The question, “What is a promise ring?” is asked a lot in jewelry and relationship forums, but the answer is complicated. These rings, which tend to be delicate and straightforward, actually have a long history in surprising forms. However, most people today think of them as a way to seal the relationship between two people who love each other. Most cheap promise rings contain a gemstone or gemstones such as small diamonds, rubies, or other precious stones.

Promise rings tend to be simpler and less expensive than traditional diamond engagement rings. They can be set in sterling silver or gold and sometimes feature small side stones or engraving to enhance their beauty. You can also buy cheap promise rings in rose, yellow, and white gold in 10K gold if you prefer the look of gold but have a strict budget.

Explore the essence and significance of promise rings, beautifully complemented by gold-filled beaded bracelets. This piece delves into the symbolism of promise rings, reflecting commitments in love, friendship, and personal goals, making them a heartfelt and meaningful gift, much like the timeless beauty of beaded bracelets.

What Is a Promise Ring’s Meaning?

If you’re considering a commitment to someone you love but aren’t quite ready to get engaged, a promise ring can represent your love, but this isn’t the only commitment it represents. A promise ring can symbolize any kind of commitment. For some, a promise ring is used as a purity ring, indicating a woman’s commitment to celibacy before marriage. Celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and the Jonas brothers have worn promise rings to indicate chastity.

A promise ring’s meaning is partly dependent on who is giving it. It can symbolize the bond between a parent and child or two friends who have been through everything together. The message may be that you will always be there for the other person no matter what or that no one will come between you as friends.

When dating moves to the next level, gold promise rings can mean the couple has committed to a monogamous relationship. The rings reflect each person’s pledge to each other that they are “the one and only.” If you’ve made a personal commitment to yourself to achieve a goal, care for yourself better, or change your life in some way, a promise ring can be a daily reminder to focus on your future.

Some people use the terms promise ring and pre-engagement ring interchangeably. A pre-engagement ring is just one type of promise ring that’s quite popular with young couples who are increasingly choosing to put off engagement and marriage until they are older and more established financially. The promise ring is seen as a promise that a proposal and a larger, more expensive ring is in the future. By giving your loved one a promise ring now, you are assuring her that she will get the engagement ring she longs for when you can afford something more impressive.

What Is the Origin of Promise Rings?

In ancient times, rings were often given or exchanges to seal an agreement or promise. These promise rings acted as talismans to represent the contract between two people. In the 1500s and 1600s, lovers exchanged poesy rings. These charming rings were usually engraved or etched with a message, line of poetry, or pledge. Friends often exchanged these precursors to promise rings as well. Some were set with small gemstones, usually inset in the band as part of the design. Central stones weren’t as common in these rings as they are in more current promise ring styles.

In the 1970s, today’s version of the promise ring gained popularity. These tended to be thin bands with diamond chips or small birthstones, or other semiprecious gems. Sterling silver promise rings were popular due to their affordability, although yellow gold promise rings were also frequently seen gracing young women’s hands.

What Finger Do You Wear a Promise Ring On?

Promise rings are usually worn on the ring finger, but you can wear them on whatever finger is comfortable for you. Most people wear them on the right hand to avoid confusion with an engagement ring, which is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. A pre-engagement ring is an exception, which many women wear on their left ring finger as a sort of place holder for the engagement ring they’ll receive at a later date.

If you are wearing a promise ring to symbolize a commitment you’ve made to achieve a specific goal, consider wearing it on one finger until you’ve reached your goal, then moving it to another finger to signify your success.


Cheap Promise Rings

Diamonds are popular in cheap promise rings, especially when given as a pre-engagement band. A single center stone of a quarter carat or less is typically set in a stylish mounting that is attractive but not overly ornate. Popular cheap promise rings designs include slender bands that swirl around the diamond solitaire and split bands that frame the diamond to highlight its sparkle. You can find inexpensive diamond promise rings for well under $800, including some mounted sterling silver for less than $50. SuperJeweler carries a complete online selection of promise rings available in sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, and the increasingly popular rose gold.

Cheap promise rings sometimes contain several small stones instead of a single stone. Two diamonds set in a cheap promise ring symbolizes the two halves of a couple and their devotion to each other. Three stones set in your ring represent the past, present, and future of the relationship and the commitment’s strength over time. Side diamonds or diamond chips can add sparkle and up the “wow” factor or even an inexpensive promise ring.

Colorful Promise Rings

What if the person you’re giving a promise ring to isn’t into diamonds? Are you giving it to a friend or your daughter rather than to your significant other? In these situations, birthstone promise rings are an attractive option. You have a lot of flexibility when shopping for birthstone promise rings. You can choose any ring set with gemstones for a promise ring as long as the recipient understands what it symbolizes.

For friendships, siblings, or when giving to a parent or child, consider buying matching rings so that both you and the person you’re giving one to can wear matching promise rings. This will advertise your commitment to the world and remind both of you that your special bond can’t be broken by time or distance.

Yellow gold and rose gold promise rings are another way to add a bit of color to your promise ring. Rose gold promise rings are especially feminine looking and youthful. Parents giving promise rings to their daughters often choose rose gold. Yellow gold is a popular choice for women who wear this sunny shade more than white gold. Coordinating with the recipient’s jewelry wardrobe is key to presenting them with a ring they’ll want to wear every day.

Whether you select a diamond or gemstone promise ring, the motif or setting is also essential. Heart-shaped settings and lovers’ knots convey love and passion. These are often given to women by their significant others. A promise ring shaped like a heart encircling a diamond is guaranteed to win her admiration.

Claddagh promise rings signify love, loyalty, and friendship, making them appropriate for any kind of friend or lover. The eternity symbol – a figure-8 on its side – is in vogue today because it represents the eternal nature of the commitment.

Giving Someone a Promise Ring

Surprising someone you love with a promise ring is an unforgettable gesture that will be treasured for years. It is important that the person you’re giving the gift to understands what it means, so take the time to plan ahead before giving someone a promise ring.

If you are giving it to your lover or significant other, you don’t want her confusing it with an engagement ring, so bring up the topic of promise rings and get her take on them. Does she appreciate the idea of a ring that symbolizes aspects of your relationship, such as fidelity and love? Is she not ready to become engaged, but she’s been asking you where your relationship is headed? Then a white gold promise ring or a sparkling diamond promise ring will clearly express your intentions and show others you are committed to each other.

When you’re giving a promise ring to a sibling, child, or best friend, you can explain its meaning when you give the gift. If you fear you won’t be eloquent enough to say what you mean, write it down in a short letter or note. Ask them to read it when you give them the promise ring. Don’t be surprised if they love the message almost as much as the ring!

Written by Jack N. Fox, BCHA

Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)

 

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