From which finger to wear it on to the cost, read our guide to promise rings, including meanings, traditions and more.
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There are so many different types of promise rings out there, from purity rings to commitment rings, pre-engagement rings and beyond. Hey, we don't blame you if you're confused. But what is a promise ring, and what is its purpose? What finger does it go on? Are they just for women, or are there promise rings for men too? How do you get one, give one, buy one, return one? So. Many. Questions. Lucky for you, we tapped jewelry experts to break down everything you need to know. Keep reading to get the tea on promise rings and discover a few of our favorite shoppable picks.
In this article…
- Meet the Experts
- What Is a Promise Ring?
- What Does a Promise Ring Mean?
- The History of Promise Rings
- What Does a Promise Ring Look Like?
- What Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On?
- How to Give a Promise Ring
- What to Know Before You Buy a Promise Ring
- What to Do With a Promise Ring If You Get Engaged?
- What Happens to the Promise Ring If You Break Up?
- Promise Rings to Shop Now
Meet the Experts
Kimberly Kanary: Vice President of Public Relations and Social Media at Kay Jewelers
Brooke Brinkman: Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Simon G. Jewelry
Elizabeth Woolf-Willis GG, AJP: Marketing Coordinator at Simon G. Jewelry
Kelly McLeskey-Dolata: Founder of A Savvy Event
What Is a Promise Ring?
A promise ring is a ring given from one person to another in a romantic relationship to signify their fidelity and commitment, often (but not always) preceding an engagement. At its most essential, giving a promise ring symbolizes one partner's devotion to the relationship, and accepting the ring does so for the recipient.
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Is a promise ring the same as a purity ring?
Sometimes, but not always. When Joe Jonas told Details in a 2008 interview that he and his brothers' rings symbolized, "a promise to ourselves and to God that we'll stay pure 'till marriage," promise rings became synonymous with purity rings.
Some people have gotten the terminology confused. When you talk about abstinence—and a ring is given by a parent to a child, or to oneself—it's called a purity ring. Promise rings, on the other hand, are typically given as a symbol of commitment within the confines of a romantic relationship.
Are they just for women—or are there promise rings for men too?
When you hear "promise ring," your mind might immediately think of a man giving one to a woman. But guy promise rings are quite common. Take Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, for example. Before getting married in 2018, both Cyrus and Hemsworth wore promise rings. Some couples give promise rings to each other. Other times one person will give their partner one to pledge their commitment and demonstrate how much they value the relationship. The point is, anyone can give or wear a promise ring.
What Does a Promise Ring Mean?
As the name suggests, the promise ring meaning is to represent a promise made between two people, but the specific, personal meaning can differ from couple to couple. "The appeal of the promise ring is derived largely from the many meanings it can represent," says Kimberly Kanary, vice president of public relations and social media at Kay Jewelers. "Many couples give or wear promise rings specifically to signify a future engagement, while others do so as more of a general symbol of devotion to one another."
"You're promising yourself to each other," explains Brooke Brinkman, vice president of marketing and communications at Simon G. Jewelry, who received a promise ring from her now-husband a year and a half before they got engaged. While in Brinkman's case, the ring was a promise there'd be an engagement in the future, that's not always the case. "I often think of promise rings as similar to the mid-century tradition of giving your high-school sweetheart your class ring or pin," says Elizabeth Woolf-Willis, GG, AJP, marketing coordinator at Simon G. Jewelry. "Now you're more than just 'dating'—there's a physical symbol of the relationship to show the outside world."
The History of Promise Rings
According to Brinkman, the idea of giving a ring as a promise of love and affection dates back several hundred years—and the tradition of wearing a ring to demonstrate loyalty and fidelity dates back to ancient times. There's evidence that Roman brides wore engagement rings in the 2nd century BC. Posy rings, engraved with romantic poems, dating back to 16th-century England, while Acrostic rings—spelling out a word in gemstones —were popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras. For example, a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond spells "regard" and a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, sapphire and topaz spells "dearest".
Modern promise rings have only resurfaced as a mainstream trend within the last decade or so, largely thanks to the publicity surrounding celebrity promise rings (like the Jonas Brothers and celeb couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth).
Photo: Catbird
What Does a Promise Ring Look Like?
In terms of types of promise rings, anything goes. Seriously, there are no rules or requirements here. Popular promise ring styles and themes include hearts, an infinity symbol or intertwined designs to represent a couple's union, Claddagh rings and eternity rings, as well as, precious metal bands with a birthstone, mosaic or composite of stones. It can also be a simple band made from sterling silver or gold with an engraved message. Diamond promise rings are popular, too, although they tend to be a small carat size and set in a cluster or row versus the classic solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Photo: The Irish Store
What Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On?
Which finger—or even which hand—you wear your promise ring on is entirely up to you. Promise rings can be worn on any finger, Brinkman says, adding that they're sometimes even worn on a chain around one's neck and these days, pinky promise rings are a popular style trend. The most common way to wear a promise ring is on the ring finger—on the left hand if you're not married, and on the right hand if you are married. The reason they're typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand comes from the ancient superstition (that's unfortunately not anatomically correct) that there's a vein that runs directly from that finger to the heart.
