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A Brief History of Promise Rings

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Paul Walker
A Brief History of Promise Rings

In the eyes of some, promise or pre-engagement rings are a creation of the modern jewelry industry. In reality, they have been present since the 16th century, when couples too young or poor to get married started exchanging them. Keep reading to learn about this intriguing and ever-evolving romantic custom.


While rings had long been used to represent commitment (religious rings of the devout are mentioned in the Bible), it wasn't until the 15th and 16th centuries that lovers began exchanging rings as a method to declare their love for one another.


Pre-engagement rings of this era came in a variety of styles. Scribbling rings, which were inlaid with uncut diamonds or crystals, were commonly given as gifts between lovers in 16th-century England. The wearer would use the diamonds' pointed ends to carve messages of love into the crystal.


Poesy rings were very common among young couples in Shakespeare's period. Lover's words were bound to the body in the form of engravings on each band. Examples include "Vous et nul autre" (you and no other) and "a ma vie de cour entire" (my whole heart for my whole life).

During the 19th century


Pre-engagement rings from the 19th century in Europe were symbolic of the optimism and romanticism of the time. They were also more decorative than their forebears, a trend that reflected the increasing accessibility of semiprecious stones and the growing influence of the middle class.


The exchange of regards rings was not limited to married couples; it was also common among friends and non-married partners. The word "regards" was spelled out over the face of the ring in a row of semiprecious stones: emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, diamond, and sapphire.


The word "love" (lapis lazuli, opal, marine, emerald) and the term "dearest" (love) also appeared in different forms (diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz).


Modern


It's hardly unexpected that promise rings are trending again in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.


Courtship (the time spent dating) today lasts longer than ever before, which can lead to resentment between partners due to the absence of ritual and advancement. Ring exchanges are a terrific method for couples to mark a significant love milestone without committing to a full-fledged engagement.


The custom of promising to marry one another by exchanging rings is widely observed, but its precise meaning might be debated. A promise ring could represent a commitment to abstain from sexual activity until marriage or engagement. Some people also call these rings "purity" rings. Some unmarried couples choose to signify their commitment to one another by exchanging promise rings upon moving in together.


Promising rings are worn in a variety of ways. Promise rings are typically worn on the right-hand ring finger rather than the left, where an engagement ring would typically be displayed. Today, men are just as likely to give women promise rings as they are to receive them, but both sexes can and do wear them. Traditionally, wedding bands have been exchanged between spouses, but recently, a small but growing number of couples have begun exchanging promise rings that match. Contemporary ring trends include minimalistic designs featuring a single large stone or a trio of smaller stones (such as diamonds) or a heart-shaped stone.


Do you want to buy a promise ring for your significant other? Don't limit your imagination! In contrast to the conventional diamond engagement ring, a promise ring can be made of virtually any material. You may want to acquire a promise ring with a different kind of stone, setting, or design if you intend to invest in a diamond engagement ring in the future.


In the Victorian era, it was common for grooms to give their future wives a ring set with a birthstone. Even Queen Victoria was given an emerald snake ring by Prince Albert. Giving her a ring with her birthstone in it as a symbol of your unwavering love and devotion is a touching gesture that she will remember and appreciate no matter how many years pass or how many other rings you give her.

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