more expensive than promise rings and must be protected when traveling or replaced with an inexpensive substitute until you return home.
Most people wear the ring on the ring finger of their left hand. If you start an engagement, the engagement ring replaces it and the promise ring can change to the right hand. And if the promise ring is clearly not a pre-engagement ring, it should be worn on the right hand.
The promise must be clear
When giving a promise ring, it is important to communicate the specific meaning you give it. To avoid confusion and later unhappiness, make sure the recipient understands what it symbolizes for both of you. You may even want to hand over the ring with a note card that explains the promise you are making.
Where can you buy one?
Any jewelry should be outfitted with a variety of rings that can represent a promise ring. If you are looking for an IRL ring, don’t let the seller try to convince you to spend more. Keep in mind that this type of jewelry should be modest both in price and in appearance. Also, be sure to ask about a return policy in case things don’t work out. And if you don’t want to deal with sellers at all, you can buy a promise ring from Amazon. Just make sure you know the recipient’s ring size before placing an order.
If the ring is wide enough, the giver may have a name or initials engraved or a few words that summarize the promise. However, it becomes unrecoverable.
What if they change their mind?
Low-value promise rings do not need to be returned, although the recipient may not want to keep a ring if it evokes bad memories.
