Promise Rings

What Is A Promise Ring?

Promise rings are given symbolically as solid proof of one’s intention to keep a promise of some sort to another (the person receiving the promise ring). Promise rings (particularly small diamond promise rings) are very often given as a symbol of eventual marriage intentions, a kind of pre-engagement.

Promise ring history is a bit unclear, but probably as long as there have been significant promises there have been symbols, such as a promise ring, of intent to keep that promise. Stated in frank, basic terms, promise rings are offered to show that the giver is willing to "put their money where their mouth is" so to speak.

Promise Ring Meaning

Promise rings can have various meanings. As mentioned, the most well-publicized promise rings mean that the giver has all intention of marriage someday when the time is right. With promise rings, love is a central theme even if not connected to marriage intentions.

The real meaning of a promise ring, though, is whatever the giver wants that meaning to be. The key to making a promise ring work is to clearly communicate its meaning when it is given. If a promise ring is a promise of intended marriage, it should be clear that it is not an engagement ring.

Some of the other reasons people give promise rings are:

• A promise to return (after an extended absence)
• A promise to be monogamous
• A promise to keep a promise
• A promise to be a friend, or be there to support another
• A promise not to do something (such as drink, smoke, et cetera)

A promise ring is not always given by a man to a woman. Men’s promise rings can be given by a woman to a man just as acceptably to prove her loyalty and intent. As women take more relationship initiative in these modern days, more women are giving mens promise rings to show their intention to marry. A men’s promise ring is now and has been often given during times of war to show that a woman will wait for her soldier until he returns. (Of course, also in these modern times, this is an equally legitimate reason for giving female or male promise rings.)

Promise Ring Styles

Many people consider a small diamond promise ring to the appropriate choice for giving with a promise, but it is far from the only choice. Throughout the history of promise rings, any ring given with meaning can serve as a promise ring.

Today’s shoppers are lucky because there are beautiful promise rings designed expressly for the purpose. Some even have an engravable area (or inside of a band) on which the promise or names of the giver and receiver can be recorded. Designers are now using the most popular metals; as an example - fashionable white gold promise rings. A gem stone promise ring is also a very nice choice. The nice thing about giving a gem stone promise ring is that it is unlikely to be mistaken for a true engagement ring.

It bears repeating that a promise ring is a symbol of a promise, and as such, it doesn’t really matter what style of ring is chosen to represent loyalty and intention. What matters most is that the promise be true in its intent and clearly stated. When the truest of intentions meets with the beauty of a promise ring, the best is sure to follow.