Promise rings contain a very special meaning in them because it goes beyond engagement and marriage. In fact, a promise ring doesn’t have to lead to marriage. It symbolizes everlasting love and a commitment that lasts for an eternity. It can be used to connote that marriage may come right after but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are people who think that they don’t need marriage to nurture committed relationships. Some couples even get to the stage where they can assure each other a lifelong journey of love, intimacy, and commitment with each other. An engagement ring stands for marriage in the future. A wedding ring symbolizes commitment as approved by the law or religion. Meanwhile, promise rings stand for a very intimate relationship that will stay true even without any formality.
General Context Of Promise Rings
These rings have a rich history. The use of this ring can be traced to the 16th century. Back then, they were also called “friendship rings.” Back when marriage was very restricting, men would give promise rings to their damsels to symbolize their commitment. It also served as a temporary symbol until such time that the couple could finally submit themselves to marriage. The 20th century saw a slight change in the tradition of promise rings. The modern female became bold enough to give mens promise rings to their significant others so that they would stay committed to them.
Males and females can give these rings to their significant other. The typical promise rings for girlfriend usually have diamonds encrusted on them, but this depends on the taste of the person. Some girls want to keep the design minimal so the men get a simple band with names or initials engraved on them. Engraved rings are also the perfect promise rings for men. The best promise rings are those that dont resemble wedding rings.
Typical Designs For Promise Rings
One of the most typical designs for promise rings that you will see in the jewelry store is the band with a heart at the center. This is very popular among females. A white gold band with an open heart on the center is the rage nowadays. Somewhere on the heart’s outline or center, a stud of diamond or several studs serves as embellishments. This design is so popular that it may even come with a necklace pendant and a pair of earrings. There can also be two hearts on the promise ring, symbolizing the two hearts in the relationship. Although white gold is the more popular choice, yellow gold looks just as regal.
Other beautiful promise rings come in smooth swirls, with one end of the swirl decorated with studs on the other end. Diamond studs will always look glamorous but with promise rings, the positioning of the studs have to be strategic so that they won’t be mistaken for engagement rings or wedding rings. That’s why they’re commonly placed on hearts and other designs. The way the diamond studs are framed is very important with promise rings. Some rings even have the star or the fleur-de-lis shape.
Others who choose an unconventional route can go with other gemstones. In fact, the multi-colored gemstones in heart shapes are becoming very popular nowadays. The setting may make them resemble like engagement rings but all stones are of the same dimensions. The center heart stone is a clear diamond while the two stones beside it can be a combination of different gemstones. The aquamaraine and peridot combination can look very refreshing too.
Men have simpler needs when it comes to promise rings. A simple band with engravings is usually the choice. Other men go for stainless steel black rings or two-toned promise rings.