Typically, a promise ring is given as a pre-engagement ring. You may be sure this person is right for you, though you are not quite ready for engagement, which is an excellent opportunity to give a promise ring. It expresses a similar commitment to an engagement ring without all the ties that come with being engaged.
An engagement is a solemn commitment and may sometimes be too official a step for a young couple to make. Yet, at the same time, if a man and woman are in a serious relationship that both want to one day lead to marriage, merely being boyfriend and girlfriend may be far from enough. Enter the promise ring, also sometimes referred to as a pre-engagement ring. This ring's purpose is less of a commitment than an official wedding jewelry piece (like the engagement ring). Instead, it is a severe pledge and earnest promise that the relationship is headed toward engagement in the (near) future.
There are many situations in which a promise ring might be in order. It can be a fantastic way for a very young couple to show that they are serious about their relationship without officially getting engaged if they feel too young. They are popular among people who travel extensively for work, such as military deployments or a long separation caused by one-half of the couple moving away to attend college. The pain of an extended separation might be eased considerably by the love and commitment implied by the ring.
Parents can also give promise rings to their children. Besides, you can use them in place of an engagement or wedding ring, given that everybody feels the need to get married and that exchanging rings can still symbolize commitment and monogamy.
While the idea of promise rings may seem new-age, they have been around for a long time.
The phrase "promise ring" is relatively new, but the concept still dates back centuries. In Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, exchanging rings in a vow of friendship or love was quite popular. The symbolic nature of a circle representing eternity and some metal symbolizing a relationship's sturdiness was always popular ways people showed their love for one another.
It is traditionally only the woman who wears a promise ring, although there is no reason the man could not have one. As for the ring itself, it is generally more straightforward than an engagement ring. A decorative band would be very appropriate for a pre-engagement ring. If the man has a unique class ring, he might have it sized down to fit his girlfriend or have a more petite replica made for her to wear. It can be any style of ring that appeals to both people, although it is common to make an effort to select a ring that does not look like an engagement ring.