In the age of virtual dating, couples could go weeks to months to even years —and fall in love —without even meeting each other. That could mean that taking the plunge and tying the knot might take a little more time than usual.
But before you take that big step and pop the question, you could consider a more temporary token of your love and affection: a promise ring. Celebs like Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth reportedly wore promise rings before committing to an engagement (they later divorced, but don’t focus on that). While a promise ring most often represents a precursor to an engagement, it can also symbolize commitment for a couple who wants to show their love for one another, but without tying the knot (think: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell).
Here’s the good news: while the average cost for an engagement ring is $5,900, according to The Knot’s 2019 study, a promise ring can be a lot more budget-friendly. In other words, a promise ring can buy you some time to save up for the real deal. According to Valina.com, the average couple spends just $400 on a promise ring.
Here’s our roundup of 12 promise rings that are affordable, but don’t look cheap.
Best Infinity Promise Ring
Two Hearts to Infinity Promise Ring
Sterling silver, an infinity symbol and heart-shaped gemstones —what more could you want to prove your love and affection? The infinity symbol represents endless love. For $25 more, you can customize the inside of the band with a personalized engraving.
$129 at Jewlr.com
Best Diamond Promise Ring
Diamond Accent Three Stone Promise Ring
Yes, you can have an actual diamond — or three —for under $50! Fashioned in sleek sterling silver, this ring features a trio of miracle-set diamond accents (representing past, present and future) set in perfect alignment across the center. The ring’s double shank glistens with additional diamond accents, completing this romantic design. A happy look of love, this ring is finished with a bright polished shine.
$49 at Zales.com
Best Traditional Irish Promise Ring
Sterling Silver Love, Loyalty, Friendship Claddagh Ring
Representing love, loyalty and friendship, the traditional Claddagh ring makes the perfect promise ring for under $100. And if she’s of Irish-descent, she’ll surely appreciate the real deal. This ring comes straight from the motherland, in shiny sterling silver.
$49 at Claddaghring.com
Best Gemstone Promise Ring
Darling Duo Double Gemstone Ring
This “darling duo” promise ring allows you to customize your birthstones and mount them side-by-side for eternity. Set in sterling silver with half-carat round stones, you can add an additional sweet touch with a personalized engraving on the inner band.
$139 at Jewlr.com
Best Eternity Band Promise Ring
Sparkle & Hearts Ring
Express your heart’s true desire with this sparkling eternity ring. Typically, an eternity band can cost thousands, but this makes an affordable alternative in plated gold. Hand-finished in Pandora Rose, a 14k rose gold-plated unique metal blend, this elegant style beautifully combines dazzling cubic zirconia stones with delicate cut-out hearts. Showcase it on its own or mix and match with other Pandora stackable rings for a chic play on textures.
$100 at Us.Pandora.Net
Best Solitaire Promise Ring
Diamond Promise Ring
If you want to get something that looks the most like the real deal (but on a budget), this is it! Graceful wisps of sterling silver curve around a gorgeous diamond in this promise ring for her. More diamonds line the band for a total diamond weight of 1/15 carat.
$129 at Kay.com
Best Tiara Promise Ring
Princess Pink Sapphire & Diamond Tiara Ring
Show her she’s your queen with this tiara-design ring adorned with pretty pink sapphires. Featuring a beautiful pink center stone, this ring has twisting ribbons of sterling silver that loop and swirl into a beautiful crown shape adorned with diamonds.
$99 at RogersandHollands.com
Best Gold Band Promise Ring
Blue Nile Classic Wedding Ring
Classic gold bands are a universal and budget-friendly option. This classic 14k white gold wedding ring will be your lifetime essential. A low profile and light overall weight make it comfortable for everyday wear and a perfect complement to any white gold engagement ring. The high polished finish glimmer of the ring serves as a personal reminder of the promise you are making.
$152 at BlueNile.com
Best Cocktail-Style Promise Ring
Miabella Diamond Rose-Plated Sterling Silver Promise Ring
Radiate your feminine glow with this Miabella Diamond Promise Ring. Mounted in lustrous rose rhodium-plated sterling silver, it features 25 round-cut, pave and prong-set shiny diamonds. Polished to a milgrain shine, this gorgeous and sparkling promise ring makes the perfect addition to any jewelry collection and symbol of your love.
