Promise rings are growing popularity and use as more and more people delay the timing of an official engagement.   They have a long standing history and tradition and date as far back as the 1500's.  They are visible in many ancient paintings and were clearly used a symbol of commitment and love between the two people.  In today's modern culture, while society has changed, the symbolism has not.  For example, in ancient times, the rings were used as a symbol from a man to woman when the man could not afford to yet wed the one he loved.  It was considered the respectful way of asking a woman to wait for the suitor to financially prepare himself for marriage.  In today's culture, the ring is used in so many different situations.  For example, in same sex relationships where for whatever reason, marriage and engagement are not feasible, these rings are the perfect symbol of love and commitment. 



Today, they are also commonly used as the symbol of a commitment such quitting smoking or something similar.  Of course, they are still used to symbolize the traditional meaning described in the beginning, which is the pre-engagement ring.  Pre engagement rings are used to symbolize there there is a relationship between two people where they are seriously committed to one another and yet are not willing to commit to being married.  Pre engagement rings are also common for military couples that want to symbolize their commitment to one another when they are stationed overseas.  These situations can come up rather unexpectedly.  When it happens quickly, there is not always time to purchase the traditional engagement ring.  Engagement rings can be cost prohibitive, whereas most pre engagement rings are truly economical.

You can dream up many reasons for needing or wanting a promise ring.  The variety available is almost mind boggling.  Promise rings are available in all types of metals.  The type of metal you select is determined almost solely by budget.  For example, if you like a white metal, you can select from sterling silver or white gold.  Ultimately what you select will be determined by budget since white gold is going to be up to 10 to 15 times more expensive than the same thing in silver.  These rings can also vary in terms of stones that they have.  They can be made with no stones, diamond, cubic zirconia, semi precious stones, lab created or synthetic stones.  With stones, the first thing to consider is what you like.  In other words do you prefer a ring with red stones, white stones, blue stones or no stones at all.  If you select blue, then you can decide if you like sapphire or another variation of blue stone, and if you can afford a genuine stone or if you will need to select a synthetic or a lab created stone. 

At the end of the day, finding the perfect promise ring will not be a challenge with all of the different varieties available.