WHAT IS A PROMISE RING?
A promise ring is an external representation of a person's love and faithfulness to the person who receives and wears it. To put it in simple terms, a promise ring is a step up from dating. It conveys to the rest of the world that your heart belongs to someone else and that you are dedicated to protecting and nurturing that relationship. A promise ring is commonly offered as a forerunner to an engagement; however, this is not always the case.
ORIGIN OF PROMISE RINGS?
The origins of promise rings may be traced back to ancient Rome when "betrothal rings" were made of cheap iron. During the 15th and 17th centuries, "posie rings" gained popularity in France and England as keepsakes given to lovers and often engraved with short love poems. Even though it is commonly offered in the same manner today, the actual " promises" underlying a promise ring could mean different things to different people. This tradition began with men who were financially unprepared for marriage but wanted to pledge their commitment to a partner until they could financially support a wife. Still, it has evolved into a small step preceding engagement for many couples.
WHO CAN GIVE A PROMISE RING?
Anyone can give a promise ring, and the most significant thing is that you can give one to yourself! A promise ring can represent various things, including friendship, purity, abstention from drugs or alcohol, or an exclusive dating relationship or intention to marry.
A promise ring may not always indicate a couple's desire to marry. Many couples exchange them as a token of fidelity. Consider a high school boy giving his sweetheart his class ring or letterman jacket as a way of displaying they are going steady –a promise ring is a similar, perhaps a more adult, way to express that same sentiment. A promise ring does not have to be reserved just for couples as a sign of romantic love.
"We used to exchange yarn bracelets and other friendship tokens when we were kids. Why shouldn't adult friendships have a sign of loyalty and deep affection?"
You may also get a promise ring just to pledge yourself. Have you recently overcome a drug or alcohol addiction? Many sobriety programs have their patients touch a token or medallion each time they have a craving–a promise ring might be a method to remind yourself of the problems you've encountered and courageously overcome. If you're searching for a way to show how much you appreciate a friend, a promise ring might be the ideal gift.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GIVE A PROMISE RING?
The fact is that there is no such thing as a right or wrong time. Many young couples exchange promise rings because they are too young for marriage. If you would like to make a lifelong commitment to your partner, but you aren't legally old enough or fully prepared for marriage mentally, emotionally, or financially, a promise ring ceremony could be a gorgeous means of expressing your feelings and commitment.
However, you need not be a teenager to offer your partner a promise ring. Couples of all ages and faiths exchange promise rings as symbols of purity, love, faithfulness, and much more. If you're going to offer a promise ring, it should be at a time when you're happy with your relationship being an exclusive one. It may be a few weeks or months for some, while for others, it could be after the first year. Often, the further on in a relationship, the more likely a promise ring is to signal an intention to marry.
Just one guideline applies whether you offer a promise ring after a few dates or after a couple of years. Make your intentions clear. Because promise rings may have so many different meanings and are frequently used as pre-engagement rings, your partner may believe your ring represents a promise of future marriage. If this is your intention, that's great, but make sure you're honest about what the ring represents when you give it to them.
WHAT'S THE FINEST WAY TO WEAR A PROMISE RING?
A promise ring can be worn on the ring finger of either hand. If offered and accepted as a symbol of future commitment, it is generally worn on the left hand.
Some people do not want their promise ring to be mistaken for an engagement ring; therefore, they wear it on the middle finger of their left hand or the ring finger of their right hand. This is entirely a matter of personal preference.
HOW LONG DO YOU WAIT BETWEEN GIVING A PROMISE RING AND AN ENGAGEMENT?
A promise ring does not begin the countdown to marriage, but it is something you should be prepared to discuss. Be open and honest about your future intentions as a couple, as well as your feelings about marriage in general.
HOW SHOULD A PROMISE RING LOOK LIKE?
Promise rings may be made to appear almost any way you wish. They are typically made of a less expensive metal than an engagement ring, something exquisite but more affordable, such as sterling silver or yellow gold. This way, the ring will not be mistaken for an engagement ring, and money will be saved for the following step. Some folks prefer a classic band with a bit extra pizazz, and there are plenty of ways to achieve that. Consider an antique-style ring with a filigree pattern if you're a bit old-fashioned. Try a twisted or swirl style ring if you're more trendy or edgy.
Finally, while men are more likely to offer women promise rings, you would opt to swap rings. You could purchase matching bands with each other's names engraved on them, but consider something a little more unique in the his-and-hers area, such as rings that are two halves of a heart that, when joined together, form one entire core. Aside from being explicit with your intention, the only rule for promising rings is that there are no rules. They may be presented at any moment to represent any promise or commitment. They can be worn on any finger in a design that is the purest reflection of their meaning and the personality of their wearer. After all, love always triumphs.