A Promise Ring Can Stand for Many Things

A promise ring is a beautiful present that can symbolize many things to the person who gives it and the person who receives it, depending on the circumstances. It can mean that the couple will be faithful to one another. It could also mean that the giver promises to return to the wearer after a long trip, such as a hitch in the military. It can symbolize friendship, love, trust, fidelity before marriage or the intention to marry. It is not meant as an engagement ring. It doesn't necessarily symbolize the intention to get married unless it was given with that in mind.

Men and women can give promise rings. In fact, women or men can give them to anyone, including members of the same sex. It can have jewels or engravings to personalize it, or it might have an engraving that states its purpose. To avoid confusion, usually promise rings don't resemble engagement rings. Whatever the reason for bestowing the ring, it's a good idea to distinctly state its meaning to prevent misconceptions.

Promise rings are not modern. They've been mentioned as far back as ancient mythology and religious texts. Promises have been sealed with rings for thousands of years. Religious leaders sometimes wear them to symbolize their oath to their church. Noblemen in ancient Italy were known to toss a ring into the Adriatic Sea to symbolize the nation's union with the sea. Promise rings from the 16th and 17th centuries that symbolized love had diamond crystals in them, so the couple could scratch their intentions into glass.

To make sure that the ring's purpose is understood, a note is sometimes given along with the promise ring. That way the intention for giving the ring is plain to both parties. The note should be read together prior to presenting the ring.

There is no rule regarding where promise rings should be worn. Usually, if the ring symbolizes pre-engagement, it would be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. The third finger is thought to be the ring finger because there are fingers on both sides to protect the ring, and that finger is not used as much as the index finger or other fingers. Some folks believe the third finger is the ring finger due to an ancient notion that the vein of love runs through that digit.

Whatever the meaning and regardless of where the finger is worn, promise rings symbolize an agreement between two people. That agreement can range from friendship to the intent to get married. In fact, the ring can represent anything the couple chooses, as long as they both understand the full extent of the promise.

Written by Ashley Walker on Behalf of Aston Royal Jewelers. Ashley is a fashion-focused urbanite always on the lookout for affordable fashion. She has a particular passion for jewelry, specifically Wedding Rings and Engagement Rings.

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