What Is a Promise Ring?
Last updated 28 October 2026
Quick answer
A promise ring is a ring one partner gives the other as a sign of commitment, often before an engagement, with whatever promise the two of you agree on. It is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand, then moved to the right hand once there is an engagement ring. We make promise rings to order, from a plain engraved band to a ring with a small stone.
What is a promise ring?
A ring one partner gives the other as a sign of commitment, often before an engagement. The promise is whatever the two of you agree on: to get engaged one day, to stay together through a time apart, or simply to keep choosing each other. Talk about what it means before you give it, so you both read it the same way.
What finger does a promise ring go on?
Usually the ring finger of the left hand, then moved to the right hand once there is an engagement ring. There is no fixed rule, so some people wear it on the right hand from the start. Our guide to which hand and finger rings go on covers the engagement ring and wedding band.
How is a promise ring different from an engagement ring?
An engagement ring means you will marry. A promise ring can mean that, or a commitment short of it. It is usually smaller and simpler than an engagement ring, and when the engagement comes, many people keep wearing the promise ring on the other hand.
When do couples give a promise ring?
When they are committed but not ready to get engaged: moving in together, spending time apart, or wanting to marry one day but not yet. It is a serious gesture when you both agree what it means.
Rings carrying a private promise are an old idea. Posy rings, popular in England in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, had short messages of love engraved inside the band, as the Folger Shakespeare Library describes.
What does a promise ring look like?
Usually simple: a plain band, a band with a message engraved inside, or a slim ring with a small stone. Some couples choose matching rings, with the same design or the same words inside.
Plain band
A plain 2.9mm band, with room inside for a message.
Engraved
An engraving inside the band, out of sight but always there.
Can you have a promise ring made?
Yes. We make promise rings to order: a plain or engraved band, or a ring with a small lab-grown diamond or moissanite, in 14k or 18k gold or platinum. We don’t keep them in stock, so each one is designed with you as a custom ring. Our ring engraving guide helps with the words inside.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a promise ring mean?
- Whatever the two of you agree it means: often a promise to get engaged one day, sometimes a commitment to each other without plans to marry.
- What finger does a promise ring go on?
- Usually the ring finger of the left hand, moved to the right hand once there is an engagement ring. There is no fixed rule, so wear it where it feels right.
- Is a promise ring the same as an engagement ring?
- No. An engagement ring means you will marry. A promise ring can mean that, or a commitment short of it, and it is usually smaller and simpler.
- How much should a promise ring cost?
- There is no set amount, and spending more does not make the promise more serious. Most are simpler than an engagement ring, and a plain engraved band costs least. We quote each one, because every promise ring we make is made to order.
- Do you make promise rings?
- Yes, to order. We don’t keep promise rings in stock, so each one is made for you: a plain or engraved band, or a ring with a small lab-grown diamond or moissanite, in 14k or 18k gold or platinum.
