Lately, promise rings have become the ideal symbol for a commitment between two people. Many celebrities have followed this tradition, making the exchange of these rings a real trend. However, there is a lot of confusion surrounding its delivery and its meaning. Therefore, we will tell you seven things you should know about promise rings, which will allow you to have a clearer idea about them.
What is a promise ring?
Promise rings have become a very common way for couples, friends and family members to show their commitment and love between them. These are worn as a reminder of the promises they have made to each other. Many tend to believe that promise rings are only given between couples, and this is not true.
These rings can be exchanged between parents and children, between friends, and can even be given to oneself. For someone who is religious, a promise ring can be worn as a promise to God.
1. Meaning and purpose of promise rings
A promise ring can mean something different for each person, both to the one who gives it and the one who receives it. Unlike an engagement ring and a wedding ring that have a specific meaning and purpose, promise rings can have many meanings.
Generally, it is a symbol of commitment. Its meaning will depend solely on the people involved and what the giver wants it to represent. That is where its importance and value lies.
What exactly does the ring symbolize?
Although its meaning depends on the people involved. The main purpose of promise rings exchange is a commitment of some sort. This can vary from couple to couple. It can symbolize love, fidelity, loyalty, monogamy, chastity, abstinence, friendship, and prior commitment. It can also be thought of as a ring of very personal purpose, with a unique meaning to both the giver and the receiver.
2. The difference between promise and engagement rings
As we already mentioned, engagement rings have a specific purpose, they are delivered when the couple is sure they want to get married and settle down. In contrast, a promise ring is ideal for a couple who is not yet at that stage. For many it is like a kind of pre-engagement ring. That is to say, it is for a couple who want to get engaged but are not yet thinking about getting married.
Check out the story of engagement rings
3. The delivery of the promise ring
While, traditionally, an engagement ring is given by the man to the woman, promise rings do not follow such rules. Sometimes couples decide together and buy the ring or rings. It is perfectly acceptable and normal for a woman to be the one to give the ring to the man.
4. The finger on which promise rings are usually worn
There is no hard and fast rule about what should be worn on. Many couples wear their promise rings on the ring finger of the left hand (the one of the wedding ring). Once engaged to be married, they often wear the ring on another finger, such as the ring finger of the right hand or the middle finger. So, when buying your promise ring you should consider whether it can be easily resized, in case you plan to wear it on a different finger in the future.
Sometimes people mistake a promise ring for an engagement ring if it is worn on the left ring finger. To avoid this confusion and the need for an explanation, it can be worn on the ring finger of the right hand from the beginning.
5. Other ways to wear promise rings
Some people prefer to wear their ring on a silver or gold chain as a pendant. In this way, the ring would not be confused with an engagement ring. It can also be worn as a charm on a bracelet if it is a small ring. The important thing with promise rings is not how or where it is worn but what it symbolizes, unlike engagement and wedding rings.
6. Men can wear these rings
Of course! As we said earlier, sometimes a woman may want to take the initiative and make a promise to her partner. In this case, she would give the man the promise ring – the same way a man would give her partner an engagement ring. Promise rings, very contrary to engagement rings, do not have rules that establish that it is only for use by women, that is to say, that they must be received or worn by women.
A man can wear a promise ring for the same reasons a woman wears it. As a symbol of friendship, as a sign of celibacy, and as a promise to themselves or to their parents. The only significant difference would be in the appearance of the ring itself. A promise ring for a woman is usually small and delicate, with or without sparkling stones, while a man’s ring is usually a thicker band with a masculine design.
7. There are no rules for promise rings.
As we mentioned several times, there are no strict rules when it comes to promise rings, and that is great! The most important thing is that whoever gives it and whoever receives it are on the same page about the ring and what it symbolizes. You must be clear that this will be unique for each couple. The type of ring you choose, whether they are matching rings, with engraved names or birthstones, wooden rings, knotted rings, among many other options, will completely and absolutely depend on the person, adapting to their purpose and personalities.
An explanatory note
Promise rings are not the same as purity rings. A promise ring is a symbol of commitment, which varies from person to person. Whereas, a purity ring is a ring that is worn exclusively to symbolize the commitment to remain celibate until marriage. Many popular young celebrities wore it at one stage of their life, making them fashionable. Worn in this way, the purity ring is a reminder of a promise to yourself, to God, or to parents to remain chaste or pure until marriage.
ALFA