Promise Ring vs. Engagement Ring: What Is the Difference?

If you wanted a ring to express your love and commitment, would you choose a promise ring or an engagement ring? If you’re a little confused about the purpose of these two rings and don’t know which to choose, read on! In this article, we’ll differentiate between promise rings and engagement rings – their respective differences in meaning, appearance, and timing of gifting – to help you decide which one to use to communicate your commitment!

What Is a Promise Ring? What Does It Mean?

As the name implies, a promise ring is used to make a promise. Promise rings can be used to represent all forms of commitment, whether it’s a vow of love, friendship, or affection.

There is usually no specific template for the design of a promise ring; it can take any form, so there is a wide range of price options available for promise rings. Some couples make their promise rings more meaningful by engraving each other’s names or a significant date on the side of the ring.

The meaning behind a promise ring varies depending on the specific promise being made. They can be given to a partner to pledge future love and fidelity, or to a close friend to pledge a long-lasting friendship.

Featured Promise Rings

What Is an Engagement Ring? What Does It Mean?

Love to engagement to marriage (couple to fiancé(e) to spouses) are the 3 important stages of a love relationship. An engagement ring is the official declaration of a future marriage and marks the next step in a relationship where your status will change from couple to fiancé(e).

Solitaire rings are the classic design of engagement rings, with a large sparkling diamond set on the band. However, engagement ring designs have diversified with market demands, including halo settings, three-stone designs, Toi et Moi rings, etc. Yet, no matter how the designs evolve, the tradition of having at least one large gemstone as the centerpiece remains unchanged. As a result, engagement rings are usually more expensive, with prices varying significantly depending on the choice of the main stone.  

Regardless of who is proposing to whom, the meaning behind an engagement ring is clear: a promise of mutual love, marriage, and an expression of the desire to marry.

Featured Engagement Rings

Promise Ring vs. Engagement Ring: What Is the Difference?

Both rings can represent love, commitment and milestones in a relationship. There are two major differences:

1. The Promise and The Recipient: A promise ring can be given to anyone you have a relationship with, representing any form of promise. Whether it’s a partner, family member or friend. So, some say that the promise of a promise ring is less formal. In contrast, an engagement ring is only given to your romantic partner, and the promise is only associated with marriage.
2. Differences in Appearance: Promise rings are typically simpler in design and are less expensive. Engagement rings, on the other hand, usually feature a large gemstone, have a more intricate design, and are more expensive.  

Promise Ring vs. Engagement Ring: When to Give Each in a Romantic Relationship?

It must be well known that for relationships outside of romantic relationships, a promise ring is more suitable for committing. But if the recipient is your romantic partner, how should you choose between the two rings?  

Some couples may see a promise ring as a symbol of their future marriage, which can blur the distinction between the two rings. If you’re unsure about the difference, here’s a simple rule to follow: In a romantic relationship, unless you’re proposing and committing to marriage, a promise ring is sufficient for expressing other types of promises.

A promise ring is typically given when a couple wants to express commitment but isn’t yet ready to get engaged. An engagement ring, on the other hand, is given during a proposal when both partners are ready to take the next step toward marriage.  

So, Should You Give a Promise Ring Before an Engagement Ring?  

There are no set rules about whether you should exchange a promise ring before an engagement ring. A promise ring isn’t a necessity, but it can be a meaningful symbol for couples who want to show their commitment without the pressure of an engagement. If you feel deeply about the emotional promise behind it, giving a promise ring can be a touching gesture. Some couples exchange promise rings as a prelude to engagement, while others skip this step and go straight to exchanging engagement rings when they are ready.  

Can You Give a Promise Ring After Marriage?  

Absolutely! While promise rings are usually associated with commitments made during the dating phase, there are no fixed rules or limitations. Therefore, promise rings can still be given after marriage. Couples can assign new meanings to promise rings, based on their relationship and feelings. For example, they can use it to commemorate a special moment in their marriage, as a promise for future goals, or to reaffirm their love for each other.  

Giving a promise ring after marriage not only symbolizes the continuation of previous promises but can also represent a beautiful future together, further strengthening the emotional bond between spouses.  

What Finger Should a Promise Ring Be Worn On?  

This can vary depending on personal preference or cultural traditions. There are no specific rules for what finger to wear a promise ring on, so it’s entirely up to you. Typically, people choose to wear it on the ring finger of either the right or left hand.  

What Finger Should an Engagement Ring Be Worn On?  

In most Western countries, it’s traditional to wear the engagement ring on the left ring finger. It is believed that this hand has a “Vena Amoris”, that leads directly to the heart. However, this tradition is not universal. In some countries, people wear their engagement ring on the right ring finger, middle finger, or left middle finger.  

Related Reading: Guide to Wearing Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Ring

Final Thoughts  

Now you should understand the differences between a promise ring and an engagement ring. Both rings have significant meanings, although they represent different stages in a relationship. Whether you choose promise or engagement ring, the most important thing is the love between you and your partner.  

At MollyJewelryUS, we specialize in creating high-quality and affordable gemstone rings that can serve as either promise or engagement rings. Each ring is crafted to the highest standards, ensuring that it will stand as a symbol of your commitment.