A promise isn’t something to be given idly. It should mean something, as the person you’re making it to is meant to assume in good faith that you’re going to keep to it. This is especially true if the person you make the promise to is the one you love more than anyone else. Some people choose to symbolize these types of promises by giving that special someone a promise ring. But what is a promise ring exactly? You’ve probably heard of them, but do you really know exactly what they are?
It’s OK if you don’t. That’s why we’re here! So let’s clear up the confusion and dig into what these rings are really meant to symbolize.
What Is a Promise Ring?
Do you know why there’s often confusion about promise rings? It’s because, as with most things in relationships, what exactly a promise ring means differs somewhat from couple to couple. Although it’s nice to have one short, simple definition that applies to all promise rings – and we’ll get to that in a second – you should keep in mind that promise ring meanings can vary between couples, so don’t assume too much unless a couple has shared the details of their promise ring with you.
In fact, part of the promise ring’s appeal is its varying symbology. But here’s the quick and dirty definition: a promise ring is a ring symbolizing a pre-marital commitment two people have made to each other. For some couples, the promise ring is a promise to, well, make a promise. In other words, it’s a pre-engagement engagement ring, symbolizing that while the couple isn’t engaged yet, they plan to eventually get engaged. For other couples, the ring is less symbolic of such a long-term, permanent commitment. Instead, it can simply mean that as long as they’re together they are devoted to each other.
Sure, any couple in a long-term, serious relationship is clearly committed to each other and in love with one another. And while it’s certainly not necessary to put that commitment on display in ring form, it’s perfectly normal for couples to do so if that’s what makes them happy. You’re making a promise to each other, often that an engagement is around the corner. Again, it doesn’t have to go that far, but it always shows that there is more to a relationship than just “dating” for fun.
In 2017, many couples – particularly Millennial couples – are getting married later in life and/or living together for years before choosing to tie the knot or even get engaged. Wearing a promise ring shows that while the relationship hasn’t moved to that step of ever-lasting love just yet, it is beyond a stage of simply seeing each other or even just living under the same roof to split bills.
How Should a Promise Ring Be Presented?
Therefore, promise rings should not be given until a couple has been together for a significant amount of time. Usually, couples who go the promise ring route have dated for, at a minimum, a year. But no one has to bend a knee and make a formal proposal when giving one of these rings. Instead, they can just be given as gifts for holidays, birthdays or anniversaries. That being said, the ring shouldn’t be presented with no context either. It’s usually best done over a nice dinner and around a conversation about how serious the two people are about each other so that they both understand what’s being given and promised.
What Should a Promise Ring Be?
Just as with engagement rings, promise rings can come in a variety of styles. It’s important not to go with one that looks like it could be an engagement ring, however, as you don’t want any confusion should you get an engagement ring later. Mosaic or composite stone bands along with eternity and Claddagh rings are the most common choices.
And because promise rings are typically given by couples who are younger, their financial means are often more limited, so no one is expected to break the bank on a promise ring. In most cases, a few hundred dollars is spent at most, though some couples who have the means may choose to spend a couple thousand. It really depends on the couple’s budget, but it’s important to remember that the idea is that a more expensive engagement ring will be given later if the relationship proceeds to that point, so couples shouldn’t go crazy on the expense.
Cubic Zirconia Rings
Another way to show your commitment and loving devotion without buying a diamond engagement ring is to give your special someone a cubic zirconia promise ring. High-quality cubic zirconia rings look as beautiful as “real” precious stone rings but for a fraction of the price!