You’ve been saving your heart for the one you love. But for one reason or another, you’re not ready to tie the knot. Don’t let your special someone slip away! Express your love with a beautiful promise ring, and we’re here to tell you more about it!

What is a Promise Ring?

If you’re getting a little confused with the different pieces of wedding-related jewelry, we don’t blame you. There are wedding rings and engagement rings. Now, promise rings have been thrown into the mix! So, let’s clarify a few things.

A promise ring is NOT the same as an engagement ring. You typically give this type of ring to show your partner that you’re committed to your relationship. Think of it as a symbol of your transition from casual dating to serious couple.

Unlike proposals – which often turn into epic, romantic gestures – promise rings can simply be given as birthday or Valentine’s Day gifts. You can then use the opportunity to discuss your future together. Sometimes, a promise band serves as a precursor to an engagement ring. But if you and your partner don’t want to officially exchange vows, a promise ring can act as that bond.

*Pro Tip: These bands are fashionable for men and women, so both of you could show your commitment to each other!

History of Promise Rings

Certain celebrities, like Liam Hemsworth, have popularized promise rings in recent years, but the concept has existed for much longer. Ancient Roman brides reportedly received similar rings as early as the second century BCE. And many centuries later, during the Late Middle Ages, men often gave “posy rings” to those they hoped to marry. These cherished pieces typically featured engraved romantic phrases on the inside of the bands.

By the 1700s, promise rings became even more elaborate when colorful acrostic rings were introduced. The bands carried a special meaning, as the first letter of the gems’ names communicated a hidden message. For example, a row of diamonds, emeralds, amethyst, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and tourmaline would spell “dearest” for the recipient.

Popular Promise Ring Styles

You should ultimately choose a promise ring that suits your partner’s lifestyle and sense of fashion. Here’s some inspiration to get you started!

● Keep it small: If you’re planning on getting engaged, jewelry experts agree that your promise ring

should be fairly simple and small. You wouldn’t want it to compete with a show-stopping engagement ring! Consider 0.25 carats as a max stone size!

● Personalize with a birthstone: A “simple” ring doesn’t have to be boring. Add your partner’s birthstone for a pop of color! They’ll cherish your piece even more.

● Literally show your love: Heart motifs, infinity symbols and even engraved messages are great ways to tell your special someone how much they mean. If you’re Irish at heart, you can opt for a Claddagh ring!

● Make it a cluster: Group multiple gemstones together, so your ring can sparkle as much as they do. Just remember to save some of that shimmer for the actual engagement ring!

So, how much should you spend on a promise ring? Jewelers recommend spending less than $2,000, so you could save up for an engagement ring and other wedding-related expenses. But you should determine what works best for your budget. You can find promise rings at Gage Diamonds for as low as $600.

And how does one wear such a ring? That’s also up to you! Some people slip it on their left hand and switch it to their right hand when they get engaged. Others keep it on their left hand and simply stack additional rings on top. Some even thread the ring through a chain and wear it as a necklace! So, have fun and make your own fashion statement!

Have a question? We can help!

Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a gorgeous selection of promise rings.

We’re committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our website or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.

We offer no-credit-needed financing – feel free to apply and get your approval within 24 hours!

Pay over time, because love shouldn’t wait.