If you are thinking of cementing your love and commitment for a loved one (or yourself) without breaking the bank, cheap promise rings are the way to go. Here is what you need to know before making a decision.
Why You Should Put A Ring On It
A promise ring is usually gifted and worn as a symbol of commitment and fidelity to another individual. Although they have been associated with teenage puppy love and abstinence in the present day, the meaning and gesture are much deeper than some make it out to be.
The tradition of wearing rings as a symbol of love and/or loyalty dates back hundreds of years. During the Roman era, Romans were required to wait for periods of time before getting married, and rings were exchanged as a sign of commitment. Posy rings engraved with romantic poems or phrases were popular in 14th to 17th century England.
The more elaborate acrostic rings were popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Set with gemstones, different arrangements were used to spell out secret words or messages. For example, a ring with ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, and diamond was particularly meaningful, as the first letters of the gems spell out the word “regard”
What Is A Promise Ring?
Although rings have been used as symbols of promise for ages, the term “promise ring” was only coined in the 1970s. In the present promise rings are most commonly given as a precursor to an engagement, displaying devotion to a long-lasting relationship. However, they can have different meanings and functions.
Pre-engagement rings and promise rings typically have the same meaning. Couples that want to show their commitment to a relationship on the path toward engagement, but are not ready for marriage, can make use of promise rings. There are also couples that wear promise rings as a symbol of monogamous commitment, even if not at a pre-engagement stage.
Similar to friendship bracelets, promise rings can also be exchanged between friends who promise to support each other through thick and thin. A promise ring can also be worn as a promise to oneself, usually as a symbol of abstinence from sex, alcohol, drugs, or some form of influence the individual deems negative.
A Ring That Pulls At Your Heartstrings
If you are buying a promise ring for your partner, take their taste in jewelry into consideration, especially since they will most likely be wearing this ring daily. Look through their existing jewelry collection and think about the various styles and metals they favor.
Do they prefer small, delicate pieces or larger, statement ones? Do they like precious gems or stones, or solid metals? Do they usually go for warm-toned metals like copper and gold or cooler-toned metals like silver and titanium?
It is a must to adhere to your partner’s tastes and preferences, but the price is also a major factor. Have a specific price point in mind and choose metals like sterling silver and titanium if you are on a budget, as they tend to be more affordable.
Design and Meaning
Choose whether you want a special symbolic design. You can keep it classic with a heart design or a traditional Irish Claddagh design, which depicts two hands reaching from either side to grasp a crowned heart in the center. Other promise ring designs include the infinity symbol, the wearer’s birthstone, and roman numerals of anniversary dates.
There are also promise rings that double as wedding bands and stackable variations that can be incorporated into a full wedding set in the future.
The act of giving a promise ring can be as simple or extravagant as you want, as long as you do not fool your partner into thinking that a proposal is about to take place. Some couples even hold intimate promise ring ceremonies celebrating their commitment to each other, like a toned-down, unofficial version of a wedding ceremony.
You can bring it up in conversation and explain your intentions before unveiling it. A promise ring does not instantly kick off an engagement or even marriage plans, but it can spark conversation about the future progression and expectations of your relationship. Many promise rings are given as anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or birthday gifts, but any date of significance to you is ideal.
A promise ring can be worn on any finger, or even on a chain around the neck. Many people prefer to wear it on the ring finger on the left hand so as to not confuse it with an engagement or wedding ring.
Closing Thoughts
If marriage is in the cards, it’s best not to go all out on the promise ring. Going with cheap promise rings helps you save up for the engagement ring and the wedding plans that may follow. Promise rings have meanings that are unique to every relationship or situation, so it is ultimately up to you!