Pre-engagement ring
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A promise ring is a ring that is indicative of a serious promise made to oneself or another. In most cases, it's given to a romantic partner to signify a commitment to a monogamous relationship, sometimes as a precursor to an engagement ring. Students sometimes use class rings as promise rings, although this may be less common than in the past.[citation needed] A friend may also bestow a promise ring to another friend to signify their loyalty and/or resolve to remain friends forever.[citation needed] In other cases, a promise ring may just be purchased for oneself as a reminder of a personal promise.[citation needed] Promise rings can be worn on any finger, but those symbolizing pre-engagement are generally worn on the left ring finger.
Promise Rings: When two people commit to each other and know they are destined to be with each other for all eternity they offer a promise ring to prove their commitment to lifelong love and devotion to each other. It is used as a prelude to marriage. There are many different promise ring styles:
White Gold Promise Rings
Diamond Promise Rings
Yellow Gold Promise Rings
Solid 14K designs
Many designs contain the heart symbol and it is symbolic in that the lover dedicates their heart to being with each other. Sterling silver promise rings are also given when the purchaser is unable to afford the precious syles and genuine diamonds.
Other designs don't necessarily contain hearts. They are usually simplistic in design and may have diamonds. Many use 3 stone diamond rings (usually smaller in stone size than the engagement three stone) or another classic design.
Promise rings date back to the 16th century. They were also known as friendship rings and illustrations show these rings (as early as 1576AD). Back in the day, when a man could not afford to get married as the social structure of marriage was forbidding, they would buy a promise ring as a placeholder until such time they would be able to effectuate a marriage.
During the 20th century, in some instances women would offer men's promise rings to their man because, at the time, he was unable to commission to be wed. It was generally a surprise offering and was something the man could accept or deny.
Tradition generally holds that these rings were given by younger couples. This was usually the case because it was normal for the young couple not to have a wealth position that would allow for marriage and children. Nowadays anyone can give a promise ring, regardless of wealth or social status.
References:
Ades, Michael "Beautiful Promise Rings" A True Love Commitment Spring 2002