Couples build love and commitment using many layers. As you grow closer, you may want a way to celebrate how far you\u2019ve come and where you\u2019re going with the person you\u2019re with. You want a serious, heartfelt symbol of love. But here\u2019s the question: is a promise ring right for you, or is it time for an engagement ring? Let\u2019s peel back the layers and see if we can solve this real-life relationship question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Little Background on Promise Rings Most couples choose engagement rings with a simple purpose: to proclaim their love and their intention to get married. If you two aren\u2019t ready to tie the knot, a promise ring can be the perfect next step. Couples choose promise rings for reasons as unique as they are, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marriage, But Not Yet Love is Enough<\/strong> True Love Waits<\/strong> A Mutual Decision<\/strong> Men and Women Alike<\/strong> How to Choose the Perfect Ring <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Promise rings can be as classic as a diamond band or more personalized. Some prefer designs with meaningful symbolism, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here\u2019s an idea that\u2019s growing in popularity: stacking ring sets that couples add to with each milestone. They may select a band to represent their promise or commitment, then add a band when they move in together. Or maybe the couple will choose a band as a pillow gift on the night of the proposal. With the growing popularity of stacked bands, milestone rings are a great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both men and women can wear promise rings, but choosing a ring for a man is a bit different. When it comes to a promise ring for men, alternative metal rings make an excellent choice. Consider durable metals such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>A promise ring shows your commitment to one another and your hope that your relationship will continue to grow. Promise rings are usually made from precious metals and accented with diamonds or other stones. These rings may sound like engagement rings, but a promise ring isn\u2019t extravagant in style. They tend to be simple but beautiful, and some women choose to wear them as a fashion band even after they get married. The cost for a high-quality promise ring will usually fall somewhere between $200 and $800. Compare that with the average price of an engagement ring, which many sources say is about $5,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Wedding bells are in the future, but it doesn\u2019t make sense to get married right now. Long distances or complicated finances are just two reasons a couple may choose to put off an engagement but show their intentions with a tangible promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFor other couples, a wedding and marriage aren\u2019t priorities. A promise ring is a great way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you, even if you don\u2019t plan on walking down the aisle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSome people use promise rings as purity rings. Young women or men wear these rings as a symbol that they are saving sex for marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nUnlike engagement rings, most promise rings don\u2019t come with a proposal. Many couples decide to choose a promise ring after much discussion about their relationship. Whatever approach you prefer, be honest about what the ring means to you to avoid hurt feelings or misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPromise rings allow you to celebrate and symbolize your relationship. There are no rules about who can make a promise to whom. A man can give a commitment or promise ring to his significant other and so can a woman. (Of course, men and women can give and receive engagement rings too, but it\u2019s more common with promise rings.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n