Looking for a way to show your love and commitment, but not quite ready to pop the question yet? A promise ring is the perfect token of affection that expresses your feelings in a symbolic and sentimental way.
As there are less formalities surrounding promise rings, compared to engagement rings, you can get creative with the promise ring you choose for your partner.
In this article we will look at the history and symbolism of promise rings and share our tips and tricks on how to choose the perfect promise ring for your partner.
What is a promise ring?
While promise rings have some similarities to engagement or even wedding rings, promise rings hold their very own special meaning, with a long history of being used as symbols of commitment, love and fidelity in earlier stages of relationships.
A brief history of promise rings around the world
The giving and wearing of promise rings dates back as far as ancient Rome and are still a popular gift for couples today. Here is a brief history of promise rings through the ages:
Promise rings in ancient Rome
Couples in ancient Rome would exchange rings made from iron called anulus pronubus as a show of love. However, these rings also served as a legal binding and contractual agreement that the couple were to be wed.
These ancient forms of promise rings may have featured family crests or engraved seals, similar to contemporary signet rings. They would have also only been worn by women, given by a man who wanted to marry her.
Sixteenth Century ‘Posy’ rings in England
Many centuries later in England, couples would exchange Posy rings as a symbol of love.
“Posy” or “poesy” rings get their name from a derivative of the French word ‘poésy – meaning poetry or short rhyme – referencing the short motto or phrase engraved inside the Posy ring.
These simple gold bands would hide meaningful messages inscribed inside as a subtle yet sentimental expression of love and fidelity.
Georgian and Victorian Acrostic rings in France, England and beyond!
By the 1700s, promise rings had developed again, this time with even more cryptic ways to show devotion.
Popularised by Marie Antoinette, then quickly adopted by Queen Victoria, acrostic rings are a type of jewellery that hide secret messages in them – by spelling out words using the first letter of gemstones!
For example, a ring may include amethyst, diamond, opal, ruby and emerald, spelling out ADORE.
Colourful gemstone rings make the perfect promise ring that combines traditional meanings with modern styles.
Modern promise rings
Nowadays, promise rings are still worn as a display of commitment, as a pre-engagement token.
What finger does a promise ring go on?
A promise ring can go on different fingers depending on what you want it to represent!
Often, the ‘ring’ finger on the left hand is reserved for engagement and wedding rings because it is believed to have a vein that runs directly to the heart – which early Romans called the Vena Amoris, or the vein of love.
Due to this common perception, some couples choose to avoid confusion and wear a promise ring on the ring finger on the right hand, while others don’t mind wearing a promise ring on the left ring finger – after all, it still represents love and commitment!
Who wears a promise ring?
While traditionally it was mostly women who wore promise rings, modern couples can make their own rules!
Both partners can enjoying giving, and receiving promise rings, and promise rings for men have been increasing in popularity.
How to choose the perfect promise ring for your partner
Make sure to choose their preferred metal
Whether she’s a cool-toned silver or white gold girl, a warm yellow gold fan or a fashion-forward rose gold lover, when choosing a promise ring, make sure to make a note of what material her other jewellery is.
Simple yet symbolic
The most common style of promise ring is a simple yet symbolic band. A plain silver or gold promise ring band is a great choice as it will fit seamlessly into their jewellery collection and can be worn alongside their existing rings, or even stacked with a future engagement and wedding ring.
When choosing a simple band, quality and fit will be even more important so make sure to work with a knowledgeable jeweller who can help source or design a bespoke promise ring that is simple but stunning.
Make it personal
Take inspiration from promise rings of the past and add a personalised message to your promise ring. Popular personalisations include adding birthstones (why not add both yours and your partners!), initials or your anniversary date.
You can go subtle – with inscriptions inside the ring or cryptic gemstone messages – or more obvious – with outward facing engravings – depending on their style.
Matchy matchy
Another modern approach to promise rings is to buy matching rings that both you and your partner can wear. This means you can both enjoy wearing a token of your united love.
Planning a date to go promise ring shopping together makes for a perfect anniversary activity!
Permanent promise ring
If you’re looking for a promise ring that’s a little bit different, or if your partner isn’t much of a jewellery wearer – you could take a unique approach to a promise ring – by getting a promise ring tattoo on the ring finger on your right (or left) hand! You could even both get matching promise ring tattoos.
Arguably this could be seen as the ultimate show of commitment due to the permanence – remember tattoos are forever (or very costly and painful to remove!) so make sure you talk to your partner before booking the appointment and do your research to find a reputable tattoo artist.
Final thoughts
When it comes to picking out the perfect promise ring for your partner you can take inspiration from the sentimental history of the promise ring while also bringing your loved ones personality and jewellery preferences.
From simple, symbolic bands to personalised unique rings or even a tattoo – promise rings are the perfect way to show your commitment and fidelity to your loved one.
