What is The Meaning of Promise Rings

Promise rings are not exactly the new kids on the block when it comes to the range of fine jewellery. They are rings that are given as tokens of trust to another, as a way to seal one’s commitment to a cause, or as a simple but powerful promise to see things through to the end. Promise rings are their names implies are rings which signify an oath: one that is meant to stand the test of time, pressure and other obstacles of life. As one or both parties who receive (or exchange), it commits to one another to a shared cause, a commitment to which they give concrete value and tangible quality. One that is beautifully embodied in a precious promise ring.

What Does a Promise Ring Mean

Promise rings are fine jewels that are meant to symbolize commitment: Commitment, whose basis could be love, friendship, fidelity to a cause or person, and even something more abstract but no less significant like honour, or faith in a higher cause. The most popular conception of promise rings is found in a romantic context. Specifically in a pre-engagement stage where the couple is pondering on taking their relationship a step further. Thus the meaning of a promise ring in a relationship is unique, depending on the mindset and expectation of the couple. In general, when promise rings are given or exchanged between two parties, the rings act as a signal for stronger commitment, for the future of the relationship. Promise rings, in romantic relationships, whilst not engagement rings, but can serve as ‘placeholder rings’: where the couple are waiting on the prospect of future marriage. Further, promise rings can also function as something that is lighter in tone, with a more open meaning: As promise rings can be given as mementoes within a relationship; rings that can be used as a promise to cherish the memory of the other, when a couple is apart from another. Promise rings can also mean a more serious relationship, one that is now at a level higher than a simple girlfriend-boyfriend stage. As the promise ring sends a message to the outside world that the relationship is serious and not just a momentary infatuation, or fling. And more interestingly, promise rings can also be more ‘final’ in their character: as the couple can wear the rings as a way to proclaim their love and commitment, but minus the intention of getting married. So to answer the question, what is the meaning of a promise ring, the ring is a jewel that is intended to convey your willingness to commit and to do so stronger.

On Which Finger Does a Promise Go on

Since promise rings are traditionally given as a pre-engagement ring, hence the ring finger (usually on the left hand) is the place for the Promise rings can be worn on any finger. Other popular locations for wearing promise rings are on the middle finger, or the fourth finger on the right hand. Truthfully there is really no fixed rule as to where promise rings can be worn. Since promise rings, as we explained can be worn, given and exchanged between two or more parties for a variety of reasons. Hence promise rings, given the looser rules relating to their application, can be worn in a variety of ways. Interestingly some even chose to wear their promise rings on a chain around their neck. For couples who marry, an interesting practice is for them to switch their promise rings-which they had already exchanged prior to the wedding-from their left hand to their right hand after their wedding, as an added gesture of their enduring bond. The key when it comes to wearing a promise ring is that no matter where you choose to wear it, its role as a jewel of meaning that conveys the power of a promise is ensured.

History of Promise Rings

The question of what does a promise ring mean can be understood by looking at its history. Promise rings have a long history of use, with their use being dated back to the ancient Romans. However, their official use goes back to the 16th century, in England promise rings (or older versions of the rings that communicated the same message) gained popularity. Back in those times promise ring symbolized commitment during the period between engagement and marriage. As a man was able to show his willingness to enter into a long term relationship in the future. Usually, when is able to take on the responsibility of marriage and later family. This tradition then grew into the practice of promise rings, which were then being given as a sign of affection and love. So promise rings today are meant to carry forward that original meaning, and wearers should know what they have in possession contains that special meaning.

What Does A Promise Stand For

To go deeper in answering the question: what is the meaning of a promise ring? One must understand the reasons for which a promise ring is given. Promise rings in their more traditional application are given or shared between those in a committed relationship, generally as a ring which precedes the giving of an engagement ring by the man to his future bride to be. Over time promise rings have come to be used in a variety of contexts, with their application varying in relation to the goals and aims of the person who wishes to give them. Hence it is difficult to pinpoint the variety of reasons for which promise rings are given, but in principle, there is one key factor that unites all those who give a promise ring, one factor that helps us understand what a promise ring, regardless of context stands for: and that is the commitment to follow through on a promise. So the meaning of a promise ring lies with the intention to make and keep a promise.

A Ring of commitment

When one wishes to learn more about the answer to the question: what is the meaning of a promise ring, it is best to start with the basics. Promise rings are generally understood as pre-engagement rings. A ring that is given or exchanged between a couple, one that sets the motion of the journey towards the powerful engagement. However, the use of promise rings has expanded in terms of their use, so that today promise rings can be given to, or exchanged between friends, as a pledge between partners. Promise rings may also be given by a parent to a child, or from a child to a parent as a commitment of enduring love. Promise rings interestingly can also be used as purity rings: rings that are meant to represent a pledge of abstinence or another type of sacrifice. This is a practice found within religious circles, however, promise rings, in this tradition can be worn as a promise of anything: like a commitment to religious faith, commit to pursuing a goal, or as a pledge to break a bad habit. If you want to take the idea of commitment seriously, then a promise ring might be the answer for you.

Best Time to give (or receive) a Promise Ring?

There is really no right time to give or received a promise ring. As we have noted, promise rings can be worn and given in a variety of different contexts, from a pre-engagement stage to a pre-wedding but post-engagement stage; as a token of commitment to cause: which could be romantic, spiritual, or even within a working relationship in a professional context. Ultimately the giving or exchange of a promise ring comes down to the context of its use, and the aims and intentions of the giver. However if one wishes to make the giving of a promise ring memorable, then it is worth to think the intentions for giving a promise ring in the first place, and making the ring a symbol of something significant. Promise rings can be seen as a token of trust, a practice that common in the ancient world. So the practice of giving a promise ring can be seen as a way of strengthening your commitment to a serious cause or person: an act that fully evokes the meaning of a promise ring.

Characteristics of a Promise Ring

When one speaks of the common characteristics of a promise ring, the first point to consider is its design. Besides the fact that they follow a conventional ring design formula: that of a band that fits the finger of choice, with room for placement of gemstones; the design of promise rings can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Whilst jewellers tend to settle on a set design character for their particular range of promise rings, this design may vary depending on the jeweller in question, in relation to their other fine jewellery offerings. Further, the design of the promise ring is also a function of cost, with higher-priced variants having a larger or larger number of gemstones. Importantly the character of a promise ring is defined by its ability to communicate the idea of commitment. Which can take many forms, depending on the set design of the jeweller, and the kind of modifications that the customer may wish to incorporate into the promise ring of his/her choosing. So whilst changes to the design of the promise ring may differ, and alternate depending on the customer’s expectation, what matters is that the true meaning of the promise ring, as one which strengthens your commitment to a cause remains firm.

Can a Man receive a Promise Ring?

Of course, men can wear promise rings. Since, the practice of exchanging promise rings, where the couple gives each other a ring that signifies their commitment to one another. Whilst men are traditionally the ones who give rings to their beloved; women too can take the lead in giving the man there is a relationship a promise ring. Further, promise rings since they can be used in non-romantic settings, can also be given or received as a token of respect and commitment: as a way for the receiver to commit himself to a set of goals and principles, and be truthful to them to the end. A practice that is common in religious orders.