What are Promise Rings? – Buying a Commitment Ring in 2024

Promise rings and commitment rings

A promise ring symbolises the love and commitment between two individuals in a romantic relationship. Alternative names include a commitment ring or a pre-engagement ring.

Commitment rings, popular for young couples—are even more popular in 2024. Their popularity has continued to grow as the theme catches hold across Europe and the UK.

Many couples in the UK will still be unfamiliar with the name due to its popularity in the USA. However, this type of ring has gained popularity over recent years.

Lab-grown diamond promise ring, a more affordable version of a natural diamond ring.
Lab-grown diamond promise ring—a more affordable alternative to a natural diamond.

A suitable ring for couples starting their relationship

For young couples with little money, an engagement ring can be expensive. But, a commitment ring acts as a stand-in ring presented well before a future engagement.

This ring need not be of significant value but marks a sentimental progression and an investment in the relationship.

Many men feel they have a financial obligation to purchase an expensive ring. But Remember that everyone’s circumstances and finances differ. For example, a student with educational debt would struggle to invest heavily in an expensive diamond ring.

As a result, we create many rings in alternative, affordable precious metals. For example, Sterling Silver or 9-carat Gold. Small diamonds or inexpensive gemstones lessen the cost.

What do Promise Style Rings Mean?

Abstinence and Purity Rings

Purity rings differ in meaning from pre-engagement rings. They symbolize physical abstinence in a relationship and set a reminder to make this sacrifice.

More importantly, purity rings celebrate abstinence before marriage.

Engraved engagement ring featuring a secret flush set diamond

Example of a bespoke engagement ring/promise ring with a religious engraving and secret diamond. 

Religion, Love and Commitment

Purity rings connect strongly with religion. Some Nuns wear Purity Rings. They make symbols of betrothal to their heavenly spouse.

Plain gold bands make a simple statement. A plain ring symbolizes spiritual purity and simple life.

Ring designs for men and women

Remember, both men and women wear sentimental rings. For this reason, we recommend you choose a ring design you will be happy to wear in your unique style.

For men, plain bands make a popular choice, starting with a plain Silver or Titanium band as a less-expensive option. Popular widths vary from 5mm to 7mm, personalised with a unique engraving.

Fingerprint rings for couples

Fingerprint rings make perfect commitment rings for her. Alternatively, they make popular wedding rings. They make beautiful rings for men and women and come in many sizes.

We work with every style of wedding band in most widths and sizes. In addition, we engrave on light, medium and heavy-weight wedding ring designs. 

As a suggestion, try a combination of one design engraved across both rings.

Heart fingerprint rings set for bride and groom

Two fingerprints in one heart pattern. A lovely idea for a commitment ring. (Find out more on our website).

Mens and ladies signet rings perfect for a commitment ring with elegant detail

Two unique ideas for promise-styled rings set with pink sapphires.

Diamond Solitaire Designs

Solitaire rings give a classic choice. Versatile in design, most showcase a diamond or gemstone with a single diamond.

Thousands of designs exist. Some simple, some intricate. From classic six-claw settings to elegant twist ring styles.

Most of our diamond rings can be engraved with a personal message—a promise between you- or we can apply a perfect sentimental message in any font you need. 

Engraved diamond rings make amazing for commitment, available across many of our ring designs. We will help you to choose a certified diamond or a diamond with information on its origin. Our CanadaMark diamonds arrive with details on where the rock originated. 

Many of our certified diamond engagement rings with engravings make an excellent choice for buyers with a substantial budget looking for an expensive promise ring.

Remember that your diamond choice affects the ring’s value and cost. For example, carat weight, cut, clarity and colour all influence the value of a diamond.

Engraved solitaire ring, perfect as a promise ring with an engraving around the band.

Destiny shown engraved with a genuinely personal message in white Gold.

3 Stone Promise Rings

The trilogy or three-stone promise ring is a great idea. Three-stone diamonds are more affordable than a single stone of the same carat weight. View a complete collection of 3 stone ring designs, all suitable as three-stone promise rings.

Men's diamond band in a heavyweight platinum set with flush-set diamonds.
3 stone Trilogy style ring with blue sapphire and diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds

Today, lab-grown diamonds provide incredible value and are perfectly suited to smaller budgets. In fact, a lab-grown diamond ring can be achieved for a few hundred pounds. By comparison, the same natural diamond ring would cost several thousand pounds. As a result, many jewellers now provide lab-grown diamond promise rings as part of their offering. Please ask us for any of our designs crafted with a lab-grown diamond.

Gemstone Commitment Rings

Gemstone rings make excellent commitment rings. Furthermore, they give plenty of scope across many different budgets. For example, Aquamarine makes an affordable gemstone ring choice.

Your level of commitment remains a personal aspect. The cost of the ring makes no statement on the depth of meaning. Whether you choose an expensive ring or an inexpensive ring, this is your choice. 

Bespoke Blue Zircon and Diamond Cluster made by bespoke design.

Blue Zircon and diamond cluster ring crafted for one of our local clients. 

Alternatively, Tourmaline works very well. As a suggestion, why not research your partner’s birthstone and consider a gemstone ring? Add a small gemstone to a band, or go for a large gem for the ring’s focal point.

