Everything You Need to Know About Proposal Rings

Gifting a ring as a token of affection, a symbol of love, or a vow of fidelity is a centuries-old tradition. What kind of rings to give and at what stage of the relationship still varies culturally and geographically. Most people in western cultures are familiar with engagement rings and weddings bands. But, what about promise and proposal rings? In this article, you will learn all there is to know about the practice of giving rings to your significant other.

What Is a Promise Ring and When Do You Give One?

The promise ring as we know it today it's an entirely modern concept. The courtship period has grown significantly longer, so couples are looking for some guarantee of marriage before investing more time together. The idea behind promise rings is to give your partner assurance that your relationship is serious, committed and that there will be an engagement in the future.

However, every relationship is unique, and promise rings can have different meanings. The jewel can signify a pact related to abstinence until marriage, an upcoming engagement, a promise to stay in touch while going abroad for an extended period, and many other things.

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Promise rings are usually dainty and with a very minimalist design as they are an intimate gift and don't represent any kind of public announcement. They can have diamonds or any other gemstone you like, but their design is usually much more delicate than an engagement ring. A promise ring can also be a stacking ring or be worn as a necklace.

Can You Propose With a Promise Ring?

18kt White Gold Two-Diamond Bypass Promise Ring

There is no wrong answer to this question. When it comes to promise rings, what's important is the meaning behind the gift. You can use it to promise anything you want to your partner, which can be an oath to marry. So technically, yes, you can propose with a promise ring. Some couples opt for a promise ring to be upgraded and replaced by an engagement ring after reaching a financial milestone.

Can You Propose Without a Ring?

Absolutely! Choosing a ring to propose with can be complicated —especially if you don't have a good idea about what kind of design your partner likes. Selecting the metal, the band's shape, halo or no halo, the diamond cut, solitaire, or multi-stone, so many variables can make the process overwhelming.

A great alternative is to propose with a loose diamond. Let your partner select the right setting and style and focus all your energy on finding the perfect diamond.

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Proposal vs. Engagement Ring: Is There A Difference?

​Vintage Inspired 18kt White Gold Two-Diamond Halo Proposal Ring​

Old tradition dictated a proposal ring was given when asking for somebody's hand in marriage. A proposal didn't always end up in marriage, though, and weeks could go by before an answer was given. But if the offer was accepted, the couple were officially engaged. Only then, an engagement ring was given, with a larger stone and a higher price tag as it had to let everybody know a marriage ceremony was being planned. Both proposal and engagement rings served the same purpose —to announce the intent to marry. Yet, they were given on different occasions.

Nowadays, a proposal is synonymous with engagement; you pop the question, get a yes, and instantly become engaged. So, most people consider proposal and engagement rings to be the same. Because of the old practice, though, some still view proposal rings as a pre-engagement ring. Whether you want to interpret a proposal ring as a placeholder, or a definitive engagement ring is up to you.

Which Finger Do You Wear a Proposal Ring On?

The finger you wear a proposal/engagement diamond ring comes down to your cultural background. In modern Western cultures, the tradition is to wear the proposal ring on the fourth finger on the left hand and move it to the right hand during the wedding ceremony to receive the wedding band. After the ceremony, the proposal ring is switched back to the left hand, and placed on top of the new wedding band.

Wearing a proposal ring on the fourth finger on the left hand is a ritual adopted from the Ancient Romans. They believed a vein ran from that finger directly to the heart, and they called it Vena Amoris, the vein of love.

Four Proposal Rings For Him

Social norms are ever-evolving, and today, proposal rings for men are not uncommon. Explore Ritani's proposal/engagement rings for him and fall in love with our designs.

1. 18kt White Gold Black Diamonds Proposal Ring for Men

Seven black diamonds are individually set in this stylish engagement ring for men. Polished rounded edges contrast with a brushed raised center —the perfect casual-chic aesthetic.

​2. Concave 7mm Platinum Band With Round Brilliant Diamond​

This stunning concave platinum band is embellished with a round brilliant diamond. A reinterpretation of the classic diamond solitaire; adapted for him.

3. Satin Finish 18kt Yellow Gold Three Diamonds Row Proposal Ring for Him​

Diagonally-set round brilliant diamonds give this brushed yellow gold band a sporty, elegant feel. A timeless design with just the right amount of sparkles.

4. Channel-Set Diamond Proposal Ring for Men in 14kt White Gold

Five brilliant round diamonds are channel-set in the scratch-finished center of this men’s band. Rough yet soft, this proposal ring is a fantastic choice for men who want to combine brilliance and grit.

​Read Next: White Gold Engagement Ring Buying Guide