An older tradition that has regained popularity in recent years is the gifting of a promise ring as a sign of commitment before being ready for marriage. Popular among older teens and young adults, a marriage promise ring tells your loved one that you fully intend to marry him or her when you are both ready, though it may not be that time yet. Before you buy that ring, there are a few things you should know.
Choosing The Promise Ring
Promise rings come in many shapes and styles, from cultural designs to religious symbols. They aren't typically as elaborate as an engagement ring, which is ideal to keep these rings from being mistaken for engagement. Before you buy a promise ring, think about the style that best communicates your message.
To honor a traditional Irish culture, consider a Claddagh ring or similar design. Another option is to consider a birthstone ring that features both of your birthstones in a matching setting or something with interconnecting hearts, engraving or other similar symbols. You can find these rings in both feminine and masculine designs, making it easy to find something that fits your significant other's style.
Sizing The Promise Ring
Before you buy a ring, you need to be sure that it is the right size. You can always work with a jewelry repair shop to resize it, but if it's properly sized from the start, it's not a worry. To find out what size ring your significant other wears, you'll want to start with a ring that he or she wears on the ring finger of the left hand. You can either take an impression of that ring to have your jeweler measure or you can trace the inside of the band on a piece of paper. To make an impression of the ring, just press the ring into some modeling clay or putty.
If he or she doesn't wear a ring on that finger, you can measure the finger while your loved one sleeps. Wrap a string around the finger just loose enough that you can slide it off over the knuckle. Then, measure the length of the string. The jeweler can tell you what size is correct based on that measurement.
Wearing The Promise Ring
When a promise ring is given as a commitment to future marriage, it is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand until it is replaced by an engagement ring. Once the proposal happens, the ring can then be moved to the ring finger of the right hand to continue wearing daily. Some people opt to put the promise ring away once the proposal occurs, wearing it only periodically.
Promise rings are a romantic way of showing your loved one how you feel about the future of the relationship. With the tips here, you can pick the right ring from a jewelry shop like Lozano's Jewelry and ensure that it fits properly.
