They’ve been seen on everyone from Jennifer Anniston and her former husband Justin Theroux to Harry and Meghan and it appears as though promise rings are very much making a comeback. An old tradition that dates back to the Roman era where the men would gift the women in their life plain rings to symbolise betrothment, the art of exchanging promise rings is seemingly getting a new lease on life with many modern couples now eager to sport this very significant item of jewellery.
While some are exchanging the promise rings as a precursor to engagement rings and then eventually wedding rings, others are wearing these them and entirely forgoing bridal jewellery as well as the idea of marriage altogether. Whatever your reason may be for rocking a promise ring, you cannot deny that it is a beautiful way to highlight the love and commitment you and your partner have for one another.
So, what should a promise ring look like? Read on to find out everything you need to know about picking the perfect one.
Overview:
- What Should A Promise Ring Look Like?
- The History Of Promise Rings
- A Guide To Our Favourite Promise Rings
What Should A Promise Ring Look Like?
Much like how the meaning behind them can vary from couple to couple, so can the design. While some will opt for elegant diamond rings, others will opt for a timeless yet slightly more affordable cubic zirconia ring. There are even couples that will choose something with gemstones, while many will even void stones altogether for a simple silver or gold ring with a meaningful quote or word embossed on it. But while the rules around what a promise ring should like are pretty lenient, that isn’t to say that couples haven’t adopted an invisible style guide for these rings. Particularly, if you and your person do eventually plan on introducing a diamond engagement ring to your repertoire.
Traditionally, promise rings will not only be a lot smaller than bridal sets but also a lot more understated and less extravagant. Generally, the diamonds and gemstones will be a lot smaller than what is typically set onto an engagement ring and will often be arranged in a cluster, taper, pave or channel design rather than a solitaire. Often promise rings will combine gemstones and diamonds, however, they will usually feature stones that are less prominent than gemstone engagement ring designs. Aquamarine rings are a hugely popular choice for promise rings due to their similar appearance to diamonds, as are morganite rings.
As the unofficial Queen of the Gems, pearl jewellery is also a super popular choice. Many promise rings will also mimic the design of traditional diamond solitaire engagement rings with a smaller diamond or a cubic zirconia stone in place of a larger diamond. Those with an interest in vintage styles will often go with antique-style silver rings or even Claddagh rings, a traditional Irish design adorned with a heart held by two hands and a crown representing love, loyalty and friendship.
The History Of Promise Rings
History has also dictated what a promise ring should look like. While the concept behind promise rings dates back to the days of Ancient Rome, the idea really took off following the start of the 14th century. During this era, women would sport band rings crafted from yellow gold known as posy rings to symbolise the affection they have for their lovers. These rings would often be engraved with short poetic messages that were often written in French or Latin. Throughout the 19th century, aristocrats would be given gemstone rings by their partners that affectionately spelt out words such as “regard” and “dearest".
By the 20th century, the popularity of promise rings would slightly wane a little. This was largely in part to the rise in the popularity of diamond and round engagement rings, which famously skyrocketed following the release of an iconic De Beers advert in the early 1950s that coined the term “diamonds are forever”. However, by the turn of the millennium, promise rings had their moment in the sun again as many modern couples shunned tradition by getting married and having children later than their parents and grandparents, or more drastically, completely discarding the idea of marriage. Much like the engagement ring, promise ring styles have evolved to become more fluid in the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. One element that has always remained a constant thread weaved throughout history, however, is that promise rings have always been subtler than wedding, engagement and even eternity rings.
A Guide To Our Favourite Promise Rings
From dainty infinity designs all the way to grand coloured diamond rings and even men’s rings, there is certainly no shortage of stylish and elegant promise rings in Shiels’ burgeoning collection. These are a few of our favourites that may just help you find the answer to what should a promise ring look like.
