Promise Ring Etiquette

Promise Ring Etiquette To Common Questions:

What are promise rings?

What do they mean?

Who gives them?

Which finger do I wear them on?

How did promise rings originate?

Promise Ring Etiquette

What is a Promise Ring?

It may refer to a ring to show that you are exclusive dating, giving from one partner to the other.

It may also refer to a "purity ring", a ring worn to pledge sexual abstinence until married.

It may also signify a pre-engagement ring, till you are old enough to be engaged or till your partner can afford your engagement ring.

A promise ring is a general tangible symbol of a promise. Or they can be viewed as 'sealing a promise'.

It can be given to promises of:

• Friendship
• Pre-engagment
• Chastity
• To Symbolize a Exclusive Dating Relationship

Which Finger? In Promise Ring Etiquette

Which Finger Do I Wear My Promise Ring?

Promise rings can be worn on any finger, sometimes on the engagement finger (left ring finger) especially if it is used as a pre-engagement ring.

It is also common to find that the promise ring being worn on the middle finger on the left hand or the ring finger on the right hand to prevent confusion with an actual engagement ring.

Unless there are not romantic intentions, friendship-style promise rings should avoid ring fingers and worn on any other fingers.

So the general rule is, the closer to marriageable intentions, the more it should be worn on the ring fingers, especially the left hand, if the engagement ring should be replacing your promise ring within the next 2 years. Otherwise, if you have a long way to go before marriage but have high romantic intentions and expectations, the ring finger on the right is also acceptable.

History of Promise Ring Etiquette

From Wikipedia,

Promise rings date back to the 16th century with illustrations that rings were given as early as 1576. (Wikipedia)

When there is no promise to marry, the lady will be give a "friendship" ring which we can deduce to mean that they are in love with each other. Unless there is a promise to marry, these rings will then be known as promise rings.

Why were these rings given?

In those days, when a man could not afford to get married, he would often buy a promise ring as a placeholder until such time he would be able to effectuate a marriage. (Wikipedia)

It can be safe to assume that only ladies were given rings and the men did not wear rings, however according to Wikipedia, in some instances women would offer men's promise rings to their man during the 20th century because for some reason, men were not yet permitted to get married. It was generally a surprise offering and was something the man could accept or deny.

Though it has been done before, the proper etiquette is for the men to offer rings to the ladies and not the other way round.

Promise Ring As Purity Rings

These rings are bought, sold to, given to adolescents or to parents (to give to their children) to represent a 'promise to oneself' of the above desire.

In some churches, purity-promise rings are accompanied with a religious vow with implication that the wearer will remain abstinent until replaced with a wedding ring. They are also known as chastity rings or abstinence rings.

Promise Ring Etiquette

When is a promise ring appropriate?

Promise rings should only be used if you are very young. The reason is because it is normal for a young couple to not be in strong enough financial position to get married, buy a home, start a home and have children.

When giving a promise ring, make sure your intentions are clear. It might be be mistaken as an engagement ring, a lure to be in a exclusive dating relationship etc etc. Tell her what the ring means to you, write a note, but best to be clear.

See also Marriage proposal etiquette.

Promise Ring Etiquette

Designs of Promise Rings

Traditionally, they contain the heart symbol.

Though it is not mandatory. These days many promise rings come in modern designs in a variety of fashions.

The reasons promise rings are used in the first place are because of the lack of financial means to get married or afford an engagement ring.

Therefore, rings made of sterling silver are widely accepted. If for some other reason other than financial means, rings of gold, precious stones or even diamonds may be given.

Promise Ring Etiquette

A Touching Promise Ring Story

I love this story much more than any diamond studded promise ring in the world.

This is a promise ring made from a quarter.

Steve took my on a picnic sunday, and when i got distracted by the birds, he pulled out this ring and my polaroid. it's a promise ring that he MADE from a quarter. the reason is because my grandfather made my grandmother an engagement ring by hitting a quarter (for roughly thirteen hours) until it looked like this. So Steve wanted to do the same for me. :) he's so adorable and thoughtful

The polaroid is of me being embarrassed by the camera. but i was so happy for the ring! :) eepppp!

Isn't that the most beautiful story?

Other Related Pages

All About Engagement & Wedding Rings & Etiquette

Marriage Proposal Etiquette

Go back to Elegant Weddings.

Return from Promise Ring Etiquette to Elegant Woman Home

promise ring etiquette, promise rings, pre-engagement ring, purity rings, wedding ring etiquette