The term ‘promise ring’ is a fairly recent thing, and actually has two separate meanings. Here we take a look at the different types of promise ring, what they mean, and how to choose one.
Photo by Alicia Griffin
‘Pre-engagement’ Promise Rings
The first meaning of the term ‘promise ring’ is a ring that signifies a monogamous, serious relationship, and an intent to get engaged and then married in the future. This is basically a ‘pre-engagement’ ring, and it tends to be a popular choice with young couples who aren’t ready to get engaged, but want to wear something to symbolise a commitment to each other. For some, this is an unnecessary extra step on the route to marriage, which is why it is not such a popular trend with couples in their late twenties and over, who tend to go straight for engagement when the time is right.
Choosing a Pre-engagement Promise Ring
Promise rings are much like engagement rings in that they are usually chosen by one partner and given to the other, or in some cases the couple will choose them together. It is unusual for a woman to pick out a promise ring for herself when it is a pre-engagement type promise ring, though if you have specific tastes or ideas of what you would like your ring to be like, there is no reason why you can’t choose it together as a couple. While it is a stretch to say there is a tradition around choosing and paying for the ring, as promise rings themselves are not really traditional and are a relatively modern concept, it would be most usual for the person giving the ring to pay for it, so in most heterosexual relationships the man would buy it for his girlfriend.
‘Purity’ Promise Rings
Some people use the term ‘promise ring’ to refer to a ring worn to signify a pledge not to have sex before marriage. This is something that has become popular with some teens, especially in the USA. Normally the idea is related to Christianity, however some people who are not religious also choose to wear purity promise rings and abstain from sex before marriage for other reasons. Purity promise rings can be worn by both men and women, and by people who are in relationships or single people.
Choosing a Purity Promise Ring
This kind of promise ring is worn and chosen independently of a relationship, so it will normally be chosen by the wearer, although in some cases couples or groups of friends will choose matching ones. It can be any style of ring, from a simple band through to an elaborate ring with precious stones, as there is no traditional form for this type of ring and the meaning is attached to it by the wearer. Anything from a high end diamond ring through to a piece of costume jewellery from a fashion shop at the mall can be used as a purity style promise ring, so it is down to your taste and budget what you should choose.