The History of Promise Rings For Couples

From the finger you'll wear it on to the cost look up our guide to Couple Promise Rings, including traditional meanings, beliefs and more.


There are various kinds of promise rings to choose from such as commitment rings, purity rings, and pre-engagement rings. It's not our fault if they're confused. What is a promise ring and what's the purpose behind it? What is the finger it goes on? Are they just designed for women, or do they have promise rings for men as well? What are the best ways to purchase, sell, or return a promise ring? So. Many. Questions. We consulted experts in jewelry to clarify everything. Follow this article to learn the facts on promise rings and learn about some of our favorite jewelry items to shop.


What is an Promise Ring?


A promise ring can be described as a ring given from one person to someone else in a romantic partnership to signify their fidelity and commitment, often (but not always) preceding an engagement. Promise rings signify the commitment one party has to the relationship and accepting it does the same for the person receiving it.

Does a promise ring look the same as a pure ring?


Sometimes it is, but not always. Promise rings were often associated with rings of purity after Joe Jonas said in an interview to Details that his and his brothers ' rings were "a vow we made to each other and God to remain clean until we got married."


A few people get the terms confused. When you speak of abstinence and a ring is given by an adult to a child or even to yourself, it's known as an abstinence ring. Promise rings are often given to show that you are committed to a relationship.

Do men also have promise rings?


When you are hearing "promise rings," your mind might immediately imagine a man gifting one to women. But guy promise rings are quite common. For instance, take Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, for example. Before getting married in 2018, both Cyrus and Hemsworth both wore rings of promise. Some couples exchange promise rings. In other instances, one party will present their partner with a promise ring to make a promise and demonstrate how much they appreciate the relationship. Anyone can wear the promise ring.


What does the word Promise Ring mean?


As the name suggests, the promise ring meaning is to signify a promise made between two people however, the exact personal meaning could differ between couples. "The appeal of a promise ring derives primarily by the various possibilities of meanings it could have," says Kimberly Kanary, vice president of social media and public relations at Kay Jewelers. A lot of couples wear or gift promise rings to symbolize that they are getting married, but some use it to show their devotion.


Brooke Brinkman explains that she received a promise-ring from husband a year and half before the couple was engaged. In Brinkman’s case it was a hint that she was going to get an engagement. However, this is not the norm. Elizabeth Woolf Willis, GG AJP is the marketing coordinator for Simon G. Jewelry. She says that promise rings are similar to mid-century customs of giving the class ring or pin to your high school sweetheart. "Now you're more than just 'dating'--there's a physical symbol of the relationship to show the outside world."



Brinkman claims that the idea of gifting an engagement ring to be an expression of affection and love is over hundreds of years old. The custom of wearing rings to show the utmost loyalty and devotion also goes from the beginning of time. There is evidence that suggests Roman brides were wearing engagement rings as early as 2nd century BC. Posy rings engraved with romantic poems, go back to 16th-century England and Acrostic rings--spelling out a word in gemstones --were popular in the Georgian and Victorian time periods. For instance, a diamond, emerald, garnet amethyst and diamond spells "regard" and a diamond, emerald amethyst, ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, topaz, sapphire, and ruby spells "dearest".


Modern promise rings are a very recent trend and have been widely praised by celebrities like the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus/Liam Hisworth.


What's an Promise Ring Look Like?


There aren't any rules or regulations regarding the type of rings. There are no limitations or rules. There are numerous popular wedding rings. These include Claddagh rings, eternity rings, Claddagh rings that feature an infinity symbol, or designs that intertwine to symbolize a couple's bond. They also come in a range of styles and themes like hearts, an Infinity symbol, or intertwined patterns. You can also choose a basic sterling silver or gold band that has engraved text. Promise rings made of diamonds are popular also, though they usually come in smaller in size and placed in a group or row as opposed to the standard solitaire diamond engagement rings.