A promise ring is an ornament that symbolizes a pledge, bond, or promise between two people. Such rings are not specific to one gender; both men and women can wear them. Also, given the various types of promise rings, it is not surprising to find rings being exchanged between the same gender.

Nothing is more important than a promise. It is relatively easy to say the words, but a promise is equivalent to being like an iron-clad contract when you mean it. While promise rings are not as traditional as engagement rings, they can still mean so much. Promise rings are a symbol of a promise between two people. Whether romantic or platonic, they are always given with sincerity.

Typically, a promise ring is given as a pre-engagement ring. You may be sure that this person is the right one for you, though you are not quite ready for engagement, which is an excellent opportunity for giving a promise ring. It expresses a similar commitment to an engagement ring without all the ties that come with being engaged.

An engagement is a solemn commitment, and at times may be too official a step for a young couple to make. Yet, at the same time, if a man and woman are in a serious relationship that both want to one day lead to marriage, merely being boyfriend and girlfriend may be far from enough. Enter the promise ring, also sometimes referred to as a pre-engagement ring. This ring's purpose is less of a commitment than an official wedding jewelry piece (like the engagement ring). Instead, it is a severe pledge and earnest promise that the relationship is headed towards engagement in the (near) future.

There are many situations in which a promise ring might be in order. It can be a fantastic way for a very young couple to show that they are serious about their relationship without officially getting engaged if they feel too young for it. They are popular among people who travel extensively for work, such as military deployments or a long separation caused by one half of the couple moving away to attend college. The pain of an extended separation might be eased considerably by the love and commitment implied by the ring.

Promise rings can also be given by parents to their children for abstinence from sexual immorality until marriage. Besides, you can also use them in place of an engagement or wedding ring, given that everybody feels the need to get married and that exchanging rings can still symbolize commitment and monogamy.

While the idea of promise rings may seem new-age, they have been around a long time.

The phrase "promise ring" is relatively new, but the concept still dates back centuries. In Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was quite popular to exchange rings in a vow of friendship or love. The symbolic nature of a circle representing eternity and some metal symbolizing a relationship's sturdiness was always popular ways people showed their love for one another.

It is traditionally only the woman who wears a promise ring, although there is no reason why the man could not have one. As for the ring itself, it is generally more straightforward than an engagement ring. A decorative band would be very appropriate for a pre-engagement ring. If the man has a unique class ring, he might have it sized down to fit his girlfriend or have a more petite replica made for her to wear. It can be any style of ring that appeals to both people, although it is common to make an effort to select a ring that does not look like an engagement ring.

WHICH FINGER DO YOU NEED TO WEAR A PROMISE RING ON?

The promise ring is generally worn on the ring finger of the left hand until an official engagement ring replaces it. Although it is nice if the ring style is compatible with the rest of the wedding jewelry that follows, one would not typically wear the promise and engagement rings together on the same finger. For one thing, it would look as if you were already married, and for another, it is fun to show off the sapphire engagement ring all on its own. Typically, the promise ring will be moved to the right hand's ring finger once the woman has her engagement ring.

The type of promise ring given to you determines the finger that you will wear it on. For example, if you have been given the band as a sign that your partner will be engaged to you, you can wear it on the left ring finger. When you receive a tanzanite engagement ring, we recommend removing the promise ring and wearing it on the right hand.

If you have exchanged the rings with your partner as a symbol that you will remain in a monogamous relationship, you should wear the band in the right hand to avoid confusion with other rings that you might receive in the future.

While it is recommended that you wear the band on the right hand, you can wear it on the left ring finger, but remove it when you receive another band.

Do you have to wear the promise ring on a particular hand/finger? While there are no specific rules, some 'placement' choices are advisable. For instance, people who are single and available might want to avoid wearing their friendship promise ring as an engagement ring. Some couples who wear promise rings before engagement might opt to wear them on their left hand's ring finger, which shifts to the right hand once the official engagement takes place.

If you receive an abstinence ring, you should wear it on the left ring finger. The band should remain on the finger until an engagement band replaces it.

If you have made a promise with your platonic friend, you can wear the band on any finger-including the thumbs. However, you should avoid placing the ring on your ring finger to avoid any confusion with romance.

