If you are looking for or wondering what a promise ring is, congratulations!
You might be in a relationship you want to take to the next level.
As a married woman, I’ve been through it all and can’t wait to tell you all about it. As one of the symbols of devotion and commitment, the promise ring stands out as a unique and meaningful token of affection. Having a promise ring on your hand as a couple is more than just a piece of jewelry on your finger.
A promise ring encapsulates the essence of commitment and dedication, and the future promises between two individuals.
Today in this blog post, we will cover what a promise ring is, its meaning and significance, the origins and the evolution of promise rings, how to wear it, and finally, how to choose a promise ring that is right for you and your partner.
What is a promise ring? | How to choose the right one for you
What is a promise ring?
Simply put, it’s a pre-engagement ring that promises an exclusive relationship. When a couple is not ready for a marriage or an engagement, they want to show love and commitment to each other. A couple might not be ready due to their age, finances, or other various circumstances that might not be ready yet, but they want to show their commitment.
What does a promise ring mean?
What does a promise ring mean from your boyfriend? It signifies a commitment between two people. Unlike engagement rings, promise rings are not necessarily a precursor to marriage but instead represent a deep connection and a promise of a future together.
A promise ring can hold several meanings, depending on the couple’s intentions. Some promise rings symbolize a commitment to exclusivity, promising loyalty and fidelity in the relationship. Others may signify a promise to one day take the next step and get engaged and eventually get married. The beauty of the promise ring lies in its flexibility, allowing couples to define its significance based on their unique journey.
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Origin and evolution of promise rings
The concept of promise rings dates back centuries, with roots in ancient traditions and customs. While the exact origin remains unknown, these rings have been associated with love, commitment, and fidelity across different cultures. In Roman times, betrothal rings symbolized a promise of marriage, echoing the sentiments of modern promise rings.
It wasn’t until the 16th century in England that promise rings gained prominence. Posy rings, engraved with romantic poems or phrases, were exchanged as tokens of love and fidelity. As societal norms evolved, so did the symbolism attached to these rings. And then came the 21st century when celebrities debuted their promise rings together. Here are a few examples from celebrities:
Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth
In 2017, both Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus were seen wearing a band on their ring fingers which sparked a wedding rumor according to Elle Megazine. They got married later on, but both of them were very young at that age and they had time to get ready and prepare for the wedding and the marriage.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Before officially announcing their engagement in November 2017, Meghan Markle appeared to express her dedication to Prince Harry in February 2017. During this time, she was seen wearing a gold band on her right finger, featuring the letter “H.”
What finger does a promise ring go on?
A promise ring is often worn on the ring finger of the left hand. However, the meaning of the ring on the ring finger of the left and the right hand differs from country to country. Also, the promise ring has more flexible terms when it comes to the rules. Here are some of the guidelines you can be aware of:
1. Ring finger of the Left Hand (Traditional)
In many Western cultures, the ring finger of the left hand is traditionally associated with romantic commitments. This is the same finger where engagement and wedding rings are typically worn. I have worn many rings, and the ring finger on my left hand is the finger that I feel the least; so I can wear it every day doing all kinds of activities without feeling like my jewelry is on the way.
If your promise ring signifies a commitment to a future engagement or marriage, wearing it on the left ring finger can be a meaningful choice.
2. Ring finger of the right hand
Alternatively, some people choose to wear their promise rings on the ring finger of the right hand. This may be a personal preference or a cultural tradition in certain regions.
As a right-handed person, it felt more natural to wear my wedding ring on my left hand. If you are left-handed on the other hand, it might feel more natural for you to wear your ring on the right hand. Also, now that I am married and have many rings from my husband, I love wearing a promise ring or an engagement ring on my right hand while wearing a wedding ring on my left hand.
3. Other fingers
There’s no strict rule about which finger you should wear a promise ring on. Some people choose the middle finger, index finger, or even the thumb. This can be a matter of personal style or a choice based on comfort. Each finger signifies a different meaning other than romance though, so you might want to check it before wearing it on the other fingers.
4. Necklace or chain
If you prefer not to wear a ring on your fingers, you can wear a promise ring on a necklace or chain around your neck. This is a popular choice for those of you who feel uncomfortable wearing something on your fingers. Like my husband who loves bouldering and going to the gym, he has to take off the ring every time he goes to work out. He feels it is a little uncomfortable to do so, but I told him he must 😀 So if you are like my husband, wearing it on a chain might be another option for you. This also keeps the ring close to your heart.
