Types of Promise Rings

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

A promise ring is most commonly associated with a
commitment to be joined together forever.
man gifting a woman a ring as a promise of marriage
Most promise ring are simple mass market rings that
in the near future. A good example is a claddagh ring.
don't cost a lot of money. Claddagh rings, though make
The ancient Celtic people have used Claddagh rings
far better choices as promise rings. It is because of
for centuries as promise rings.
the intricate artwork and the meanings attached to the
Sometimes though, a promise ring has different uses
symbols on the ring. The deep significance of these
than what is commonly used. Rather than simply
Celtic rings are well-documented and besides the
limiting its use to pre-engagement rings, there are a
meanings associated with the metal artwork, there is
number of other common uses. Basically it all boils
also the meaning behind the way the rings are worn.
down to symbolically representing a promise to oneself
Claddagh designs consist of a heart (representing
or to another party.
love) and are topped by a crown (representing loyalty)
These other promises can be:
which are both held by two hands (representing
1. For best or special friends - Between best friends,
friendship). A Claddagh ring, depending on the material
the rings are given in cases such as when a friend is
used and the manufacturer, can range anywhere from
moving away or as a symbol of their long-lasting
thirty dollars to several hundred or over a thousand
friendship. Such rings are a perfect way of indicating a
dollars.
special friendship. Claddagh rings, for example, are
The fine details contained within a Claddagh ring make
given between friends along with the saying "Let love
them excellent pre-engagement or engagement gifts.
and friendship reign".
As with most cultures, wearing the ring on the left ring
2. For chastity - Chastity is another use of a promise
finger is an indication that the person is attached. In this
ring. While it can be given by a boyfriend or girlfriend to
case, a Claddagh ring worn with the symbols facing
their partner, it is usually given by parents to their child
inwards on the left hand indicates that the person is
as a reminder to be chaste or pure prior to being
married.
married. Another name for such rings are purity rings.
This deep significance in the ring's symbols and the
3. For monogamy - Promise rings can also act as a
way it is worn has resulted in Celtic jewelry
symbol of monogamy for two people who haven't
experiencing an upsurge in demand now as more
decided on marriage yet. Claddagh rings are
couples are choosing Celtic wedding rings over
exchanged between couples to indicate their
traditional wedding rings for their wedding ceremony.