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  • Promise rings vs engagement rings are two different types of rings that represent commitment, but they have different meanings. Engagement rings are given as a formal proposal for marriage, while promise rings can represent a commitment to anything from friendship, loyalty or exclusivity.
  • Promise rings tend to be simpler and less expensive than engagement rings, and can be made from a variety of materials ranging from gold and silver to wood and leather. They can be worn on any finger, while engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand’s ring finger.
  • Engagement rings are generally made of precious metals and feature a center stone, which is usually a diamond. They are often more elaborate and showier than promise rings, and are a symbol of a promise to marry and begin a lifelong journey together.

Falling in love is a beautiful thing! You’re head over heels for your special someone. And sometimes, couples want to get a ring to mark their love for each other. But here’s the thing – it can get really confusing when it comes to deciding whether to get a promise ring or an engagement ring. I’ve seen it happen way too often! Many people are not sure of the meaning and significance of each type of ring, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications in relationships.

 Through this blog post I hope to clarify the differences between promise rings vs engagement rings as well as provide guidance on how to choose the right ring for each situation.

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Infographic: Promise Ring and Engagement Ring: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

What is the meaning of an Engagement Ring: A ring of commitment!

Engagement rings are a symbol of love and commitment, but their meaning goes much deeper than that. An engagement ring is a symbol of a promise to marry. It is given as a formal proposal for marriage and typically features a diamond or a precious stone in the center. It represents the beginning of a lifelong journey together. Engagement rings are typically much more expensive than promise rings.

The idea of wearing engagement rings as a sign of love and commitment started with the ancient Egyptians. They believed that the finger where this jewel was to be worn had a vein connected straight to the heart. This belief is what started the tradition of wearing engagement on the fourth finger of the left hand.  

For most couples, the decision to get engaged is a deeply personal one. Some may have been together for years and feel ready to take the next step in their relationship. Others may have only recently started dating and feel like they are ready to make a lifetime commitment. No matter what the circumstances are, engagement rings always hold a special meaning for those who wear them.

Today, engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes, from Princess Cut Diamond to Cushion Shaped Double Halo. It’s no wonder that just thinking about them makes us swoon! If you’re considering proposing to your partner, think about how special it will be to present them with an engagement ring they’ll cherish forever.

What is the meaning of a Promise Ring: Pre-engagement ring!

What is the meaning of a Promise Ring: Pre-engagement ring


A promise ring is less formal and given as a symbol of commitment, loyalty, and exclusivity. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the person receiving the ring is ready to get married. Promise rings can be given for many different reasons, such as a symbol of friendship, fidelity, or a commitment to always be there for one another. In some cases, promise rings are even given as pre-engagement rings, and both partners wear them.  Promise rings tend to be less expensive and have less symbolism associated with them and can be worn on any finger depending on personal preferences.

Promise rings, for whatever reason, are often far more personal and emotive than engagement rings. In the 16th-century promise rings were called “poise” or “posy” rings. These rings were popular in England and France and given as gifts from one lover to another. Often engraved with romantic poems, these rings signified the wearer’s pledge of devotion. It is recommended that promise rings should only be given after 6 months of being exclusive or if there’s a long-term commitment.

La Joya is a wonderful place to start if you’re looking for promise rings. They have a large variety of lab-grown diamonds, so you’re likely to discover something you like. You may also browse their assortment online, making it simple to locate the ideal ring for you.

Difference between a Promise Ring and an Engagement Ring

  1. The primary distinction between promise rings vs engagement rings is their purpose. A promise ring represents commitment and loyalty while an engagement ring represents a promise to get married.
  2. Engagement rings normally feature a diamond or a color stone in the center while a promise ring doesn’t have any set style or design.
  3. Engagement rings are always worn on the left hand’s ring finger, next to the pinky finger. Promise rings can be worn on any finger. Some people choose to wear their promise rings on their left hand’s ring finger until they get engaged. 

Do Promise Rings look different than Engagement Rings!

Promise rings vs engagement rings can vary greatly in terms of style and design. Promise rings tend to be simpler and more understated, while engagement rings are often more elaborate and showier. Promise rings can be made from a variety of materials ranging from gold and silver to wood and leather. Very often a promise ring is a simple band with a variety of embellishments like etchings, engravings, or patterns. These etchings or engravings are however more understated than those found on an engagement ring. Another common form of promise ring is a birthstone band, which features a gemstone signifying the wearer’s birth month. Infinity Rings are another popular design option, with the infinity symbol (a figure eight pattern) reflecting the relationship’s eternal nature.

Engagement rings, on the other hand, are generally made of precious metals such as gold, platinum or silver and showcase a center stone which is usually a diamond although other precious stones such as rubies, sapphires or emeralds are also sometimes used. A prong or bezel setting is often used to hold the center stone in place and show it off at its best.