9ct Yellow Gold Ring With 21 Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Crafted from luxurious 9ct yellow gold and embellished with 21 brilliant cut diamonds that are arranged into a stylish square shape, this gold piece has a great deal of character about it. With its timeless twist setting, there is a slight vintage appeal about this gold diamond ring and so it may just be perfect for that special person in your life who is a bit of an old soul.
9ct Yellow Gold Ring With 21 Brilliant Cut Diamonds
$434.00
$1,334.00
Sparkle like no other with this gorgeous Gold Diamond Ring. Crafted from luxurious 9ct gold and embellished with 21 brilliant cut diamonds arranged in a vintage square shape, this ring exudes beauty, opulence and excellent taste.… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown Sterling Silver 0.10 Carat Diamond Infinity Ring
Boasting two loops that join together as one, the infinity symbol is synonymous with romance, commitment and an unbreakable bond. So it should come as no surprise that many take the opportunity to gift their partner infinity jewellery as a show of their affection, namely in the form of promise rings. Adorned with eco-friendly diamonds from the Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond range, this affordably-priced silver diamond ring is a piece that is destined for those with a laid-back almost boho chic style. You or your partner will likely take great joy in layering and stacking this piece with other silver rings.
$134.00
Infinity rings don't come more elegant than this. Adorned with 11 brilliant cut Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds, this beautifully made ring is designed for every day wear. Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds are quickly increasing in popularity as not only do… read moreLuminesce Lab Grown Sterling Silver 0.10 Carat Diamond Infinity Ring
$334.00
9ct Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl and Leaf Pattern Diamond Ring
Decorated with an elegant leaf pattern that is accentuated by yellow gold, this pearl ring has a real timeless feel, yet would probably suit the partner that likes to stray from the curve with their very eclectic style. Pearl jewellery is not only the June birthstone, but they are also a symbol of wisdom, patience and peace, traits that are arguably essential for any happy relationship. Which is more of a reason to have pearls incorporated within your promise ring.
9ct Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl and Leaf Pattern Diamond Ring
$434.00
$934.00
If you’re looking for the perfect promise ring or engagement ring for a woman who loves nature, show that you’re paying attention with this delicate ring featuring a pearl set amongst diamond leaves. The pearl glows with the warmth of… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 1/2 Carat 5 Station Diamond Ring
While pearls are regarded as the Queen of the Gems, many people believe that they don’t hold a candle to diamonds, the King of the Gems. Sure, both stones make great gifts for your partner, but the diamond is a symbol of eternal love and is therefore a pretty epic way to highlight the love and commitment that you and your partner have for one another. With that said, this elegant yellow gold diamond ring is certain to capture your partner’s heart. It may look dainty and understated, but its contemporary 5-station setting ensures that you will sparkle from all angles.
$534.00
This beautiful 9ct Yellow Gold 1/2 Carat 5 Station Diamond Ring has a unique design that you'll quickly fall in love with. Perfect when worn on the finger, the upper portion of the ring is set with a chain of… read more9ct Yellow Gold 1/2 Carat 5 Station Diamond Ring
Luminesce Lab Grown 0.15 Carat Pink Diamond Ring set in 9ct Rose Gold 6 Claw Setting
Boasting a single brilliant round cut diamond that sits on top of a playful rose gold six-prong setting, this playful pink diamond ring is destined to be on the finger of any true romantic. Another piece from the Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond range, its beautiful setting not only accentuates this rose gold ring’s flirty blush pink diamond but also embodies all the key features of a traditional diamond engagement ring. So, suffice to say this ring makes for a brilliant pre-engagement piece.
Luminesce Lab Grown 0.15 Carat Pink Diamond Ring set in 9ct Rose Gold 6 Claw Setting
$349.00
Make a subtle statement with this Luminesce Lab Grown unique 15 Point Pink Lab Grown Diamond Ring. Set in a 9ct Rose Gold, 6 Claw round setting, this ring will delight for years to come. Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds are… read more
