Promise rings have become a popular way to express love for the special person in your life. Some couples or partners present them in order to make a commitment, without actually getting engaged.
This phenomenon is obviously great news for jewellers. But exactly what’s behind this shift, and where might it go?
What’s Fuelling the Trend: From COVID-era to Cultural Shift
During the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of people around the world had to put life on hold. That meant delaying weddings and engagements. For those in these stages of a relationship, the era created something of a dilemma. A promise ring provided a great way to signal that a relationship was going somewhere, even if, thanks to world events, it wasn’t going to get there quickly.
Gen Z couples are also developing very different attitudes toward marriage and commitment. The pressure of a real engagement can be off-putting for many, and a promise ring provides a worthwhile short-term alternative.
Symbolism and Meaning: What Does a Promise Ring Stand For Today?
A promise ring stands, most obviously, for commitment. It’s a promise that you’re going to remain faithful and monogamous – in much the same way that you would if you were married.
Different couples might emphasise different aspects of the gesture. For some, it might be a way to put the relationship on a semi-formal course toward marriage; for others, it might even be a way to smooth things over after a rough patch.
Choosing the Right Style: Metals, Stones, Personalisation
If you’re going to present your significant other with a ring, then it’s obviously worth taking time to consider their personal preferences and tastes. In general, there’s more scope for personalisation with a promise ring than there would be with an engagement ring.
You might engrave a ring with a personal message, pick out more unusual stones and settings, pick out eco-friendly materials, or even design the entire ring from scratch.
Promise Rings vs. Engagement Rings: Expectations and Timing
It’s worth dwelling on the differences between the presentation of a promise ring, and that of an engagement ring. You’ll typically give a promise ring early in the relationship – perhaps even before you’ve had the experience of living together. When you do so, it’s worth being explicit about what the ring signifies. As we’ve mentioned, a promise ring can mean different things to different people!
LL x
*This is a contributed article. As ever, all opinions are my own.
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