The band of an engagement ring is usually made of a precious metal like gold, platinum, or white gold, and it can have smaller stones or designs on it to make it shine and look more interesting. A simple, plain band, a twisted band, or a pave band, which has small diamonds set close together to make a continuous sparkle effect, are all popular band styles.

Styles of engagement rings vary a lot from person to person, but solitaires, halos, three-stone, and vintage-inspired designs are all popular choices. A solitaire engagement ring has a single center stone and a simple band, while a halo engagement ring has a center stone surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds or stones. A three-stone engagement ring has three stones that usually represent the shared past, present, and future of the couple’s relationship. A vintage-inspired engagement ring, on the other hand, often has intricate details and designs that bring to mind nostalgia and old-world charm.

When is a Promise Ring given?

There is no right or wrong time to give a promise ring. You can give one early on in a relationship, or after you’re already engaged or married. Promise rings are a symbol of, well, a promise. In any relationship or friendship, you can always make new promises. And a promise ring is a great way to commemorate and celebrate that promise.

Typically promise rings are given after a couple has been dating for a while and are ready to commit to each other. The promise ring may be exchanged in a private ceremony, or it may be given as part of a larger event such as an anniversary or birthday celebration. The meaning behind the exchange will vary depending on the couple, making it unique for each relationship.

When is an Engagement Ring given?

It’s time to take the next step in your relationship and ask your partner to marry you. And that’s the time when you should get an engagement ring. An engagement ring is typically given when a couple is ready to get married. This can vary from a few months to a few years after they start dating. If you’ve found the love of your life, it’s time to get them a stunning engagement ring and pop the question. There’s no set period in a relationship when this should happen, only when both people are ready.

Which ring is right for you: An Engagement Ring or a Promise Ring?

Which ring is right for you: An Engagement Ring or a Promise Ring?


When you are ready to take your relationship to the next level, you may be wondering what kind of ring to give your significant other. There’s a big decision to be made… Do you get a promise ring or an engagement ring? To sum up, here are some things to consider when making your decision:

  • The purpose of an engagement ring is to symbolize your commitment to each other and to signify that you are officially engaged with the intention of getting married in the future. A promise ring can have a variety of meanings, but it generally signifies a commitment to each other, whether that be a commitment to exclusivity, to always be there for each other, or to never give up on each other.
  • An engagement ring normally features a center stone and is meant to be worn forever and hence costs far more than a promise ring which has no set style or design. For those on a tighter budget, the lower cost of a promise ring may be an important factor.
  • The style of the ring is also something to think about. An engagement ring is typically a diamond ring, while a promise ring can be any style you choose. If you are not sure what kind of ring your significant other would prefer, it may be a good idea to ask for their input before deciding.

However, the decision of which ring to give is up to you and your significant other. Consider what the ring will mean to both of you and choose the one that you feel will best represent your relationship.

The Bottom Line

Are you in a relationship and ready to take it to the next level? Then you may be stuck deciding what kind of ring to buy. Luckily for you, I have got the answers you need! And I hope with this blog you know all about the differences between a promise ring and an engagement ring, so that you can choose the perfect ring for your special occasion. 

At La Joya we sell an extensive range of promise rings as well as engagement rings. Explore the entire collection of beautifully designed lab-grown diamond rings for your partner.

FAQS On Promise Ring Vs. Engagement Ring

FAQS On Promise Ring Vs. Engagement Ring

Is it OK to propose with a promise ring?

Yes, you can propose with a promise ring. A promise ring is a symbol of your commitment and love. They are less formal than an engagement ring, but they are still a beautiful way to show your affection.

How long after a promise ring do you get engaged?

There is no set time frame for how long you should wait after receiving a promise ring before getting engaged. It is entirely up to the couple to decide when they are ready to take the next step in their relationship. Some couples may wait a few months, while others may wait a few years.

Do both partners wear a promise ring?

Promise rings are often given by one partner to the other, sometimes both partners will choose to wear a ring as a symbol of their shared commitment.

What are the rules of a promise ring?

A promise ring is a ring that is given as a symbol of a promise made between two people. The promise can be anything from a commitment to remain celibate until marriage, to a vow to never smoke or drink. There are no set rules for what a promise ring must represent, but it is typically given as a sign of love and commitment.

Summary

  • Promise rings vs engagement rings are two very different things, While they both represent commitment an engagement ring usually symbolizes a commitment to get married, while a promise ring can represent a commitment to anything from friendship, loyalty or exclusivity or even a promise to remain abstinent until marriage or overcome a particular challenge or obstacle in a relationship 
  • Engagement rings tend to be much more expensive than promise rings and usually feature a diamond or a precious stone in the center, while promise rings tend to be less expensive and have less symbolism associated with them
  • A promise ring can be worn on any finger depending on personal preferences, while engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand’s ring finger.

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