Understanding Promise Rings

You love your partner very much. You have no doubt that they’re the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. However, it might not be the right time to ask for their hand in marriage due to budget, timing, or other circumstances. How can you express your lifetime dedication, or deep love, with a symbolic piece of jewelry that they’ll cherish forever? A simple solution is a beautiful promise ring!

What Is a Promise Ring?

A promise ring represents commitment between a couple in a relationship. Typically, it’s worn like an engagement ring on the left hand. After an engagement, the ring is usually moved to another finger. Keep in mind, though, that a promise ring doesn’t have to precede an engagement ring but can also simply be a symbol of the relationship’s devotion. 

History and Meaning of Promise Rings

The concept of a promise ring has been around for a long time. In fact, they are used for a number of reasons besides a pre-engagement ring. Promise rings have also been known to celebrate friendships, as well as to make promises to yourself. 

Promise rings date all the way back to the ancient Romans, who were required to wait a certain amount of time before marriage. In the 14th century, posy rings were worn by lovers. These rings were engraved with special, poetic messages. Now, as couples tend to court longer than they used to, a promise ring is a great way to symbolize commitment. 

How to Shop for a Promise Ring

Selecting a promise ring comes down to size, design, and budget. A promise ring is a great romantic gift for anyone, and it’s even more special if you take their personal style into account. Consider what type of metal they normally wear, favorite gemstones or their birthstone, and if they prefer delicate or bold jewelry.

You’ll also want to set a budget. Are you looking for something with a “wow” factor, or are you saving up for an engagement ring and practicing frugality in the meantime? We have plenty of options no matter your budget, so don’t feel like you need to break the bank for a promise ring! 

If the promise ring is a surprise, you’ll want to try and get their ring size. There are a few ways to go about this. One is to check a ring that they already have and measure it with our ring sizing guide. Another option is to ask a friend or family member to get their ring size. Finally, if you need to guess, it’s best to go with a larger size and get it sized down later. 

Promise Rings at Shane Co.

Shane Co.’s promise ring collection has over 100 different styles to choose from, and each one comes with the same Free Lifetime Warranty as a traditional Shane Co. engagement ring. You can narrow down your ring selection by stone shape or stone type, including both diamonds and colorful gemstones. You can also filter your promise ring search by metal type and price.

If you need help finding the perfect promise ring, book an appointment online or in-store. Our expert jewelry consultants will be happy to find a promise ring that your partner will love.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published December 2015 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.