Find out what a promise ring is right here.
A promise ring is something that couples give to one another to symbolise their commitment and loyalty to each other. Often, but not always a precursor to an engagement ring, they are ring essentially showcases to the world that a relationship is getting serious.
The act of gifting your significant other a promise ring originated between the 13th and 16th centuries, where men would give their love interest a posy ring. Posy rings (which comes from the French word po'sie meaning poem or poetry) were often a simple gold band inscribed with romantic phrases such as 'love conquers all' or the word 'always'.
They would then have a resurgence in popularity during the Georgian and Victorian era. During these eras, promise rings were much more elaborate and often featured bright, colourful gemstones. Often set in fours, it was thought that these promise rings were set out in a particular order to spell out the word 'love'.
What Is A Promise Ring Overview:
What Do Promise Rings Symbolise?
Much like engagement rings, promise rings are thought to symbolise love. When a person gives their romantic interest a promise ring, it is a proclamation of love for the special person in their life. It also shows that they are committed to their partner and are prepared to take their relationship to the next level.
On the other hand, promise rings symbolise the promise a couple has made to each other to one day make their union legal. Often regarded as placeholder rings, promise rings serve as a memento when a couple is waiting on marriage or if they are separated by geographic distance.
One of these rings sends a message to outsiders that a relationship is serious and isn't just a fling or fleeting infatuation. It is for this reason that promise rings are popular among de facto couples who have no interest in getting married one day.
Are Promise Rings The Same As Engagement Rings?
Even though both rings symbolise the furthering of a relationship, neither engagement rings nor promise rings mean the same thing. Promise rings symbolise commitment while engagement rings symbolise the intention to marry and become legally-bound. It is for this reason that the latter is seen as a much bigger step in a relationship, while the former is seen almost as phase one.
Engagement rings are also a lot more grand and expensive than the often minimalistic promise ring. In western culture, engagement rings also primarily sit on the fourth finger of your left hand, whereas a promise ring is worn on any finger.
The main commonality that engagement and promise rings share is that they both signify love. It is because of this, they both often feature diamonds in their design as diamond jewellery is thought to symbolise eternal love.
Promise Ring Styles
These rings come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, ranging from a simple band with an inscription to diamond engagement rings that are similar to what you would be given if it were an engagement ring. Today, promise rings tend to be more modest in their design.
One common ring is a smaller diamond ring that is complemented by a thin gold, silver, white gold or even a rose gold band. Alternatively, the diamond will be surrounded by smaller stones in a halo setting. Many couples also often opt for cubic zirconia rings as it allows them to have a luxurious design without the hefty price tag.
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Another style that has gained popularity in recent years is gemstones, with many couples gravitating towards opals and aquamarine stones, the latter, particularly after Meghan Markle, was spotted sporting one after her and Prince Harry's wedding. Gemstones are also a popular choice as you can take a more personal approach by using your partner's birthstone.
Rings with the infinity symbol are also a popular design for promise rings due to what they represent. Show someone how much you love them with this infinity sterling silver ring.
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Find out more in our Engagement Ring Guide and Diamond Guide. Visit us instore for a personalised shopping experience or shop jewellery online now. Don't forget to check out using our finance options. We offer Zip, humm, Afterpay, Laybuy, and Latitude Interest Free. We are certain you'll find the perfect piece at Grahams.