Ultimately, the most important factor when wearing your promise ring (or any kind of ring for that matter) is what feels right for you and your partner. The symbolism of the promise ring is deeply personal, so feel free to choose the hand and finger that holds the most significance for both of you.
How to choose a promise ring
You can have so much fun with a promise ring! In a world where relationships come in various forms, the act of expressing commitment can be taken in many different forms. Thus, as the symbol of devotion, a promise ring can come in all shapes and sizes. With an engagement ring or a wedding ring, you want to find a classic design that you can wear all the time on many different occasions. With a promise ring, you have less of that concern since you will ultimately have an engagement ring or a wedding ring. I’d have so much fun with a unique design!
Therefore, when selecting a promise ring, personalization is key. The design, gemstones, and engravings should reflect the unique connection and shared experiences of the couple. Some opt for simple bands, while others choose rings adorned with birthstones or other meaningful symbols. Ultimately, the most important aspect of a promise ring is the commitment it represents. Here are some quick guidelines on how to find your promise ring.
How big do you want your promise ring to be?
1. Selecting the right metal
Choose the metal of the band of your jewelry carefully. This is one of the fundamental choices you need to make when selecting the right jewelry for you. Consider the metal that compliments your skin tone and personal style. A rule of thumb is that you choose gold if you have more warm and olive-toned skin and silver or platinum if you have cool and rosy-toned skin. If you are neutral-toned, then you might want to choose rose gold. My husband and I are warm-toned, but love wearing all kinds of different colors and tones. So we chose a wedding ring that has classic gold, rose gold, platinum, and diamonds all in one.
A Promise Ring with All Metal Options
14K Gold 1.13 Carat LAB GROWN DIAMOND Twisting Infinity Gold
Here is one example of a ring that can make a great promise ring. It has a twisting gold design that symbolizes infinity and has a stunning pear-cut lab-grown diamond as a centerpiece that will surely attract attention.
This solid 14k ring has all four options of all the metals, so you can choose the metal of your choice, the carat(easily put, the size of the gemstone), and the ring size. So if you love the design of this ring, you can just choose this one.
White Gold/Platinum Ring
As a promise ring, I had to include this one in my list. This is a gorgeous classic solid-14k white gold ring with a huge moissanite and lab-grown diamonds around that are at the right price point as a promise ring and absolutely stunning!
2. Selecting the stone
There are many stones you can choose from. This also depends on the meaning, complexion, and tone of your and your partner’s skin and personal preference. The most popular choice of a stone in a romantic band is a diamond. But there are so many other beautiful stones to choose from! One of the ways to select a stone is by discovering your and your partner’s birthstones. Each month typically has one or more gemstones linked to it.
A Peridot Ring for August-Born Lovers
Gem Stone King 14K Yellow Gold Green Peridot and Diamond Ring
Is your lover born in August? The birthstone for August is Peridot and it is said that wearing your birthstone will give luck and prosperity. This dainty 14k yellow gold ring with green peridot would be a meaningful gift. The ring is designed and made by a family-owned company in the heart of New York City that has been running the business for over 100 years.
3. Consider your style
Think about you and your love’s style and preferences. Do you two love simple and modern design? Or more of a traditional, intricate jewelry type of people? Whatever it might be, understanding and considering the styles and designs is one of the most fun parts of choosing a promise ring.
4. Save the big buck for later
The last part of choosing jewelry is considering the budget. Experts recommend the price range of a promise ring to be less than 2,000 dollars. Since a promise ring is something that comes before the engagement ring, you might want to save money for the bigger celebration – the engagement and the wedding.
5. Be aware of durability
Although you might not want to break the bank by getting a pair of promise rings for you and your partner, you still want to find a good quality ring that will last. When choosing jewelry that symbolizes the commitment and longevity of your relationship, I recommend a gold or platinum material instead of gold-plated ones or ones made out of silver. Gold-plated rings are basically gold-coated jewelry, and they wear off in time. It’s the same with silver. They are not trendy rings you buy and throw away after they rust.
Fast fashion brands are known for their rapid production cycles and mass-production techniques. The extraction of raw materials, such as metals and gemstones, and the manufacturing processes involved in creating jewelry can contribute to environmental degradation, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. So choose quality over quantity, especially if you are looking for a promise ring!
Conclusion
In a world filled with romantic gestures, the promise ring stands as a timeless symbol of commitment and dedication. Its roots stretch back through centuries, making it a beautiful tradition that we cherish and remain as strong as ever. Choosing a promise ring can be a wonderful way to take your relationship to the next level. Remember though, that the most important aspect of choosing a promise ring is the connection between you and your love and the significance it holds for you. Have fun 💗
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