No one can deny the power of a promise. Whether it’s a simple “I promise” whisper or an elaborate vow that’s given in front of a gathering of witnesses, a promise carries weight and holds a link to our deepest emotions. For the most important promises, it can often feel like that bond is tangible, material even. This is why exchanging promise rings is a timeless practice that couples use to symbolize their love and commitment.
Commitment rings, also known as relationship rings, couple rings set, pair rings, or promise rings, are a type of jewelry that is given by a person to someone special and important in their life, symbolizing a commitment of some kind. They may signify an engagement, a pledge of fidelity, an agreement to marry, and more. Regardless of the exact meaning of the promise, when two people decide to exchange promise rings, they’re pledging their commitment to one another.
What Is the History of Relationship Promise Rings?
The tradition of exchanging relationship promise rings has been around for centuries—it has origins in ancient history and in the myths and customs of many different cultures.
The Romans used couples’ rings, commitment rings, promise rings – elleroses to signify loyalty and faithfulness. The rings were ceremoniously exchanged between couples meant to honor the love between them. As Christianity spread, exchanging promise rings became an even more formalized tradition. Couples could wear rings as a visible indication of their commitment.
In 16th century Great Britain, promise rings gained notoriety when King Henry VIII commission some for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The rings were often designed with two hands holding a single heart, or paired with poetic proverbs such as “The presence of absence.” During the Victorian Era, rings were joined with the engraved message “regards” on one side and the couple’s initials on the other.
The tradition of exchanging promise rings in modern engagements also stemmed largely from the 16th century. In the United States, promise rings used to denote a commitment to marriage were popular in the 1920s. Since then, the tradition has grown and evolved, and promise rings of all sorts can be seen as symbols of devotion and appreciation in all kinds of relationships.
What Do Relationship Promise Rings Mean?
These days, couples may exchange rings for a variety of different reasons. It could be as a physical manifestation of an agreement fidelity, a sign of committed love or simply as a symbol of appreciation and respect. Ultimately, the understanding between the two people is the only thing that matters.
For some couples, a promise ring might represent a commitment to marrying someday in the future—but for others, a promise ring is a pledge to love and respect one another, no matter what the future may bring. A promise ring might also be a way to express gratitude between close partners or to make up for a lapse in trust.
What Do Couples Wear On the Ring Finger?
The most common place for a couple to wear their rings is on the ring finger of the left hand. It doesn’t matter which hand the ring is worn on—what matters is the significance of the ring and what it stands for in the relationship.
Generally, people wear their commitment rings on the same finger and hand as their wedding ring. This tradition is considered a sign of respect for the wedding vows that a couple has made to one another. Many couples also choose to wear their rings on the same finger as a sign of unity and potential marriage goals.
What Types of Relationship Promise Rings Are Popular?
When it comes to picking the perfect ring for your special someone, there are plenty of ways to customize the perfect piece to show your commitment.
Couple Rings Set
These matching couples’ rings are sleek and stylish. This type of ring comes in a set of two, with both rings being almost identical in design. Depending on the couple’s preference, the rings could also have subtle differences that could denote who is giving or receiving the ring, or simply symbolize how unique each of the two people in the relationship is.
Commitment Rings
Commitment Rings come in a variety of styles and shapes. Generally, these types of rings are designed to have some kind of inscription, either inside or outside of the band. Popular inscriptions used for commitment rings are a couple’s initials, simple messages such as “trust” or “forever”, or bible verses that embody the commitment of the relationship.
Pair Rings
Pair rings, also known as His & Her rings, are an easy and hassle-free way to gift your special someone a commitment ring. These type of rings come in sets and are usually designed to be a matching pair. They’re popular among couples who want to show their commitment to each other or reaffirm their promises of fidelity in a more subtle and trendy fashion.
Relationship Rings
Relationship rings make for a perfect way to commemorate the start of a new relationship. These types of rings emphasize the youthful love and commitment that couples have for each other and they’re usually designed with a sleek and stylish aesthetic.
How to Choose the Perfect Relationship Promise Ring
Choosing a relationship promise ring can be a daunting task. After all, this piece of jewelry is meant to signify a special bond between two people who love each other, and the ring must be an expression of that bond in some way.
It’s important that the couple take their time to find the ring that is right for them. To get started, the couple should think about what type of ring they’d like and the message they want to communicate. They should also consider things such as material, design, gemstones, and budget.
The couple should also be sure to pick a ring that suits the style and taste of the recipient. A good way to gauge this is by looking at their other pieces of jewelry to determine what type of metals, gemstones, and styles they typically wear.
The Promise of Forever: Why Relationship Promise Rings Matter
In a world full of fleeting connections and ever-changing lifestyles, relationship promise rings are a reminder of the promises made between two people who have decided to share in each other’s lives. Through a simple gesture, couples can honor and celebrate their commitments to one another.
No matter the type or style of the ring, relationship promise rings are symbols of devotion, love, and respect. By exchanging one, couples can signify not only their commitment to each other, but also to the journey of life they will embark on as a team. Above all, relationship promise rings are symbols of a commitment that will last forever.