A promise ring is a symbol of commitment and is often seen as a pre-engagement ring. However, it can be given for many different reasons: as a symbol of chastity, fidelity, monogamy, friendship, or even as a promise to oneself to remain sober and sober. If you want to purchase a promise ring for your partner to symbolize your commitment, it is important to make it clear that, in fact, you are making a commitment!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Ring
Step 1. Determine why you want to take it and try to understand what the recipient's reaction might be
If you want to give a promise ring as a sign of friendship or just someone you just started dating, get something simple and inexpensive. If your partner is hoping for a marriage proposal, pick up a culturally less symbolic piece of jewelry or consider exchanging the promise ring early so you don't disappoint her with a misinterpreted surprise.
Step 2. Choose something the recipient will wear
If you know the person does not wear rings, put it on a chain or necklace or get a different "promise gift". Try to find out your finger size by momentarily "stealing" a ring from her and measure it with the help of a jeweler.
- If the recipient has a job or a hobby during which the ring can get scratched or damaged (for example in the construction industry or climbing), choose a hard material such as titanium.
- If the ring is a promise of future engagement or a "wedding ring" for a couple who are not planning to get married, choose one that fits the ring finger of the left hand or the finger where the partner would wear a wedding ring.
- For almost all other promise rings, choose one that fits any other finger (often the ring finger of the right hand is a different size than its respective left one).
Step 3. Consider having it engraved
In this case the ring must have metal bands on which a love poem, promise or other inscription can be engraved on the inside, close to the wearer's skin. This is a wonderful choice, as it usually stands out from faith and you can literally read the promise.
- A jeweler can help you customize the ring by engraving your message.
- Many rings of this type bear verses from the Bible or other Christian inscriptions, but the tradition has extended to secular society or other religions.
Step 4. Evaluate a Claddagh ring
It originates in Ireland and depicts two hands holding a heart. This is a clear sign of love or friendship to fondly remember a commitment.
Step 5. Ask for it to be customized
Most jewelers are available to design or customize a ring for you, adding special elements, such as a unique and meaningful message or embellishment.
Step 6. Think of other options
A promise ring shouldn't be too expensive or elaborate to the point of mistaking it for a wedding ring, but if it has a special meaning it adds extra weight to your engagement. Consider getting a ring that has the recipient's birthstone or a custom engraving.
- If you can't afford to buy jewelry, or if the recipient prefers less elaborate gifts, make the jewelry or other gift yourself. If you can, use material or objects that have special meaning in your relationship.
- A necklace, earrings, or other piece of jewelry works just as well as a symbol of promise. This is a great solution especially when the gift is given to a partner who is eager for a marriage proposal: you must not create false illusions.
- If you're having trouble deciding, or just like this idea, ask the recipient if they'd like to exchange a promise ring with you and then pick a pair.
Step 7. Find out your finger size
If it's going to be a surprise, it shouldn't be so obvious what you're trying to do. Consider measuring any other rings she already has, or ask her friends or family to help you with the task. If you still have doubts, get a ring that can be adapted later.
Part 2 of 3: Giving the Gift
Step 1. Choose a meaningful day
A promise ring might be appropriate as a Christmas, Valentine's Day, or recipient's birthday gift. If you are a couple, it can also be a great idea on the anniversary of your relationship.
Step 2. Present the ring in a particularly meaningful place
Go to the restaurant where you had your first date, to the theater where you met your friend or to any place that represents a reminder of a happy moment spent together.
Step 3. Don't overdo it
Remember this is not a marriage proposal. There is no need to hire a plane to write something in the sky or set up a flash mob.
Step 4. Consider planning a treasure hunt
Leave a written clue somewhere where the recipient can see it so that they are directed to the next step. At the end of the journey, you will be there to give him the promise ring.
- You can choose to make this type of path fun or romantic, but make sure the recipient reacts well when they find out it's a promise ring. If it is a couple relationship and you have recently dated, it could be premature as a symbol of serious commitment, or on the contrary, it could represent a proposal that your partner has been waiting for a long time.
- Keep the clues simple and obvious; you must not confuse the recipient! If he likes puzzles, you can create more difficult clues, but make sure you or a friend accompany him to help him in case he has trouble following the trail!
Step 5. Plan an activity day
A fun day to spend time together is a great way to make it a special time. You can think of an excursion that ends in a picnic or prepare a dinner at home.
If something unexpected spoils your day together, consider presenting the ring on another day
Step 6. Think about hiding the ring in some unexpected area
Hide it somewhere where the recipient is sure to find it, such as under their pillow or inside their lunch box. This could be part of the treasure hunt you have prepared, or just the way to deliver it, it all depends on how you want to set the time.
If you won't be there when she finds the ring, put your promise in writing and have a personal statement follow it
Part 3 of 3: Deliver the Ring
Step 1. Show the ring to the recipient
Present him the ring or another "promise gift" by simply opening the package that contains it and showing it; make sure it isn't mistaken for a marriage proposal. If you leave it somewhere hidden for the recipient to find, give it a few moments to pick it up and look at it.
Step 2. State your promise
If you are making a specific commitment (such as sobriety or fidelity), announce it clearly as you hand over the ring. Prepare a few sentences in advance if you don't want to speak spontaneously.
- Don't make too many promises. Don't say that someday you will want to marry the recipient if you really don't intend to. Express your intentions, even if they are as simple as a desire to show your love or support.
- Quoting a favorite poem or song can add emotion to the statement, but make sure some of the words are your own.
Step 3. Compose a short song or poem (optional)
If you play, sing, or write poetry, composing a piece that expresses how you feel can be an exciting and moving way to communicate your promise.
Step 4. Enter your personal details
Tell the person in your own words how much they mean to you. Describe the qualities you admire in her and bring back specific happy memories to avoid falling into clichés.
Step 5. Be yourself
You know your relationship with the recipient better than wikiHow. If you think there is something more tender and meaningful that has not been described in this article, or if you know the recipient would like me to recite a sonnet to him for ten minutes, do so.
Step 6. Put the promise ring on his chosen finger
Most people wear it on their left hand or on the middle or ring finger of their right hand. Most people don't want it to be confused with an engagement ring, so avoid putting it on the ring finger of your left hand.
Obviously, if you have taken a different piece of jewelry or another gift, place it in the appropriate place or formally deliver it
Advice
- The promise ring is perfect if you or both of you are too young to get married.
- Although promise rings originally had Christian value, it is now possible to find them with Jewish blessings, other religious meanings, or secular designs.