How to Give a Promise Ring
Another thing there's no hard-and-fast rule for? How to give a promise ring to your loved one. "It doesn't come with the same traditional expectations of an elaborate, planned proposal where the proposer gets down on one knee. Promise rings are most often given as a birthday, Valentine's Day or holiday gift", says Kelly McLeskey-Dolata, founder of event planning and design company A Savvy Event in the San Francisco Bay Area. Even a romantic dinner for two is the perfect place for this meaningful exchange. "In the case of a promise ring, it's more of a conversation about the meaning behind it, and the promise that's being made," Brinkman explains. "Whereas for an engagement, the focus is on the ring and the 'moment.'"
When do you give a promise ring?
Although promise rings aren't synonymous with wedding rings, they shouldn't be treated lightly. "A promise ring should be given after a couple has dated for a significant amount of time—a year or more—to show how serious they are about their relationship," McLeskey-Dolata says. So, it goes without saying that you should only give or wear a promise ring when you're ready for the commitment.
Brinkman has noticed the rise in popularity of promise rings echoes a growing trend for couples to happily cohabit and/or marry later in life. While they may not be ready—or even want—to commit to marriage, a promise ring denotes that their commitment extends beyond casually dating or just living together.
Who gives the promise ring?
A promise ring can be given by either partner in a relationship. Because both individuals will typically wear a promise ring as a symbol of their commitment, couples can even gift them to one another.
What to Know Before You Buy a Promise Ring
How much should a promise ring cost?
There are no rules or guidelines around how much to spend on promise rings, but it's usually significantly less than an engagement ring. At Simon G. Jewelry, promise rings typically range from $500 to $2,000; at Kay Jewelers, they range from $199 to $599. "Remember, often people purchasing promise rings are younger and don't have the financial means to be spending a lot of money," McLeskey-Dolata says.
Where to buy a promise ring
Your local jewelry store is the best place to start your search for a symbolic sparkler for your significant other. That said, if you're just in the mood to browse or you want to broaden your horizons, these are some of the best places to buy promise rings online.
P.S. Here are some tips on how to measure ring size.
Zales
Zales has an impressive selection of promise rings ranging from Disney-inspired pieces to romantic infinity and Claddagh rings. They offer jewelry at a variety of price points too—the amount you spend is ultimately up to you.
Etsy
If you're looking for something a little more personal, Etsy has lots of meaningful (and inexpensive) jewelry to choose from. Gift your S.O. a sleek band stamped with your initials or pick up a set of coordinating promise rings you can both wear.
Gemist
These dainty pieces of jewelry are a beautiful way to symbolize your love and commitment. And with most rings starting under $100, they're affordable too. You can choose a simple band in yellow gold, white gold or rose gold. Depending on your budget, you can stick with sparkly Swarovski crystals or—if you're feeling flush—upgrade to fine jewelry. Either way, these stunning rings are the perfect balance of eye-catching and understated.
Brilliant Earth
When it comes to celebrating relationship milestones, Brilliant Earth is one of our go-to retailers. They have a wide selection of diamond and gemstone jewelry for every stage of your relationship, including engagement, wedding and anniversary rings. Plus, each of their pieces goes above and beyond conflict-free industry standards, so you can feel good about gifting a promise ring from Brilliant Earth.
What to Do With a Promise Ring If You Get Engaged?
If you get an engagement ring, there are several options for what to do with your promise ring. You can wear your promise ring on your right hand, on a different finger, on a chain or keep it as a fashion piece. Alternatively, the wearer can embrace the stacked ring trend and ultimately wear all three rings—a promise ring, diamond engagement ring and wedding band—on your ring finger.
What Happens to the Promise Ring If You Break Up?
While promise rings are intended to signify a lifelong vow, things happen and relationships change. In this case, even if the pledge is rescinded, promise rings aren't always returned. In short? "It depends on the nature of the breakup," Brinkman says.
For many couples, promise rings do precede an engagement. If you're ready to upgrade from a promise to a marriage proposal, check out these romantic proposal ideas. You can also check out How They Asked for real proposal inspiration and even a proposal idea generator.
Promise Rings to Shop Now
Now that you're an expert on all things promise ring-related, you're ready to get shopping! Here's a few of our top picks that you can purchase right now.
Ring Concierge Single Pear Diamond Ring
Photo: Ring Concierge
Planning on upgrading during your engagement? This dainty diamond ring offers a sneak peak of what's to come.
Mejuri 4mm Smooth Band
Photo: Mejuri
Tell them exactly how you feel with this customizable engraved band. Choose from titanium, 14k yellow gold, and 14k white gold.
Brilliant Earth Etta Diamond Ring
Photo: Brilliant Earth
Looking for a promise ring with plenty of bling? This 18k gold and diamond ring is calling your name.
Pandora Elevated Heart Ring
Photo: Pandora
Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can rock it loud and proud around your ring finger?
Blue Nile Classic Wedding Ring In 14k Yellow Gold
Photo: Blue Nile
This classic 14k gold band is perfect for wearing on its own... .or stacking with an engagement ring when the time comes *wink*.
