Promise Ring vs Engagement Ring: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

 

Before spending the rest of your life with someone, there are quite a few steps that come before marriage. There’s meeting the right person, spending time getting to know them, becoming exclusive, and eventually asking the forever question. Between these moments, there are symbols that mark different stages of the relationship, and that’s where promise rings and engagement rings come in.

 

What Is a Promise Ring?

A promise ring is a ring given to a significant other prior to an official engagement to show loyalty, commitment, exclusivity, and the intention to build a lasting relationship. It serves as a placeholder for the future engagement ring if the couple is not yet ready to get married. This is a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome, when couples would exchange simple bands and iron rings as a promise to get married in the future. Promise rings became popular in the United States around the 1980s and are widely embraced today as a way to show serious commitment without rushing into a formal engagement. GLD's ring collection includes a variety of bands, gemstone styles, moissanite solitaires, and stackable options across sterling silver, vermeil, and solid gold, making them suitable promise ring options for a range of budgets.

What Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On?

Promise rings are typically worn on the left ring finger. However, some people choose to wear them on the right ring finger to avoid confusion or mixing it up with engagement rings and wedding bands. Another less common option is wearing the promise ring on a necklace, if you’re someone who doesn’t generally like wearing rings or if your work requires you to use your hands.

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What Is an Engagement Ring?

On the other hand, an engagement ring is a ring given by one partner to their significant other during a marriage proposal as a formal commitment to marry. It typically features a gemstone in the center and is worn on the left ring finger before marriage and paired with a wedding band after the ceremony. The gemstone can be a diamond, whether lab-grown or natural, moissanite, or even other gemstones like rubies or emeralds. GLD's engagement ring collection features lab-grown diamonds in eight cuts starting from $2,500 in solid white gold and from $3,500 in platinum. Read more about the differences between lab-grown and natural diamond engagement rings here.

 

Promise Ring vs Engagement Ring: The Key Differences

Although both rings symbolize commitment, engagement and promise rings differ in purpose, design, price, and meaning. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between the two:

Promise Ring vs Engagement Ring Comparison:

Matching Promise Rings for Couples

GLD’s Buy One, Get One Free promotion allows couples to buy matching promise rings. Most rings, with the exception of engagement rings and other select styles, qualify for the BOGO promotion using the code BOGO. This means you can get two matching rings for the price of one, so you can grab matching 2mm Eternity Bands, 5 Layer Diamond Bands, or choose a style that's better suited to your partner’s taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring?
A promise ring is given to a significant other prior to an official engagement to show loyalty, commitment, exclusivity, and the intention to grow a romantic relationship. An engagement ring is a formal, public declaration of intent to marry, presented during a marriage proposal.

What does a promise ring symbolize?
A promise ring represents the placeholder for the engagement ring to come when a couple is not yet ready to get married. The tradition dates back to ancient Rome, when couples exchanged bands and iron rings as vows to marry in the future, and became widely popular in the United States around the 1980s.

What finger does a promise ring go on?
Promise rings are traditionally worn on the left-hand ring finger, the same as an engagement ring. Once an engagement ring enters the picture, the promise ring moves to the right hand to make room.

How much does a promise ring cost compared to an engagement ring?
Promise rings are budget-friendly, generally ranging from $50 to $500 with premium options up to $1,500. Engagement rings are a financial investment typically ranging from $2,000 to over $10,000. GLD's lab-grown diamond engagement rings start from $2,500 in solid white gold.

What are the best promise ring styles?
The best promise ring styles include moissanite solitaires, gemstone rings, and stackable styles. GLD's ring collection covers all three across sterling silver, vermeil, and solid gold with brilliant hand-set stones and premium craftsmanship.

What are matching promise rings for couples?
Matching promise rings are two rings given between partners as a shared symbol of commitment. GLD's ring collection features styles available across sterling silver, vermeil, and solid gold, and GLD's BOGO offer makes matching promise rings for couples accessible at the price of one.

Where can you buy promise rings?
GLD is one of the premier destinations for promise rings, offering moissanite solitaires, gemstone rings, and stackable styles starting from $96 with a Lifetime Guarantee on every piece. Shop GLD's full ring collection at gld.com.

John Polanco

John Polanco is a copywriter from the birthplace of hip-hop whose work spans jewelry, fashion, beauty, music, world-leading brands, and art institutions shaping the diaspora.