Part of: Art Deco engagement rings
A promise ring is a ring given as a sign of commitment, often before an engagement, but it can mark any promise: faithfulness, a future together, or simply a close bond. There are no fixed rules. By custom it is worn on the ring finger of the right hand, or on the left hand until an engagement ring takes its place, and it is usually simpler than an engagement ring. The idea is old: posy rings, fede rings, gimmel rings and acrostic rings were all given as tokens of love and promise long before the term "promise ring" was used.
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What does a promise ring mean?
A promise ring says that a relationship is serious. For many couples it is a step before engagement; for others it marks a commitment that does not lead to marriage, such as a promise to stay together through distance. Promise rings are also given between friends, and as purity or personal promise rings.
Promise ring rules and etiquette
There are no formal rules, but a few customs help:
- Agree on the meaning. Make sure both of you understand what the ring stands for.
- Choose the hand. The right-hand ring finger avoids any confusion with an engagement ring.
- Keep it distinct. Most promise rings are simpler than an engagement ring and are not a large solitaire diamond.
- Pick the moment. Birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day are popular; a quiet private moment works just as well.
- When you get engaged. The promise ring can move to the other hand, be worn on a chain, or be stacked with the engagement ring.
Which finger does a promise ring go on?
- Right hand, ring finger
- What it says
- The most common choice; keeps the left hand free for an engagement ring
- Left hand, ring finger
- What it says
- A romantic commitment, until an engagement ring is given
- Another finger
- What it says
- A personal or friendship promise
- On a chain
- What it says
- Where rings cannot be worn at work, or to keep it close
The history of promise rings
- Fede rings. Two clasped hands, a Roman design revived in medieval and later Europe, symbolising faith and trust.
- Gimmel rings. Two or three interlocking hoops that fit together as one ring, popular in the 1500s and 1600s.
- Posy rings. Gold bands engraved with a short verse or motto, usually on the inside, given from the late Middle Ages to the 1700s.
- Acrostic rings. Georgian and Victorian rings set with stones whose initials spell a word, such as REGARD (ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, diamond) or DEAREST.
- Toi et moi. "You and me": two stones side by side, a style famously given by Napoleon to Josephine in 1796.
- Hearts and knots. Heart, lovers’ knot and forget-me-not motifs were all popular in sentimental jewellery.
Choosing a promise ring
0 of 2 checked
1Antique and vintage rings make meaningful promise
Antique and vintage rings make meaningful promise rings: a Victorian gem-set band, a Georgian posy ring, a toi et moi ring or a simple gold ring with a small stone.
2Consider the wearer's ring size (UK
Consider the wearer’s ring size (UK, US and EU sizes differ), metal and daily wear.
Have an antique or designer ring to sell? Send clear photographs of the ring, the inside of the band and any marks for a free, honest check.
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What makes an antique ring valuable?
The maker and marks, the metal, the stones (type, size and quality), the period and design, any inscription, the condition and any original box or certificate. We never publish figures; every piece is different.
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How selling works
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Paid the same day after inspection
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Questions people ask
What are the rules for a promise ring?
There are no fixed rules. Agree on what it means, wear it on the right-hand ring finger or the left until an engagement, and keep it distinct from an engagement ring.
What hand does a promise ring go on?
Most often the right-hand ring finger; some wear it on the left-hand ring finger until they are engaged.
What does a promise ring mean?
A sign of commitment, often before an engagement, or a promise of faithfulness, friendship or a future together.
What happens to a promise ring after engagement?
It can move to the right hand, be worn on a chain, or be stacked with the engagement ring.
Can a promise ring be a diamond?
Yes, though most are simpler than an engagement ring, with a small stone or none, so the two are not confused.
What is a posy ring?
A gold band engraved with a short verse, usually inside, given as a token of love from the late Middle Ages to the 1700s.
Related guides
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