Promise Rings: Types, Best Metals, and How to Choose

A promise ring is a piece of jewelry that represents a commitment, promise, or devotion between a couple. The specific meaning of the gift varies depending on the relationship. A promise ring is not specifically used to show an intent to marry or after marriage. It primarily signifies a serious relationship and a promise. An engagement ring is used to formally propose marriage, and a wedding ring is exchanged in the wedding ceremony after making vows and commitments. Apart from the romantic contexts, it is also used to signify friendship or shared goals in the future. 

The tradition of gifting promise rings can be traced back to the Ancient Roman culture. The Romans used anulus pronubus, or betrothal rings, to show marriage intentions in the future. Posy or poesie rings were popular in England and France in the 16th to 17th centuries. The people used to personalize the rings with a specific poem engraving. Modern people are utilizing those old traditions with contemporary interpretations to make the rings more symbolic and meaningful.

What Are the Different Types of Promise Rings?

Here are the seven different types of promise rings:

1. Simple Bands: These rings are crafted from various metals such as gold, platinum, and sterling silver. The designs are simple and elegant, and are best for those who prefer intricate options. Yellow, white gold, platinum, or sterling silver is mostly used in these designs for durability. 
2. Diamond Promise Rings: A diamond or cluster of stones in the center of a band signifies more modesty. These diamonds are not like the solitaire engagement ring. Diamond promise rings represent an everlasting commitment. 
3. Gemstone Promise Rings: Colored stones are the best alternative to diamonds to add a personal touch. For example, a blue sapphire represents loyalty and trust, while the red ruby shows passion and symbolizes vibrant love. 
4. Heart-Shaped Promise Rings: The heart-shaped bands clearly show the affection for a person, and a deep emotional connection is a bond. The heart shape makes the moment unforgettable and special. Birthstones, diamonds, or sapphires are used in their designs to make them feel special. 
5. Infinity Rings: The infinity symbol shows long-lasting love and devotion in a relationship. It symbolizes the bond that has no beginning or end; it can be incorporated into the band or serve as its counterpart. These rings are traditionally designed with silver or gold.
6. Matching Couple Promise Rings: Identical and coordinated rings are designed to show unity and equality between the two. These designs can be simple or complex, yet are complementary. These are available in gold, tungsten carbide, or sterling silver. 
7. Engraved Promise Rings: The promise ring can also be engraved with initials, special phrases, or other symbolic date or message. The engraving can be done on metals with a hand or a laser. 

What Are the Best Metals for Promise Rings?

Here are the five best metals for promise rings:

1. Gold (Yellow, White, Rose): Gold is commonly used for its lasting warmth and richness in its color. The gold is combined with other metals to make it durable and usable in daily routine. Yellow gold is made up of copper and silver metals, along with gold, which provides it with the strength to withstand daily conditions. White gold is plated with rhodium to provide it with the characteristic white color. Rose gold is a stylish blend of gold and copper, which features a warm pink tone that becomes richer with time.
2. Sterling Silver: It is an affordable and beautiful option for promise rings. Silver requires regular maintenance to maintain its shine, as it can tarnish in the air or in moisture. This meta is prone to denting and scratches due to its softness. 
3. Platinum: This metal is known for its durability with long-term quality maintenance. Platinum is hypoallergenic; it develops a layer of patina with time that can be polished away from a jeweler. It is expensive than gold and silver and also denser than other metals.
4. Titanium or Tungsten: Titanium is also a dense yet lightweight metal, gunmetal gray in color. It is highly resistant to corrosion, which makes it durable and hypoallergenic. Tungsten is the hardest metal and also scratch-proof. It requires minimal maintenance to preserve its shine. 
5. Mixed Metals: Mixed-metal rings are a modern and chic choice. The jeweler combines two or more metals to produce a bold and distinctive contrast. It symbolizes two unique personalities living together. 

What Are the Most Popular Gemstones for Promise Rings?

1. Diamond: It clearly represents the intent of a person and is a sign of an unbreakable bond. They are ranked at 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them resistant to scratches and ideal for daily wear. It is available in different styles, which include pavé, solitaire, and tree-stone design. 
2. Sapphire: It is the best alternative to diamond, blue in color. Sapphire represents loyalty and sincerity in a relationship. They scale 9 on the Mohs scale for durability. 
3. Ruby: The ruby is also known as the king of gemstones, representing courage and passion. It also ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes it usable in daily life. 
4. Emerald: The emerald ranks 7-8.5 on the Mohs scale, yet the bezel settings can save the stone from impacts. The green color of the stone indicates growth and harmony. 
5. Amethyst: The purple color of the amethyst signifies royalty, and it is a symbol of emotional balance and peace. It is a budget-friendly option compared to diamonds and rubies.  
6. Birthstones: These rings are customized with the birthday month of the wearer. Adding a birthstone to a promise ring gives it a personal and meaningful touch, with each month's gem holding its own special symbolism. 

When Should You Give a Promise Ring?

The promise rings are gifted on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or in long-distance relationships. These rings are also presented before engagement to show the intent of engagement or marriage in the future. People also present these gifts to their friends or fellows to symbolize trust and loyalty. Modern individuals buy a promise ring for themselves as a symbol of a personal commitment or vow.

How to Choose the Right Promise Ring for Your Relationship?

Here are the five best ways to choose a suitable promise ring for your partner:

1. Understand the Meaning: Clear the purpose of giving the promise ring before choosing the ring. The ring can be a sign of monogamy, a pre-engagement token, long-distance commitment, or a vow to family members or personal commitment. 
2. Reflect Your Partner’s Style: Choose the jewelry in accordance with your partner’s style. They can opt for simple, modern, vintage-styled, or understated. Consider visiting their social media accounts to better understand their preferences. 
3. Select a Symbolic Design: Prefer choosing a symbolic sign to show the motive of the ring. Commonly used symbols are knots, infinity, hearts, three-stone rings, interlocking circles, and birthstones.
4. Consider Budget and Material: Emotions make things special, not the budget. Go for high-quality at an affordable budget. Sterling silver is affordable compared to other metals, and the sapphire, moissanite, and amethyst are beautiful like diamonds for a lesser amount. 
5. Think Long-Term: Select a ring that complements the wearer’s everyday lifestyle. A person with an active lifestyle needs a plain and durable ring to carry in their daily routine. 

What Are Unique Ways to Personalize a Promise Ring?

Hand or laser engravings are used to add hidden quotes, coordinates, or initials in the rings that are visible to the wearer. These engravings add a personal touch, maintaining the original structure and style. Customize the band with birthday dates or other symbols. Blending two or more metals creates a stunning ring that beautifully symbolizes the union of two lives. Custom shapes like a lock or a key, or puzzle pieces, are also common in this age, in which one person wears the lock and another wears the key. Contact an ethical jeweler to design a personalized ring with care.

How to Care for Your Promise Ring

Cleaning the jewelry periodically removes the trapped dust and oil residues. A mild solution using a soap and warm water is prepared to soak the ring for 15-20 minutes. Scrub the rig and wash it with warm water, dry it using a lint-free microfiber cloth, as the towel can cause scratches. Store it in its specific box to avoid scratches and also avoid contact with chemicals or perfumes. Prefer scheduling professional cleaning yearly or after 6 months to maintain its shine. Regularly check the setting of the stone to avoid losing it.