Promise, Engagement, or Wedding Ring? - Maru Jewellery

Understand the meaning behind a promise ring, an engagement ring and a wedding ring. These guidelines apply to the regions of UK, USA, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand. Many other regions follow the same traditions, some with slight modifications. However, we encourage each individual to attribute their own personal meaning behind a piece of jewellery regardless of tradition or rules.

Promise Ring

A promise ring is usually bought for someone prior to an engagement ring. It symbolises a commitment to remain together before any concrete decision to marry in the future. Therefore, somebody may choose to buy a promise ring to celebrate a long term relationship, even without plans for future marriage. This ring might be replaced in the future with an engagement ring if you choose to.

sandcast silver and ruby ring — Sand Cast Ruby Ring

sandcast Aquamarine silver ring — Sand Cast Ruby Ring

Engagement Ring

An engagement ring symbolises the commitment to marry in the future. In the case of a surprise proposal, the person proposing will usually try and gather information as to what style of ring their partner might prefer. At this stage they will also need to find out their ring size.

Couples might choose to discuss the details of an engagement ring together. The final decision is an important one not only as an investment but also as a treasure the person will take with them everywhere they go. As a result, an engagement ring should be solid (made of precious metal i.e Sterling silver, gold, platinum or palladium) and any gemstone should be set in a way that can successfully stand the passage of time. The most common gemstones used in engagement rings are Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds due to their durability and value.

The engagement ring is worn on the left ring finger, and will likely remain there after marrying, too. Some people choose to substitute the engagement ring for the wedding ring, but it is more common to wear both together.

sand cast silver and gold diamond ring — Sand Cast Ring in Gold and Silver

Wedding Rings

The wedding rings are typically worn by both parties in the relationship on the left ring finger after marrying. People will typically put on their wedding ring first and their engagement ring on top, as the wedding ring is not meant to be removed.

It is common to choose your wedding rings based on the engagement ring if there is one. Wedding rings tend to be subtle and simple in design as they are meant to be worn daily and for life. Therefore, unless the engagement ring includes a very large gemstone or a unique shape, most wedding rings will work well with any engagement ring.

sand cast silver wedding rings — Sand Cast Wedding Rings

wedding bands with texture in sterling silver — Sand Cast Wedding Rings

These are the traditional meanings for promise, engagement, and wedding rings. However, it is up to each couple to decide what materials and styles best represent them and how they prefer to wear these pieces. When purchasing a meaningful peace of jewellery it is best to follow one’s own preferences and intuitions above all else. If you wish to discuss any design details or your own design idea please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.