$249 at WalMart.com
Best Couples Promise Ring
TJCraftGoods Engraved Promise Ring
Designed to be worn on pinkies, these adorable engraved bands show you’re making the ultimate pinky promise. Choose your colors and metals to customize for his/her, her/her or his/his tastes, and engrave with special initials and messages on the inside of the band.
From $32 at Etsy.com
Best Art Deco Promise Ring
Art Deco White Sapphire Filigree Promise Ring
This petite Art Deco filigree white sapphire promise ring in sterling silver features a center shimmering natural white sapphire of 0.25 carat, set low in a secure four-prong setting. The sapphire is perfectly framed by two round brilliant side white sapphires totaling 0.01 carat, embedded in a cage of finely detailed pierced openwork filigree. With a comfortable, low profile and easy-to-wear design, this simple and beautiful 1920s vintage style white sapphire silver ring sits just 3/16 inch off the finger.
$130 at AntiqueJewelryMall.com
Best Love Knot Ring
1950’s Diamond Love Knot Ring
Another symbol of endless love, this romantic yellow gold 1950s vintage style love knot diamond ring is set at the center with a round brilliant-cut round diamond of 0.01 carat. A perfect yellow gold promise ring choice for your sweetheart, the center knot measures 8 millimeters in diameter.
$260 at AntiqueJewelryMall.com
What Is a Promise Ring?
A promise ring is a ring that’s given specifically to symbolize the promise of a future marital commitment. It’s often given when a couple can’t afford to get married yet, or one partner has deemed it too early in the relationship to take that step, but still wants to show their loyalty, fidelity and intentions to one day take the plunge.
The Meaning of Promise Rings
According to Brilliance.com, “a promise ring is given from one partner to another in a romantic relationship.” Giving your significant other a promise ring can symbolize several things, says Brilliance.com, including:
- Monogamy: Some people give their significant others a promise ring to symbolize that they would like to commit themselves fully to that person and be in a monogamous relationship.
- Abstinence: Couples that have decided to abstain from sex may gift each other promise rings as a symbol of their decision to wait until marriage.
- Promise of marriage: If you know you want to marry your significant other one day, you can give him/her a promise ring to let her know your intentions. A promise ring tells your partner that you envision a future with them.
What’s the Difference Between a Promise Ring and an Engagement Ring?
A promise ring is often a lot less elaborate than an engagement ring, and less costly, too. A person opting for a promise ring may intentionally stay away from diamonds as that often symbolizes an engagement. As long as your intentions are clear when you’re giving it to the recipient, it should be apparent what its purpose is (and avoid any hurt feelings).
What to Consider When Shopping for Promise Rings
- Try to choose something that’s special and meaningful but doesn’t look like an engagement ring. You could end up confusing or even disappointing its recipient.
- Consider something that’s vintage or antique, even from a secondhand store or pawn shop, and then get it engraved to make it personal to you.
- Don’t break the bank. The point with the promise ring is to not blow the budget on something extravagant and save for when it’s time to present the diamond.
- Consider your partner’s taste in jewelry. Since promise rings are more fashion or cocktail as opposed to a straight-forward diamond style, you’ll want to be sure it’s something they’ll actually want to wear. Consider something symbolic, like a Claddagh (a traditional Irish promise ring), a heart, infinity symbol or birthstone.
How to Save on a Promise Ring
- Do your research on metals and stones. Sterling Silver is an affordable option compared to gold, white gold or platinum. Oftentimes, a gemstone can be much more affordable than something with diamonds. Gold-plated is an affordable option but you’ll want to be sure it’s of good quality (turning their finger green is not a good look).
- Shopping online is often a great option for getting the best value, but be sure the website has a good return policy. Also, keep in mind, if there is a time limit on that return policy if you plan on waiting for a certain day before you present it to your partner.
- If you’re opting for real diamonds or gemstones, be sure the site you’re shopping has some accreditation such as by the Gemological Institute of America.
Steps to Take Before You Buy
- Consider what finger your partner will wear it on. Some couples only want to reserve the left ring finger for the engagement ring and may opt for a right hand ring instead. If you plan for an engagement ring to eventually replace it, then it can go on the left hand.
- Find out her ring size before you buy. You can download a ring sizer app for your phone, or take one of her current rings to a jeweler to find out what size it is (be sure it’s for the same finger you plan to buy the ring for).
- Set a budget. Be sure to know what you plan to, or can spend before you shop. That’ll help narrow down your choices and avoid the risk of overspending.
The post The 12 Best Cheap Promise Rings That Don’t Look Cheap appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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