There are lots of interpretations to what promise rings are and the meaning behind them and with these with them A LOT of misinformation and an abundance of confusion. I’m here to try and put things back into order! So let’s start at the beginning…
What is a Promise Ring?
As with all presents, first and foremost it’s a gift – a token of love just like any other gift. Now, if that gift is in the shape of a hoop (like a ring), and you take that gift, wrap it around in a nice little box from a jewelry store – it gets a very significant meaning…
Promise Ring Definition
I just love Urban Dictionary’s definitions for up to date matters and here it is:
“A ring a boy gives a girl, usually in college, to signify he intends on marrying her, but that they’ll wait until they’re older. Usually a very simple ring (for broke college students), with a little heart in some way. Can be very romantic.”
Promise Ring Meaning
The meaning of a promise ring is that you are committed to each other and vow to love and honor one another.
Sounds familiar? Not a coincidence!
It also means that you’re in love and you are young or at the beginning of the relationship and not quite ready for marriage – this is where the promise ring comes in. It’s an unwritten agreement couples make. Because of that, it is often referred to as a pre-engagement ring or even a commitment ring.
RECOMMENDED READING: Promise Rings VS Engagement Rings
Now, I don’t want to sound gender-biased but we can assume there are two ways to get a promise ring:
- You are buying the rings as a couple.
- He gave you the ring.
If you are part of the second group – whether you are the guy looking to give the promise ring or the girl that received it, by flying solo there is are additional though maybe implicit meanings.
What Does a Promise Ring Mean for Him?
This guy means it! Just like a proposal (yes), it requires a leap of faith and openness to share your feelings. I don’t know about you but to me it is far from being obvious. Putting yourself out there, being the first to “pop the question” (well not THE question but still) – it is serious & he is serious.
What Qualifies as a Promise Ring?
Just like there are no “rules” for engagement rings, there are no rules to what makes a promise ring. To me, the beautiful thing about it is that any ring from anywhere can be a promise ring – it can be a $50 Walmart ring or a $1,000 ring from Zales promise rings collection – all that counts is the meaning behind the giving.
BUT, there are customs and styles that often go hand in hand with these beauties…
- The ring’s design often symbolizes togetherness or commitment. As such, the following styles are often used:
- Knot promise rings
- Heart promise rings
- Infinity promise rings
- Diamond promise rings (usually small diamonds)
- Being a pre-engagement ring the price is far more subtle. Again, there is no rule of thumb but while the average engagement ring price in the US is $6,000 (THAT’s ALOT), promise ring prices are likely to be less than a $1,000.
Additional Interpretations to the Promise Ring
While probably 95% of the people searching for promise rings do it for romantic reasons (and I assume you too)… over the years it has gotten additional interpretations. A while back while searching for a promise ring myself, I’ve encountered Kay Jewelers website that said the following:
“”A promise ring doesn’t have to be just for a committed couple. It could also symbolize a promise to yourself or a promise between friends. Whatever the occasion, a promise ring is a beautiful symbol of dedication and devotion.”
That of course could easily be done by stepping aside from the cute styles and taking a more simple approach…
