The practice of giving a loved one or friend a promise ring is old. If you want to give someone else a promise ring, though, there are several factors you need to consider before making your purchase. Most importantly, you need to consider your budget. But how much does a promise ring usually cost?
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What are the variables that go into the cost of a promise ring? Let's consider the different factors that make up a promise ring and help you find the best piece for your budget and intentions.
How Much Does A Promise Ring Usually Cost?
As we mentioned, the price of a promise ring will depend on the make of the band and the inclusion (or lack thereof) of a gem. However, all promise rings should cost less than engagement rings. There's no need to save a significant portion of your paycheck or to go into debt for a promise ring. Instead, you'll want to keep the cost of a promise ring between $30 and $150.
That range is flexible, of course. If you want to spend more, you can. You may also find that your partner prefers a ring pop to an actual promise ring.
So keep your receiver's preferences and your own budget in mind while shopping. If you're smart, you'll find a promise ring that marries the two together.
Where Does The Practice of Exchanging Promise Rings Come From?
Giving a loved one or friend a promise ring is an old practice. We can look back to the Romans and earlier people to find examples of these types of exchanges. Roman brides, for example, would wear promise rings as pre-engagement rings, indicating to other potential suitors that they were officially off the market.
In the 16th century, English women and men alike wore posy rings. These rings would be engraved with lines from romantic poems, but they could symbolize friendly intentions as well as romantic ones. The engraved engagement and wedding rings we see today take from this rich history, although the inclusion of poetry has fallen by the wayside.
Nowadays, promise rings don't have to be serious gifts. That said, their meaning - and applicable seriousness - is entirely dependent on the giver and the recipient.
Why Should You Purchase A Promise Ring?
Promise rings are rings given with intentionality, but they don't have to reflect romantic intent. They are, in fact, fairly versatile in their meaning. At their core, though, promise rings reflect a desire to commit to something or someone. The focus of this commitment can include:
- A relationship
- The intent to marry
- A desire to abstain from something
- A desire to emphasize a bond
Before you start shopping for a promise ring, make sure you have your intentions clear in your mind. Your gift will be best received if it reflects your intentions in style.
What Are The Different Types Of Promise Rings?
You can use a promise ring to symbolize several different commitments, as can be seen in the rings' multiple variations. While shopping for a ring, you'll be able to choose from the following types:
- Pre-engagement Rings
- Purity or Promise Rings
- Abstinence Rings
- Friendship Rings
- Religious Rings
Let's take a closer look at each type.
Pre-engagement Rings
If two people believe that they will get married in the future, but they're not ready to commit to the seriousness of engagement, they may choose to exchange promise rings. Upon proper engagement, these pre-engagement rings will be set aside.
Purity or Promise Rings
If couples or friends want to abstain from something together (be that sex, alcohol consumption, etc.), they can wear mutual promise or purity rings. A parent will sometimes give her child a purity ring to encourage abstinence until marriage, but these kinds of exchanges need to be discussed to be truly meaningful and appropriate.
Abstinence Rings
Similar to promise rings, abstinence rings are worn to represent a person or couple's commitment to the rejection of alcohol, smoking, drug use, or sex, depending on their interests and preferred commitments.
Friendship Rings
While not so common anymore, friends used to exchange friendship rings, much as they do friendship necklaces now. These rings represent a commitment to one another. They can also stand for a lack of romantic interest, however, or a commitment not to fall in love with one another.
Religious Rings
Different religious organizations may also give out promise rings to newly baptized, converted, or otherwise inducted individuals. These rings are meant to represent a person's commitment to their beliefs or figureheads.
Be sure to make your intentions clear when presenting your intended recipient with a promise ring. You wouldn't want a friend, for example, to mistake a friendship ring for a pre-engagement ring - though it would make for a funny story, in the long run.
What Finger Should A Promise Ring Be Worn On?
The finger you wear your promise ring on depends on the type of promise ring being exchanged. Are you giving someone a promise ring to wear on their own, or will you wear a matching ring?
If you're not going to wear a matching ring with your recipient, then it's common for the recipient to wear her ring on whatever finger she pleases. However, if you are going to wear matching rings with your recipient, you should typically match your wearing fingers.
Friendship rings can be worn on any fingers, as can religious rings. Purity, promise, and abstinence rings are typically worn on the left ring finger. You'll frequently find pre-engagement rings on the left ring finger, too, though some wearers prefer to wear those rings on different fingers to avoid engagement confusion.
Can Men Wear Promise Rings?
Men can and are encouraged to wear promise rings if they so desire or if they receive a welcomed one from a partner. The Jonas Brothers, in their early career, all made a point of wearing promise - or purity - rings, emphasizing that there's no need for a gender divide when it comes to the kind of commitment these rings represent.
What Are Promise Rings Typically Made Of?
There are just as many variations on the make of a promise ring as there are on the ring's intentions. You'll need to choose, early in the shopping process, what kind of material you want your ring to be made out of and whether or not you want a gem included on it.
Promise ring bands are typically made of the following materials:
White Gold
To find more white gold promise rings like this, you can shop on Amazon.
Rose Gold
To find more rose gold promise rings like this, you can shop on Amazon.
Sterling Silver
To find more sterling silver rings like this, you can shop on Amazon.
Tungsten Carbide
To find more tungsten carbide promise rings like this, you can shop on Amazon.
You can also find promise rings adorned with diamonds or other gemstones. Do note, though, that promise rings shouldn't symbolize the same financial or emotional commitment as engagement or wedding rings. While you may want to treat a friend, family member, or loved one to a sweet gift, make sure you don't overwhelm them with the value of your present.
