When an agreement or oath has been made between two people, a promise ring is a piece of jewelry given as a symbol of the commitment that was made.

Monogamy: A promise to stay faithful to one another.

Chastity or Purity: A promise to keep ones virginity until marriage.

Friendship: A promise to seal a pledge of eternal friendship.

Substance or Sobriety: A promise to remain free from addictive behavior.

Religious or Christian: A promise to remain committed to one’s faith or belief in the God of their understanding.

These are several more popular reasons to give or wear a promise ring. The most popular reason to give a promise ring is for pre-engagement.

Pre-engagement is in fact not as bad as it sounds. It has always been popular to exchange promise rings, so a couple can showcase their loyalty to one another prior to getting engaged. In other words, this ring is emblematic of a promise there will be an engagement ring forthcoming.

The other good news here is that a promise ring costs considerably less than an engagement ring. Basically it’s strictly a matter of personal preference, however the finger and hand you choose can depend completely on the type of ring it is and in some cases the type of oath. Most people associate the wearing of a ring on the left hand ring finger to mean that an important commitment of some sort has been made.

Rings themselves have been symbolic for many thousands of years. The circle has no beginning and no end and is a strong symbol for eternity.

A Scribbling Ring in sixteenth century England, uncut diamond crystals were set into rings and exchanged by lovers. The people wearing these scribbling rings would use the points of the diamonds to etch (or “scribble”) romantic writings to each other in glass, mirrors or windows.

Another trendy ring exchanged during Shakespearian times was called a Posey Ring. Posey rings are emblazoned with poetic phrases or dates significant to the wearer.

It is supposed that wearing words next to ones skin has a magical effect. Posey rings are an idealistic way to share an expression of love and come imprinted with beautiful sayings. It is no revelation that since French is said to be the language of love — the French poseys are very popular. Some special phrases include:

A Ma Vie De Coer Entier – My whole heart for my whole life

Vila Mon Coer, Gardi Li Mo – Here is my heart, guard it well

Autre Ne Veuil – No one, but you

Amor Meus – My Love

De M’Amoure Soiez Sure – Of my love be sure