It seems as though more and more couples are delaying or even forgoing the commitment of marriage, but that’s not to say they are ditching the bling altogether. Promise rings appear to be becoming more popular among those eager to highlight their entwinement without the weight of that heady piece of paper. Usually given after you and your partner hit a significant milestone in your relationship. Promise rings are often the result of major life events in your personal life, such as the birth of your first child, moving, after moving in together, or after you reach a meaningful anniversary of your coupling.
Promise rings can generally mean one of two things. The first is that you and your partner have decided not to exchange wedding rings, but remain committed to each other nevertheless and want a future together that is on par with the sanctity of marriage. The second reason you and your partner may give each other promise rings is that you would like to be married one day, but are not ready to receive an engagement ring just yet or aren’t quite in the position just yet as you have other goals you want to achieve before you and your partner inadvertently settle down. In this case, the promise ring is a precursor to an engagement ring. Whichever way you and your partner interpret these rings to mean, they are all arguably built on one concept: a promise.
But when it comes to picking out the perfect promise bling, how do you go about doing so? Can any ring be a promise ring? Read on to find out.
Overview:
Can Any Ring Be A Promise Ring?
While the concept of giving your partner a promise ring may seem like some radical new wave approach, it is actually a custom that dates back to ancient times. Evidence suggests that during the rule of the Roman Empire, women wore simplistic gold rings that were inscribed with romantic prose and poems. In Georgian and Victorian England, ‘acrostic’ rings used gemstones whose first letters spelt words like ‘DEAREST’. And if these moments in history are anything to go by, it’s that yes, any ring CAN be a promise ring! Since their rise to prominence within the modern era, couples have worn anything and everything to symbolise this commitment. From smaller diamond rings and heart-shaped rings to cubic zirconia rings that mimic the design of diamond solitaire engagement rings, anything pretty much goes when it comes to promise rings.
But while there are no rules when it comes to the style of promise rings, that is not to say that couples haven’t formulated their own traditions when it comes to the design of a promise ring. As diamond engagement rings are the most popular choice for those popping the question, it should come as no surprise that diamond rings are also the number one choice for promise rings. But while only a handful will go for opulent designs that you would typically see among couples getting engaged, most will typically opt for designs that are more subtle and understated in appearance or pieces that are unlikely to cause confusion about their meaning.
Other popular promise rings include dainty rings with a smaller centre diamond, dress rings with diamonds arranged in a pattern or a cluster, a simple diamond band or even diamond pave rings. Certain couples will choose rings adorned with a unique shape or symbol such as infinity rings and Claddagh rings that are thought to have their own significance. Others will take a personal approach by opting for birthstone jewellery, rings adorned with personal messages or an initial and even their favourite gemstone. Then finally, there are those that go the budget-friendly route with the slightly more affordable zirconia rings and lab-grown diamond rings- a design choice that is particularly popular among those waiting to get engaged.
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Which Finger Do You Wear Promise Rings?
We now know that any ring can be a promise ring, but can the same approach be used when figuring out which finger you wear your promise ring on?
The answer is yes. However, that is not to say that people haven’t adopted their own traditions and customs about which hand and finger they wear the promise ring on.
If you are wearing the promise ring under the guise that you and your partner will eventually become engaged and get married, you will likely want to wear the promise ring on your engagement finger. By wearing the promise ring on the fourth finger of your left hand, you are essentially indicating to people that an engagement is imminent and while you may not be ready to make that commitment just yet, you will in the future. Famously in western culture engagement rings, wedding rings and even promise rings are worn on this digit because there used to be a legend that there is a vein in this finger that runs directly to the heart. But while the existence of the Vena Amoris A.K.A the 'vein of love' has long proven to be a myth, the romantic sentiment behind this theory has lingered for years.
