Why Do Promise Rings Exist? Find Its Real Meaning and Significance

Promise Rings often misunderstood as engagement rings signify just what it says, a promise. These rings most of the times named as purity rings, pre-engagement rings, or commitment rings. They are oh so special & popular among young generations of today. The concept of giving promise rings might sound new but the tradition of using rings as a symbol of love or commitment has existed since ancient times. It’s a pre-matrimonial or pre-engagement trend which is still unknown to many people, read this hub to know the meaning of promise rings, the history behind these rings, what do they symbolize, why you should give one to someone, and how do they differ from engagement rings.

What Is a Promise Ring and Its Significance?

The meaning of promise rings varies between couples, but it mainly symbolizes a promise which is being made. They are a symbol of love, friendship, devotion, or a commitment of getting married in the near future. It’s not essential that a promise you make should be just for a marriage, but it can be a promise of engagement, commitment to one another or anything else. A promise ring can be gifted either to your friend, parents, kids or to a special someone. A true definition behind presenting a ring differs from couple to couple; you can even give a ring, in return, of getting a promise of leaving any bad habit like drinking or smoking from the significant other. It is more than just a ring; they are available in a variety of shapes and styles like a heart-shaped diamond ring, plain diamond, gem-studded bands, a yellow gold, white gold or platinum rings and a lot of other choices!

History of Promise Rings

Don’t you feel like knowing when did the tradition of promise rings actually come into existence? The tradition actually dates back to several hundred years. In ancient times, bishops used to wear promise rings as a symbol of a spiritual marriage or union with the church. During the 2nd century BC, Roman brides wore these rings to signify permanence and strength, it is to be believed that Roman men claimed their women by presenting this ring. The promise rings originated in England in the 16th century, named as posy rings because they were engraved with romantic poems or short messages. During the Victorian or Georgian eras, acrostic rings were introduced, gemstones engraved in these rings were arranged to spell out a word such as regard or love. It’s only in the past decade that promise rings have become a popular trend. Earlier only the men used to gift a ring to women, but today both a women or men have opportunities to gift this ring. Also known as purity rings, purity rings have a great significance, they denote loyalty and fidelity. The reason why promise rings have conventionally been worn on the ring finger of the left hand is that there’s a vein inside which runs straight to the heart.

How Do They Differ From Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are different from promise rings, although commitment rings should not be taken lightly. Couples exchange engagement rings with a promise to marry in the future. Promise rings can be called as pre-engagement rings, but can never be defined as engagement rings. Engagement rings have such a sacred nature, but purity rings specify a commitment towards a relationship, a decision to remain celibate until marriage, a symbol of love, purity or have many other meanings.

So, dear readers, I’ve always thought of explaining the real truth behind promise rings and how they’re different from engagement rings.

I hope you’re now well educated about the topic, so now how you would choose a promise ring?