Promise Rings - Commitment without Commitment

Although held with a great deal less reverence and status than wedding or engagement rings, promise rings can carry just as much meaning between two people as their more traditional counterparts. Something of a new concept at least in the commercial market, these rings have been a symbolic offering between couples for decades now, carrying connotations of faith and commitment without the immediate suggestion of marriage. The absence of lifetime commitment pressures while assuring faithfulness has seen the promise ring sour in popularity, as retailers capitalize on the concept and literally flood the shelves with examples in every conceivable shape, size and value.

The younger market in particular is where the real interest in promise rings lies. Offering a wonderfully innocent and sensible alternative to engagement, the exchange of the rings is the ideal way for young couples to practice genuine commitment and responsibility. For example, teenage couples who hav e only been together for a few months or so would likely not be taken seriously or perhaps even reprimanded if they announced their engagement, though the entering into a promise of faith through promise ring exchange would likely attract praise and approval from all sides.
Generally speaking, promise rings are not designed with the same ostentatious reverence as wedding or engagement rings, often remaining rather simple so as to mirror the simplicity of the gesture they represent. Of course, there are countless exceptions to the rule, though rings designed specifically to be retailed as promise rings rarely feature expensive stones or intricate design work.

As the market is still considered somewhat niche in comparison to conventional jewelry items, a large number of retailers neglect to carry dedicated promise ring ranges, instead favoring wedding and engagement bands, along with those designed to universally fit all purposes. This does nothing to stem the popularity of promise ring purchases, as the lack of specific design requirements allows potentially any ring to be used as a promise ring. From the cheapest, non-precious metal example right through to diamond encrusted monsters with astronomical prices, the beauty of the c oncept is the freedom to choose from all other products across the board and find the perfect offering.

Promise rings are also capable of a second incarnation, with many couples opting to have their ring modified or upgraded to become an entirely new and unique wedding or engagement ring, doubling the sentiment and meaning of the item.

The endless range and relatively low expense of promise rings also make them a fantastic gift idea for any occasion. As the giving of such an item does not require the ceremony or grandeur of an engagement proposal, the giving of a promise ring can be done anytime, anywhere and does not necessarily carry any connotations of pressure from the receiving party. In fact, the giving of a promise ring can be one of the very best ways of furthering a relationship and encouraging strength and unity between two people, which is often thought to be too much of a rarity in the modern world.