A symbol of love and commitment, a promise ring is often gifted to a partner in a serious relationship. It can symbolize commitment prior to marriage. While it might mean an engagement is in the future, it can simply mean you want to show how devoted you are to a partner or friend. Given their strong meaning, it’s important to know how to select promise rings.

How to Pick a Promise Ring

There are no rules as to when to give a promise ring. It is, however, usually given after a couple has been dating for a year or more. But time isn’t always the main factor. When a couple is ready for the commitment is a consideration. Some people give promise rings when they decide to cohabitate with the idea they may marry later.

If you’re planning to buy a promise ring for your boyfriend or girlfriend, here are some tips to help shop for one:

• Pick a Metal: A good starting point is to decide if you want your promise ring to be platinum, sterling silver, white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold.
• Decide on a Ring Setting: The setting determines the overall style of the ring. A heart symbol is common, but some couples choose solitaire rings or eternity bands.
• Select a Gemstone: Couples often choose diamond promise rings; these can be arranged in clusters or as three-stone rings that represent your devotion to one another in the past, present, and future. Overall, diamonds for a promise ring tend to be smaller than those used in engagement rings.

Other gemstones can be used as well, whether you choose one that represents someone’s personality, birth month, or the color and vibe they prefer. However, a promise ring can be given without a gemstone. A simple ring may feature a unique pattern or engraved message.

What Finger Do I Wear a Promise Ring On?

A promise ring can be worn on any finger, on whichever hand you choose. However, it’s common to wear it on the ring finger on the left hand. Other people wear it on the ring finger of the right hand, whether because they’re married or prefer it that way. A trendy style is to wear a promise ring on the pinky.

Promise Ring Sizing

Any ring must be the right size. If not, it may be too tight or fall off and get lost. Ring size can be measured with a ring you already have, a paper strip with printed measurements, or with a piece of string cut to the dimensions of the wearer’s finger. Using more than one method can provide a more confident measurement, or you can visit your local jeweler to determine your exact ring size.

If you haven’t discussed with your partner about getting a promise ring, think about asking them. But if you’re planning a surprise, ask a parent, sibling, or best friend about their ring size. You can also look at the jewelry they already wear (try it on, make an impression on a bar of soap, or sneak it to a jeweler). A jeweler can use your finger comparison or the markings outlining the item to identify the wearer’s ring size.

How Much Should You Spend on a Promise Ring?

There’s no rule on how much you should spend. A simple gold or sterling silver ring can cost just a few hundred dollars. It’s meaning and elegance are no less significant. If you have several thousand to spend, decorate it with diamonds or gemstones if you like. Purer gold will cost more. But in general, couples spend less on promise rings than they do for engagement rings; plus, they tend to be younger and have less money to spend.

Where to Buy a Promise Ring

The best place to purchase a promise ring is from a reputable vendor. Some online suppliers offer promise rings at deals that are too good to be true. These often don’t age well and deteriorate quickly. A good quality ring should last for many years. There are plenty of large, reputable online jewelry vendors, but you are sure to find high-quality, beautiful rings at Jeweler’s Touch.

Order Online or Contact Us for Help

At Jeweler’s Touch, we have a large selection of rings representing all types of styles. Don’t see what you like? Our experienced designers can create a unique promise ring based on the metal, setting, stone, and design that you prefer. Feel free to browse our collections or make an in-store, virtual, or curbside appointment online. To get started, call 714-579-1616 today.