As promise rings gain in popularity, they raise some
questions regarding what they mean. Many of these questions can be answered by
looking at how the promise ring differs from an engagement ring. Both rings represent
a promise, but while the engagement ring represents a promise to marry, what the
promise ring symbolizes is highly individual between couples. Most of the time
it represents a token of love and commitment within the confines of a romantic
relationship without being tied to a timetable. It can be compared to couples
exchanging class rings and going steady in the past. It might mean a promise to
become engaged someday like following graduation, or when the couple is more
financially stable, or it might simply reflect devotion to one another.
History
of promise rings
Promise rings of sorts date back to ancient times when
a ring was used to seal a promise. By the 16th and 17th centuries, precursors
to today’s promise rings were exchanged as tokens of love or friendship. Poesy
rings were gold finger rings with a short sentiment or promise inscribed and given
to a friend or lover. Another popular style, known as a scribbling ring was exchanged
by lovers in the 16th century. It was set with uncut diamond chips, which
lovers used to etch romantic messages into glass windowpanes.
Promise ring finger
The promise ring is available in a variety of styles
including things like infinity symbols, entwined hearts, or Claddagh rings, but
in general, they are smaller and subtler than an engagement ring, and can be
worn on the traditional ring finger on the left hand or not. However, if a
couple wants to avoid confusion as to whether or not the ring is an engagement ring,
it can be worn on another finger. If an engagement ring is given, then the
promise ring is worn on the right hand.
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| Promise ring for couples |
How
to give a promise ring
If you’re thinking of giving a promise ring to your
someone special, you can relax because there’s no right or wrong way to give a
promise ring. You don’t have to get down on the traditional bended-knee of
engagement ring tradition or anything like that. Instead, promise rings are
more often presented at a romantic dinner for two or as a gift for a birthday,
Christmas, or Valentine’s Day.
One huge difference between an engagement ring and a
promise ring is that a promise ring can be shared between friends promising to
always be friends, or even given to a child by a parent with a promise to love
them forever. But there’s some confusion between the meaning of promise rings
and purity rings too. The “promise” attached to a purity ring is often a religious
vow to practice abstinence until marriage. With a promise ring, often only the
person wearing the promise ring and the one who gives it know what the promise
really is and it may or may not contain a promise to remain celibate.
Whatever the reason you want to give or get a promise
ring, the promise ring for couples is a tangible symbol and
reminder of the love and commitment it represents.
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