COMMON TYPES OF PROMISE RINGS

Infinity Knot: Featuring one or more interwoven knots and commonly used as a pre-engagement or friendship ring, it represents eternal love and fidelity. It is also common to find couples wearing the ring as a sign of a strong relationship and love for each other.

Heart: This is a simple symbol that reflects the love that people have for each other. A heart-shaped ring is common with couples, the most common type being the simple gold band with a gold heart as the centerpiece. Besides, there are other elaborate rings such as diamond and platinum. Couples usually give a heart-shaped ring as a pre-engagement ring.

Plain band: Simple promise rings are a plain band with no design and stone on them. They come in gold and silver, and despite being simple, are exquisite.

Name engraved rings: In this one, you can have your partner's name engraved either outside or inside the ring. It shows your immense love and attachment to the person you love, is very romantic and gives the feeling of personal touch.

Interlocking Promise Rings: The design of the ring shows interlocking, seen as a metaphor for being interlocked in love. It signifies the promise that the couple will get locked on the pious relation of marriage one day. Moreover, it is one of the most famous designs.

Colored Diamond Rings: Diamond is a beauty in itself, and when it lies on your hand placed within a band, its beauty further increases. You can gift your girlfriend diamond rings in different colors, such as blue or black.

HOW TO PRESENT A PROMISE RING

To make it memorable, you should present a promise ring in a unique way. Here are tips on how to present the ring:

Short Speech: Some people opt to prepare a simple speech that expresses their emotions. As for planning a few words, what is remarkable is that you do not get tongue-tied or forget to give important information on why you are giving the ring.

While it is good to prepare a short speech, you should avoid practicing to the extent that the words you give sound rehearsed and emotionless. You must note the special parts that need to be mentioned and use your own words to put across the information.

Song: If you have a special song with the information you want to pass, you should consider playing it when giving the ring. The results are usually better when the song is of great importance to the person you are giving the ring to.

Related: Creative Ways To Give Your Girlfriend a Promise Ring

REASONS TO GIVE A PROMISE RING

Pre-Engagement: A couple deeply committed to one another may have assorted reasons for waiting to get engaged or married. Youth could be a factor if the couple is just out of high school or when a life situation compels them to wait, such as wanting to finish college or achieve some other goal before making official plans to marry. A simple promise ring might also indicate commitment, while one partner saves money to purchase a formal engagement ring. Over time, another ring will replace it.

Chastity: This type of ring, also called a purity ring, symbolizes a promise to remain a virgin until marriage. Parents typically give these rings to their children as a reminder of the view that love is patient. Young people who accept these rings promise to honor the belief. These, too, are intended as placeholders for wedding rings.

Substance Abstinence: These rings symbolize a different type of pledge between parents and children: a commitment not to smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. However, there is no reason an adult could not wear a ring to make the same promise.

Monogamy: A monogamy ring reflects a promise to remain faithful. Marriage, engagement, or pre-engagement might not be a factor, yet a couple could still want to promise to be faithful to each other; a ring is a visible symbol of this commitment.

Friendship: Friendship rings may seem less important than other types of promise rings, yet they can be equally meaningful. As a platonic gesture, friendship rings show a commitment that sometimes lasts longer than marriage. Friends devoted to supporting one another may want a visual symbol in the same way a romantic couple would. Though not typically worn on the left ring finger, the gift is still significant.

Religious: A religious promise ring symbolizes an act of devotion or faith. Such a ring can be worn to show commitment to a particular spiritual path or a saint whose teachings are meaningful to the wearer.

Another common type of ring in the old days was a "poesy ring." These were often rings engraved with a heartfelt sentiment or promise when given to a dear friend or lover. One typical loving phrase read, "Vous et null autre," which, in English, translates to "You and no other."

No rule says on what finger you must wear a promise ring. Part of its appeal is that it can mean many things to many people. Typically, many tend to wear it on their ring finger, the third finger on the left hand. It is more common when the ring is given as a pre-engagement or a chastity ring. That being said, many feel more comfortable wearing it on their right ring finger so that it is not confused with an engagement ring.

A Promise ring can mean just as much or more than an engagement ring and will cost less because it typically does not involve many jewels.