Promise Rings

Promise rings are not a new invention. As a matter of fact, since time immemorial a promise ring was a token of love between two parties who were either too young, too poor, or considered to be too unsuitable for one another to be married. Especially in the times of courtly love and a strong emphasis on status in society, those whose love was considered inappropriate would in secret exchange a promise ring meaning that each partner in the relationship would do whatever was needed to break free and elope with the other. This could have meant that the young man would seek his fortune in far away lands in the hopes of returning with enough money and perhaps a granted title that would induce the intended’s father to give her hand in marriage. The young girl might consider secretly leaving her father’s home – or castle – and running away with the young man to get married.

In today’s time, white gold promise rings may be exchanged by high school or college sweethearts with the idea of one day replacing these promise rings with bona fide engagement rings. A diamond promise ring may be given by the well to do partner to the beloved if the time for an engagement ring is not yet ripe. Several beautiful promise rings are sold on the Internet for those who are in the military and leaving for Iraq yet who want to add some gravity to the relationships they are in. Generally speaking, men's promise rings send clear messages to the members of the opposite sex that this man is taken. Promise rings are especially cherished by the young, but those engaged in long distance relationships also enjoy the symbolism of the gem stone promise ring or even diamond promise rings.

What is a promise ring but the solemn assurance that you will do whatever it takes to be together with the person with whom you exchange promise rings? In today’s society this may have implications that speak of cross country moves, immigration battles, and even the notion that promise rings scale the gender barrier. With some promise rings, love between same sex partners is expressed while men’s promise rings may also denote the loss of a loved one. Promise ring history is not as well documented as perhaps would be desirable, but by and large in the days of old a men's promise ring was less often seen than that on the hand of a female. Similarly, male promise rings today are often seen on men who enjoy wearing jewelry and consider this expression of love and devotion to be a part of their personality.