On the contrary, if you are wearing a promise ring or an eternity ring but have no interest in getting married or even becoming engaged, you may prefer to wear the jewellery on the ring finger of your right hand. This, however, will likely be dependent on your cultural background as while the engagement finger is typically worn on the left hand, certain cultures prefer the right hand. In countries like India, Russia, Norway, Spain, Germany and Serbia, it is customary for couples to wear bridal jewellery on their right hand due to cultural and religious traditions. So, regardless of the reason you and your partner are choosing to wear promise rings, the hand and finger you choose to wear it on should be based on what feels right in your mind and is completely up to you.
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Do Men Wear Promise Rings?
We know that there are an increasing amount of guys sporting men’s engagement rings, but what about promise rings?
The answer is an overwhelming yes, and it is something that is not as recent as people may think.
Prior to same-sex marriage becoming recognised by law in many parts of the world, many couples would take part in commitment ceremonies that would celebrate their partnership and love for one another. These ceremonies may not have involved the signing of any paperwork but the sentiment behind these two different unions remains the same. As a result, many couples would exchange promise rings with the understanding that they would one day make their union legally binding when it was eventually recognised.
However, this is not to say that the tradition of men wearing promise rings is limited to same sex couples. Much like how both partners adorn wedding rings upon becoming engaged, couples will also do the same with promise rings-even to the point that they are gifting each other promise rings. While many people at the time assumed that the couple had secretly tied the knot, representatives for the couple revealed that they had actually given each other the promise rings to signify their dedication to one another. This essentially proves that essentially one can rock a promise ring if they choose to.
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You May Also Like:
- What Is A Promise Ring?
- How To Give Your Girlfriend A Promise Ring
- Trend Report: Alternative Engagement Rings
- How To Save For An Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands
- Jewellery Size Guide
- Which Finger To Wear Rings On: A Quick Guide
FAQs
Can an engagement ring be used as a promise ring?
Yes, but a very engagement-style ring can be mistaken for an actual engagement. If you’d like to avoid confusion, choose a smaller stone, a halo-free design or a symbolic style. If you’d like a ring that can later be upgraded, a lab-grown diamond ring is a good option. Shop lab-grown diamond rings.
Can any ring be a promise ring?
Yes. Any ring can be a promise ring, because what makes it a promise ring is the meaning behind it, not its design. Popular choices include:
- small diamond rings
- hearts, infinity and Claddagh designs
- birthstone rings
- simple bands
Browse our promise rings collection or read what a promise ring should look like.
What is the most popular style of promise ring?
Diamond rings are the most popular choice, usually in a smaller, more understated design than an engagement ring. Other favourites are:
- dainty solitaires
- diamond clusters
- infinity and heart rings
- birthstone rings, for a personal touch
Which finger do you wear a promise ring on?
Most people wear a promise ring on the ring finger, which is the fourth finger of the left hand, if it leads to engagement. If it’s a commitment that won’t lead to marriage, the right-hand ring finger is a common choice. There’s no strict rule: wear it wherever it feels right. Our guide to which finger to wear rings on explains each finger’s meaning.
What happens to a promise ring when you get engaged?
Most people move their promise ring to the right hand, stack it with the engagement ring, or keep it as a keepsake. Some couples even reset the promise ring’s stone into the engagement ring. Whatever you choose, it remains a reminder of the start of your journey together.
Do men wear promise rings?
Yes. Many men wear promise rings, and many couples give each other matching rings. Simple bands, diamond-set gents’ rings and modern metals are popular choices. Shop men’s rings or read more in do men wear promise rings?.
Can you give a promise ring to a friend?
Yes. Promise rings aren’t only for couples. Best friends often exchange them to symbolise loyalty and lifelong friendship. A simple band, a birthstone or a meaningful symbol like infinity works well. Read can you give a promise ring to your best friend?.
How much should you spend on a promise ring?
There’s no set amount. Most promise rings cost less than an engagement ring, often between about $100 and $500. Sterling silver, 9ct gold and lab-grown diamonds give great value. You can also spread the cost with our finance options.
How do I find out their ring size without them knowing?
Borrow a ring they already wear on the same finger and measure it, or ask a close friend or family member. Our ring size chart shows how to measure at home. You can also visit any Shiels store for help.
