What is a promise ring?

The story behind these romantic rings, what they mean and where to wear them.

Rings are a beautiful gift that can signify love and commitment. You may have heard about promise rings but are not quite sure what they are and where they fit in the journey of ring-giving. Our quick guide will put you in the picture of how promise rings symbolise your feelings at a particular point in your relationship.

What are promise rings, exactly?

A promise ring is a ring that’s given in a relationship, often as a sign of love and loyalty.

• Promise rings can symbolise whatever meaning the giver attributes to it – the giver can share the ‘promise’ or meaning of the ring when they present it. While in the past a promise ring may have been seen as a precursor to an engagement ring, now it can be a symbol of whatever promise you want to make to the person you’re in a relationship with.
• For one couple, a promise ring can be about the love and the faithfulness you are committed to at this point in your relationship. For another couple, a promise ring may be part of the journey towards an engagement in future, when the time and circumstances are right. It really is that individual.
• Promise rings could be given on occasions such as an anniversary of dating, when moving in together, or on a traditional gifting day such as a birthday or Valentine’s – or just whenever the time feels right!
• These rings can be worn by one partner in the relationship or exchanged so both partners wear a ring as a mutual promise.

What is a promise ring made of? 

When you come to search and shop around for the perfect promise ring, you'll find that there are many to choose from. As well as the many different types of promise rings, they can also be made from a wide range of materials.

There are diamond promise rings, promise rings made out of sterling silver, white gold, or collections dedicated to rings containing a particular type of stone.

What does a promise ring symbolise?

A promise ring symbolises whatever the giver wants it to. It could mean faithfulness, love, long-term commitment, or a first step towards engagement in the future.

That’s why we think it’s good for the giver to explain what the ring symbolises to them when they present the ring – it will make the ring more meaningful to the relationship and avoid any misunderstandings. Or if both partners in the relationship are planning on wearing promise rings, you can decide together what they mean to you both before gifting them to each other.

How much are promise rings?

How much a promise ring costs is very variable. Promise rings are usually not as expensive as engagement rings and can be as affordable or expensive as you want them to be.

Highstreet promise rings start retailing at around £50 (sometimes less), while there are other promise rings that feature precious stones and metals and intricate designs which are valued in the thousands. It depends on personal taste and finances. Take a look in a jeweller’s or online to see which type of ring suits your partner and your pocket.

Where do you wear a promise ring?

Some people wear a promise on their left-hand ring finger, but this can lead to others mistaking it for an engagement ring – not necessarily an issue, because the true meaning of the ring can be explained to those who ask. The righthand ring finger is also a popular choice, and the left-hand middle finger is another option.

Today, anything goes with where to wear a promise ring – choose whichever finger you wish. The wearer might want to consider how it fits with their other jewellery, or just want to wear it wherever the ring feels best.

If you buy a ring for your partner without knowing the size of the finger they wish to wear it on (or even which finger they’ll want to wear it on!) resizing of the ring may be an option, depending on the type of ring and the size difference.

Resizing involves either taking a piece out of the ring if you want it to be made smaller, then re-joining the ring together, or adding extra material to the ring so it can fit a wider finger.

Resizing may also be needed later in the relationship if the recipient chooses to wear the promise ring on their left-hand ring finger to start with but later wishes to move it to another finger – for example, if you become engaged and they wish to wear the engagement ring alone on the left ring finger.

Keep it safe

If you want to protect a promise ring in case it’s sadly lost or stolen, see how Howden can help with over 60 years’ experience in jewellery insurance. And whatever a promise ring means to you and your partner, we hope it marks a special moment in your relationship and much happiness in your future.

Jewellery Insurance

When it comes to more expensive valuables, a standard home insurance policy is unlikely to be suitable. there are low single article limits on jewellery and watches, so if the worst happens and an item is stolen, in the event of a claim you may not be fully covered unless the item is specified.

It’s also important to check the policy wording. For example having a home safe may be a condition of a policy. If you are required to keep your jewellery in a safe then please read our article: Safe and Sound – is the jewellery in your safe as secure as it could be?

Howden are specialists in finding jewellery insurance solutions, something you should never have to do on your own. We can point you in the direction of trusted valuation experts and then arrange a policy which will protect your passion and investment.

Whether you need cover for a single item or collection, a pair or set, or cover outside your home, we will guide you through your options to make sure your jewellery has the protection it needs.

To speak to Howden about insuring your jewellery call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk.