Promise ring vs engagement ring
Two rings that are part of a couple’s history and represent some of the most beautiful and meaningful memories in the life of a relationship.
Based on their importance this time we would like to talk about this pair of rings, their meanings and differences.
So… is promise ring the same as engagement?
The simple version is NO and why? let’s find it out together.
Meaning of a promise ring
Promise rings are the jewelry given as a symbol of an engagement. Understanding commitment as synonymous with an oath or a special vow that has an important value for both of you.
Although these rings strengthen relationships in some way, they do not necessarily have to lead to marriage as they can be shared among relatives and friends with a very intimate relationship.
Since their meaning is open-ended, they are given for multiple reasons. The most common are:
1. Values: they can recall important values that two people share, such as their religious affiliation, brotherhood or heritage.
2. Wishes: As a way of symbolizing that as long as the other person wears their ring they will always have good fortune, protection or feel accompanied.
3. Individual Commitments: As a way of symbolizing that as long as the person wears it they will be faithful, not lie or do things that hurt others.
4. Chastity: One of the most popular ways to wear them is as a synonym for fidelity and chastity between two people who are not yet ready for marriage, but respect what they have.
5. Promises: as the name suggests, they are perfect for making promises and covenants with a person, honoring them and remembering them whenever they are worn.
Promise rings can be worn individually and in pairs, by both men and women.
Meaning of an engagement ring
An engagement ring has no freedom of interpretation, it universally symbolizes the promise between two people to get married soon. This ring is usually accompanied by wedding preparations and the change of status of a relationship: from temporary to, potentially, just forever.
Previously, engagement rings were given by men to ladies when they were asked in marriage agreed with parents, as a way of showing economic power.
Fortunately, these gender roles have been forgotten and beautiful engagement rings have become symbols of love and togetherness in couples.
Difference between promise ring vs engagement ring
Despite the similarities that these two beautiful and meaningful pieces of jewelry may have, there are key differences that you should handle if you plan to give one of them to your partner (or if you have received one) and don’t quite understand which one it should be.
The Intention
The easiest way to decide between engagement vs promise ring is to know the intention with which you are giving it as a gift. An engagement ring expresses the desire to get married soon. When it comes to marriage, it is only offered to a romantic partner.
Promise rings can mean a thousand things, you could give one to your daughter as a sign that you will be there to protect her always, or to your partner to promise to be faithful (even if you don’t plan to get married soon).
Timing
A promise ring can be given at any time, especially on commemorative dates, such as a birthday or when one of you is going on a long trip.
Engagement rings represent a marriage proposal and usually come with elaborate settings full of romance.
The Style
Although, like few, we understand that an engagement ring can have an unlimited amount of styles or designs, traditionally, they reference a band of precious metal such as gold and next to a central diamond.
Promise rings tend to be more colorful, with sparkling natural gemstones and custom ideas, such as eternity bands, bold or stackable styles.
Promise ring vs Engagement ring vs Wedding ring?
If we establish a general pattern, it is true that a promise ring can lead to marriage, but in the distant future, so they are safe symbols when you want to take the relationship to the next level, but not so much as far as engagement.
In order of importance, promise rings come first, as a gesture of innocent love, followed some time later by the engagement ring to preface the wedding preparations and finally the wedding ring.
Despite their differences, both are symbolic proposals
By knowing the meaning and context of each ring, you are sure to be able to skillfully identify the winning choice between the promise ring vs. proposal ring, for the current level of your relationship.
However, it never hurts to be clear with your partner when giving them a ring, always emphasizing what the gesture means to you, so as not to send the wrong message.
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