A promise ring is typically a symbol of a commitment made between two people in a romantic relationship. Often given for a birthday or anniversary, a promise ring can be seen as a step towards a future engagement but the true meaning behind it can vary from couple to couple. Choosing the right promise ring for someone you love is a personal decision and there are plenty of styles to choose from. Here’s what you should consider before buying a diamond promise ring.
What does a Promise Ring mean?
A promise ring should be just that: a promise. Since some people consider a promise ring a step towards marriage, they may want to save diamonds for the engagement ring, but a diamond promise ring might still make sense for a few reasons. A couple that doesn’t plan to get legally married but still wants the same level of commitment, for example, might go with a diamond promise ring in lieu of a formal engagement.
A diamond promise ring, just like any other promise ring, can mean whatever a couple wants it to mean. The important part is the conversation that comes with giving a promise ring and the vows two people make to each other regarding their future together.
Can a Promise Ring be an Engagement Ring?
Simply put, you give or get an engagement ring after a marriage proposal. A promise ring is much more flexible in meaning and is generally not considered the same as an engagement ring.
Promise rings are gaining popularity among couples who may not feel the need to put a label on their relationship or stick to a timetable. For them, a ring is a symbol for people who move in together and have no immediate plans for marriage but are clearly in a committed relationship. If an enagagment ring comes along in the future, the promise ring often moves over to the opposite hand.
Promise Rings vs. Eternity Rings
While a promise ring and an eternity ring can both symbolize commitment, they are given at different life stages. A diamond promise ring is typically given in the earlier stages of a romantic relationship as a vow for the future. An eternity ring, or eternity band, is often given as a wedding anniversary gift but could also be the perfect gift to celebrate other major milestones like the birth of a child or retirement.
Traditionally, one of the major things that differentiates a promise ring from an eternity ring is the design:
Promise Rings
Flexible in style and budget, a promise ring can realistically be any type of ring you want.
A promise ring is a personal token, so first and foremost the design should reflect the recipient’s sense of style. Many people decide to go with a colored gemstone like a sapphire or an emerald to avoid the comparisons to an engagement ring. If you do want to go the diamond promise ring route, a heart shaped design set with small diamonds can be the perfect compromise.
Personalizing a promise ring by engraving it with your names, the date you met, or a meaningful message can also help make it even more special.