Some promises can only be depicted through crafted metal.

At least, that’s the mentality behind promise rings.

I’ll admit, something about portraying commitment through a metal band does have a nice ring to it.

Whether this is the first resource you’ve come to, or you’ve been scouring the internet for information on promise rings, congratulations.

This is the last guide to promise rings you’ll ever need, I promise.

What Are Promise Rings?

Two silver promise rings with one over the other

The answer to this question is more complex than you’d think.

Sure, a promise ring is a ring, as the name suggests.

But, it’s different from other rings because it symbolizes a commitment.

“That sounds an awful lot like an engagement ring.”

You’re right. It does.

But, unlike engagement rings, promise rings don’t always symbolize a commitment to marriage.

Although plenty of people have gotten them confused.

Which brings us to the next section.

What Does A Promise Ring Stand For?

As I mentioned above, a promise ring can stand for just about anything.

They’re most commonly used to symbolize a commitment to a romantic relationship but can also represent a commitment to other relationship types.

For example, a friend can platonically give a promise ring to another friend.

A promise ring can even represent a commitment to a specific concept or idea

People often wear promise rings to show a commitment to chastity, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and other perceptions of purity.

Promise rings can also represent a commitment to a career, life goal, or faith.

These are just the most common commitments promise rings to stand for, but you can give one to symbolize anything you want.

What Does A Promise Ring Look Like?

A woman's hand adorn with many different types of rings.

Promise rings have no uniform meaning, so they have no set design.

Traditionally, engraved or acrostic rings are used, but if you don’t feel they best represent your commitment, then go with a different design.

If you feel that a stone set ring, inlaid ring, or gem-less ring, better suits your promise, and looks better on the hand of the wearer, then it’s safe to purchase that instead.

Who said it even has to be a ring?

A pendant or bracelet is arguably easier to see, and if it better suits the wearer, they’ll be more likely to wear it.

If you can’t find something that perfectly represents the promise, then you can even make a custom ring.

Again, as long as it complements the wearer’s style, you really can’t go wrong.

What Happens to A Promise Ring If You Break Up or Don’t Keep the Promise?

Personally, I think it’s a little early in this guide to be asking this question.

But, if breaking up or neglecting the promise is a serious concern, then you probably shouldn’t buy a promise ring.

However, if worse comes to worst, no one said you couldn’t return or sell the ring.

If you’d prefer to return the ring, then that depends on the vendor.

Know the vendor’s return policy before you put any money down if you think this might be an issue.

Titanium style

Who Gives Promise Rings?

Anyone can give a promise ring.

If you’re a parent, you can give a promise ring to your child.

A man can give a promise ring to their male and female friends, and the same goes for women.

If you’re a woman in a heterosexual relationship, and really want to give your partner a promise ring, go right ahead.

You don’t have to wait for your man to give you a promise, (not that you needed anyone to tell you that.)

You can even give yourself a ring if you really want to.

Commitment doesn’t discriminate, and neither do promise rings.

Who Wears Promise Rings?

Anyone can give a promise ring, so anyone can also wear a promise ring.

If the commitment is between two people, then both parties can wear a promise ring.

If the promise ring represents a one-sided commitment, then having one person wear the ring is also fine.

Where Can You Get A Promise Ring?

The Titanium Infinity Ring with Brushed Center and polished sides from Titanium Style

Getting a promise ring is much easier than you might think.

Since a promise ring can be whatever style of ring you want, you can get one wherever rings are sold.

You can get a ring in a store, or if you already know the wearer’s ring size, then you can buy one online.

In fact, if you’re ready to browse rings right now, our collection of titanium rings makes the perfect symbol of a long-lasting, unbreakable promise.

Shop now! By clicking the link

Why Do People Give Promise Rings?

People give promise rings because they want a tangible representation of a commitment.

A promise ring gives that commitment to physical weight.

It’s not just a thought or an idea you hold in your heart, but something real that you can touch and hold in your hand.

A promise ring is a great way to remind yourself of that commitment and share it with others.

When Should You Give Someone A Promise Ring?

A person holding a small box wrapped in red holiday wrapping paper.

When to give someone a promise ring depends on your relationship with the person you’re giving it to.

There aren’t specific dates or events reserved for giving promise rings.

An anniversary, holiday, or birthday is no better than a brisk Tuesday afternoon.

As long it makes sense to you, the person receiving it, and you’ve both discussed it beforehand, you can give a promising ring at any time.

You don’t want to explain to someone why their promise ring isn’t an engagement ring.

Yikes.

Makes sure both people understand your intentions before buying a promise ring.

Which Finger Do Promise Rings Go On?

Unlike an engagement ring or a wedding band, there’s no finger reserved for promise rings.

So technically you can wear it on any finger you want, (though personally I find a thumb ring is a little odd.)

However, other people can misinterpret its meaning depending on what finger it’s on.

If a promise ring is not a pre-engagement ring, but it still represents a commitment, then try wearing it on the ring finger of your right hand.

If a promise ring is not a pre-engagement ring but is still for a romantic partner, then try wearing it on the ring finger of the right hand.

That way, family and friends of the wearer won’t be asking them, “Why isn’t it an engagement ring?” a situation you’d really rather avoid.

How Much Does A Promise Ring Cost?

Many different sizes of rings, colored gold and silver.

If you’ve read our article on How to Save Money on a Custom Engagement Ring,” then you’ll know that many of those same tactics apply to promise rings. 

For example, you shouldn’t feel pressured, by anyone other than your fiancé, to spend two months’ salary on an engagement ring.

So, a promise ring shouldn’t even be close to that cost.

For example, our classic titanium rings are priced between $100 and $250, plenty for a promise ring.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about damaging the ring thanks to titanium’s extreme durability.

Which is perfect for symbolizing your unbreakable bond.

A custom design will cost you more wherever you shop, but you’ll be creating something of greater personal value.

But I digress.

Since they can be any ring, a promise ring should cost whatever best represents your promise, within your budget. 

If the whole reason you’re getting a promise ring instead of an engagement ring is that you can’t afford one, don’t spend money that should be going towards that ring.

How Do You Give Someone A Promise Ring?

How you give someone a promise ring depends on your promise.

Some people like to have small ceremonies and say a few personal words if they’re giving a pre-engagement ring.

But, it doesn’t have to be the spectacle that’s often associated with proposals.

If your ring doesn’t have anything to do with a romantic relationship, then you can give it however you like.

Try going out to eat or spending the day with them.

It’s completely dependent on the ring’s meaning and the person receiving it.

If You Liked It, Then We Hope You Put A Ring On It.

So, we’ve just discussed 12 of the most frequently asked questions about Promise Rings.

Now, it’s your turn.

Hopefully, we’ve answered your questions, but if we haven’t let us know. We’ll add your question to our guide with its answer, and continue to grow this resource.

Let us know in the comments below!


Resources:

Brilliance, The Knot, Love to Know, Petra Gems.