Promise Rings: The Promise Ring of Today and Yesterday

Promise rings are symbolic and sentimental pieces of jewelry which are exchanged between two individuals on the basis of a particular promise which varies amongst the individuals exchanging them. This type of symbolism is evident within both past and present promise ring exchanges. This article will highlight some various aspects regarding the promise rings of today and yesterday and show why these rings are more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry.

It is interesting to note that promise rings are not recent developments in the world of jewelry. These types of rings came into existence centuries ago and have a basis that is similar to the meaning of the promise rings of today. Beginning in 16th century Europe, types of rings which are known as promise rings today were exchanged during this time period to symbolize the existence of a promise between two friends or a man and woman to show their friendship or love for one another. Friends used to exchange these rings to show how dear the other person was to them while men and women involved in a romantic relationship would exchange these rings to show love and fidelity. The promise ring was a symbol of love, honor and trust no matter whether it was exchanged between two people who were friends or two individuals who were in love. It established a special bond between the two who were lucky enough to wear these keepsake rings.

The promise rings of today share a similar meaning. Although centuries have passed since the introduction of the differently named promise ring as it is called today, promise rings are still going strong with regard to playing upon that same symbolic meaning of love, trust, and honor. There are a few different reasons why promise rings are bought by an individual and given to another to wear as a sign of something near and dear to one’s heart.

The act of abstaining from sexual relations is a popular reason for giving a promise ring to an individual. In this case it is usually given by a parent to a child who asks their child to wear the ring as a promise to themselves and their parents that they will wait until marriage to engage in sexual relations. In a seemingly more promiscuous society of today, this reason for giving the promise ring is gaining increasing speed and popularity.

The promise ring may also be exchanged between couples who are not married in order to symbolize monogamy or give the effect of a pre-engagement ring. This happens a lot with couples that are in a long distance type of relationship. In this case, both parties usually buy rings and wear them as a couple, thereby both promising to stay truthful and faithful to one another. It is a way of promising one’s heart to another without a marriage contract being in place.

Another reason why two individuals will exchange a ring known as a promise ring is to express their friendship for one another. This type of exchange may be seen between people of either gender. It is a way of saying that you will be friends forever and this is a heartfelt exchange of friendship.

The promise rings of today come in many varieties. You will find that some rings are gold, yellow or white gold, and others may be silver or platinum. They may also come as plain as you like or if flash is what you are going for, then promise rings with stones inlayed in them will definitely be more your style. Promise rings are sold with diamonds in them and other precious stones such as rubies and sapphires. Promise rings also come in different designs and the claddagh ring is one type of friendship-related promise ring. These types of promise rings also come in silver, gold or platinum, depending upon how much you are looking to spend on such a ring.

There are many different choices with regard to choosing a promise ring. You can obtain a ring in a variety of styles and choose to have added extras or keep it as simple as you like. Now that you have learned a little bit about the history and current status of the promise ring, you will be able to decide if you would like to exchange this type of ring to bring about the symbolic meaning of love, honor and/or trust. If you do choose to purchase a promise ring, you are sure to find one which fits that special person’s individual style.

Copyright © 2011 Titanium Rings Studio, Eric Pless

About Titanium Rings Studio: For 14 years Titanium Rings Studios has been
making the finest quality handmade titanium rings; Titanium Rings Studio
carries a full line of Weddding Rings, Engagement Rings, Celtic Rings,
Tension Rings, Friendship rings, as well as Titanium Bracelts.