Promise rings and engagement rings have both been around for centuries, and if you’ve ever received either, chances are you’ll remember that day for the rest of your life!
But what are the real differences between the two, and how do you choose which one is right for you and your relationship?
The Purpose and Meaning Behind Engagement & Promise Rings
There is so much tradition and history behind the symbols and rituals surrounding our romantic relationships for both types of rings. Here are the highlights.
Engagement rings are given as a symbol of your serious and usually imminent intentions to get married to the person that you are giving it to. Engagement rings are a physical token of not only your intentions but your ability to follow through with not only your proposal but the marriage that is sure to follow for all the world to see!
A promise ring is generally given as a symbol of mutual affection, with the intent to get engaged down the road. While promise rings don’t always have to carry this meaning, traditionally they are viewed as the first step towards betrothal and your happily ever after! A promise ring is a promise to not only continue to love the person you gave it to, but keep moving forward and get engaged when the timing is right.
Learn more about Promise Rings >
Differences in Design and Stones Between Promise & Engagement Rings
Promise rings are generally less extravagant than engagement rings. They may have a small diamond, or a few small ones, or sport precious or semi-precious stones. While often a single band, they can be more ornate with a twisted, or overlapped design. The sky is truly the limit, and promise rings can be custom-designed and made as well.
Engagement rings, while enjoying a period of more creativity than ever before, are more likely to sport a traditional, eye-catching look incorporating larger diamonds or stones. There are many different settings and band materials to suit your fancy and your budget, but classic looks are still enjoying a lot of popularity, in addition to vintage.
How Promise Rings & Engagement Rings are Given
There is a lot of tradition, fanfare, romance, and expectations behind the presentation of an engagement ring. After all, you are making a commitment to get married! The perfect moment, the perfect location, on bended knee….you get the idea.
Promise rings are a little more forgiving when it comes to expectations. A promise ring still signifies a commitment, but in contrast, it can be a commitment for things to stay exactly the same, or for things to change at some point in the future. Therefore, there isn’t as much pressure, and you can give and receive a promise ring with less formality in general.
How Engagement & Promise Rings are Worn
Engagement rings have traditionally been worn on the ring finger of the left hand for millennia, and this tradition lives on into the present day. Engagement rings can be a stand-alone piece that either only comes out for special occasions after the wedding ceremony, or they can be a part of a bridal set, fused to the wedding band for eternity, stacked, or worn on a different finger however if one so chooses.
Promise rings are also typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand, but they can also be worn on a different finger, or a different finger on a different hand as well. Some may choose to incorporate their promise rings into their engagement or bridal set when their proposal or wedding day comes, or in any way one likes! Promise rings are very versatile in this way.
Learn more about ring placement meanings >
The Price Difference Between Promise Rings & Engagement Rings
You’ve probably heard the old adage, that a “proper” engagement ring should cost you two months’ salary. While this is still respected advice, it varies all over the spectrum these days with many people choosing to spend much less, and others deciding to spend much more!
This being said, a promise ring is expected to cost far less than an engagement ring in general, and this is also a part of its appeal. You can spend a few hundred, or a few thousand, and have a piece that fits perfectly into your love story, no matter how it unfolds!
The right amount to spend on either an engagement ring or a promise ring is the amount that makes sense for your life, your partner, and your budget!
Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or a promise ring, we have a delightful and moving collection of both, ready to share with the love of your life.
Stop into one of our convenient locations in Huntsville, AL, Florence, AL, or Franklin, TN (just outside of Nashville) to get one-on-one help from our experienced team at Grogan Jewelers! You can also browse our online selection of promise rings or engagement rings anytime and anywhere.