On what finger is a promise ring worn?

What finger do you wear a promise ring? Worn as a pre-engagement ring, it goes on the second from the left hand’s last digit. 

The ring finger of the left hand eventually holds the engagement ring. At the same time, the second from the last digit contains the Vena-amoris blood vessel. This blood vessel flows to the heart. Discover in more detail the correct finger for engagement rings.

Where to get a personalised promise ring

A custom ring design adds a greater depth of sentiment. For example, an engraved word or phrase will give a unique look to the ring.

Birthstone rings and engraving ideas

Consider a plain or birthstone ring with a personal message or inscription. Our laser engraving makes a welcome addition to any ring design.

  1. Purity rings engraved with each other’s names (most popular)
  2. Or, add an Important date – when a couple started dating or a compass bearing to commemorate a location. 
  3. Pet names – nicknames between a couple
  4. A promise – written out to remind the wearer of their pledge or goal
  5. Dating names – usernames and log-ins—sometimes from online dating usernames.
  6. Phrases – For example, a single sentence that binds a couple, whether this is a line of poetry or a favourite lyric from a song
  7. A religious quote or chapter is engraved in an appropriate font. For example, Gothic or Time Roman.
  8. Next, we have Fingerprints available.
  9. Alternatively, add your actual heartbeats around each ring.
  10. In addition, We create commitment rings, and wedding rings, with laser engravings. Some have secret diamonds. Or, add a diamond as a separator between phrases or words. But remember, it requires a minimum depth to accommodate the depth of your stone. 
  11. Finally, we can add a logo, common design or tangible symbol.

 

Commissioning an engraved ring commitment ring design

Engraved promise rings for men and women provide impact with the addition of unique details. For example, a handwritten message goes much further than a stamped date

Use the internal space for a secret message to your loved one. Then, write it on paper, scan and email it to us from anywhere in the world. Then, we will apply this by laser engraving, as shown in the two examples below.

Brushed finish rose gold ring with handwritten engraving
Engraved wedding band with heart and message

Posie Rings

Posie rings (not Posy rings) originate as early as the 15th Century. French and English examples. Most were simple plain bands with a short sentimental inscription added. 

Text appeared in English, French and Latin. Posie rings give a rustic, hand-engraved look. It is possible to replicate the look of Posie rings. This idea, seldom seen in jewellery shop windows, makes a genuinely unique Promise ring idea.

Claddagh rings

Claddagh rings are traditional Irish rings representing love, friendship and loyalty. The styles, origins and customs originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh in Galway. 

The distinctive style and availability of Claddagh ring designs make them a popular variation of a promise ring. To explain the design, each ring features a heart (love), a crown (loyalty) and hands (representing friendship).

Rings capturing your very own heartbeat

How incredible would it be to obtain your actual heartbeat rhythm in the ring? Our latest concept helps couples add their heart rhythm to an item of jewellery.  In simple terms, we laser engrave each piece of jewellery with a precision ‘pulse’ engraving.

Believe it or not, rings with a heartbeat are genuine. In fact, we use cutting-edge technology during the process.

First, we provide an ECG device. Clients order the device from us online or over the phone. Later, once the heartbeat has been added, we refund the device once returned.

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Find out more about adding a heartbeat to your ring.

When to order your wedding rings, showing heartbeat rings taking around 5-6 weeks to create

View our unusual ring designs within a collection featuring many engraved effects.

The DeBeers Ring & alternative commitment rings

Interestingly, a branded Promise ring exists. It was introduced in recent years by DeBeers. The DeBeers promise ring features cross-over diamond shoulders. Owing to the brand name, expect to pay a very high price for the DeBeers ring.

Alternatively, anyone interested in DeBeer’s ring may seek a similar design. Or, perhaps, a traditional eternity ring.  Interestingly, bespoke jewellery allows anyone to create a unique ring design. This design often takes influence from other styles.

How much do promise rings cost?

Cost does vary from one ring to another. A cheap Sterling silver promise ring could cost as little as $10. Whereas a diamond ring is likely to cost far more.

In contrast, expect to pay upwards of $200 – $300 for an engraved promise ring. 

Platinum, Palladium and 18ct Gold

For a more durable ring, choose Platinum, Palladium or 18ct Gold. Today, Palladium is very expensive. Rising Palladium prices mean that Platinum is a better metal for a better price.

9ct Gold and 18ct Gold offer another choice. Both qualities come in Rose Gold, White Gold and Yellow Gold choices.

Rose Gold and Yellow Gold offer clients a warm metal colour with Autumnal hints.

18ct Gold is more durable than 9ct Gold. Many buyers incorrectly consider 9ct Gold to be more durable. 18ct Gold has a higher Gold content and is harder to wear.

Out of interest, we upgraded many clients to Platinum for various reasons.

Platinum provides a naturally white metal choice for rings. We discussed many of the benefits of Platinum in some of our alternative blog posts.

Introducing the “Meetaversary” Ring

Meetaversary Ring describes a ring to celebrate the date a couple once met. Popular with younger buyers, the Meetaversary Ring celebrates a year after a couple met.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.