2. Promise Ring

Despite of engagement ring and wedding ring, now promise ring is more popular. A promise ring is a ring that is indicating a serious promise made to oneself or another. It may be given to a romantic partner to signify a commitment to a monogamous relationship, without a more lasting bond such as marriage. Lovers mostly exchange promise rings to indicate their commitment to the relationship they have. Generally, a girl receives a promise ring from her lover when they know they want to be married, but because of age or circumstances, it is not possible at that time. A friend may bestow a promise ring to another friend to signify their loyalty and/or resolve to remain friends forever.

Promise rings date back to the 16th century. They were also known as friendship rings and illustrations show these rings (as early as 1576AD). Back in the day, when a man could not afford to get married as the social structure of marriage was forbidding, they would buy a promise ring as a placeholder until such time they would be able to effectuate a marriage.

During the 20th century, in some instances women would offer men's promise rings to their man because, at the time, he was unable to commission to be wed. It was generally a surprise offering and was something the man could accept or deny.

Tradition generally holds that these rings were given by younger couples. This was usually the case because it was normal for the young couple not to have a wealth position that would allow for marriage and children. Nowadays anyone can give a promise ring, regardless of wealth or social status.

Promise rings are bestowed to symbolize a promise that one person makes to another. In some cases, promise rings are precursors to engagement rings. While the latter symbolize a promise to marry, promise rings can stand for many other kinds of vows.

Promise rings can mean: "I will be faithful to you"
Promise rings can mean: "I will return to you"
Promise rings can mean: "I will keep you in my heart always"
Promise rings can mean: "My intention is to marry you one day"
Promise rings can mean: "We are best friends"
Promise rings can mean: "I will always be there for you"
Promise rings can mean: "I love you"
Promise rings can mean: "I will stay chaste until marriage"
Within some Christian-based faiths, promise rings are given to a young woman by her father, to signify a promise to remain a virgin until marriage. This is often accompanied by a ceremony.

There are many different promise ring styles:

White Gold Promise Rings
Diamond Promise Rings
Yellow Gold Promise Rings
Solid 14K designs

Many designs contain the heart symbol and it is symbolic in that the lover dedicates their heart to being with each other. Sterling silver promise rings are also given when the purchaser is unable to afford the precious syles and genuine diamonds.

Other designs don't necessarily contain hearts. They are usually simplistic in design and may have diamonds. Many use 3 stone diamond rings (usually smaller in stone size than the engagement three stone) or another classic design.


References:
1. Ades, Michael "Beautiful Promise Rings" A True Love Commitment Spring 2002
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promise_ring
3. http://review4best.blogspot.com/2008/02/2-diamonds-buying-guide.html
4. http://www.heavenlytreasures.com/promise-rings.html#top