What is a Promise Ring? 6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect One

Scared of buying the wrong engagement ring? This might be the perfect solution!

Are you getting ready to propose but faced with one of the four major engagement ring dilemmas? 1) You don't want to pick the wrong thing, 2) You're worried about spending too much or too little, 3) You're nervous about getting the size right, or 4) You know your partner would like to pick it out themselves? Then friend, you need a token engagement ring! An elegant solution to a problem that faces many proposers, a token, proposal or promise ring is a symbolic ring that you use to pop the question with, so you can pick out the actual engagement ring together afterwards.

What is a Promise Ring or 
Token Engagement Ring?
Photo by Jose Villa for The Mrs Box

Why Choose a Promise Ring?

There are lots of other reasons why people might choose a promise ring. Maybe the other person isn't into jewellery and doesn't actually want a ring at all, or perhaps there's a family ring they have their heart set on. Likewise, you may not be in the position to buy a pricey ring, but that doesn't mean you have to hold off on getting engaged. But while you might decide to leave the diamonds, sapphires and emeralds for another day, it is nice to have something to pop the question with. The good news is, any ring can be a promise or token ring. You can use anything from a Haribo jelly ring to a beautiful ring from a jewellers that your other half will wear forever. It's a symbol of your commitment, so you can go as low-key or high-end as you like! Without further ado, here are our top tips for choosing a token engagement or promise ring.

What is a Token Engagement Ring?
Token Ring by Artemer

Don't Spend Too Much

Remember that the promise ring is just a symbol until you get the real thing. Unless you've got a serious amount of cash to flash, save the bulk of your ring budget for the main event!

Get the Ring Size Right

You can be sure your token ring will be cherished almost as much as the real deal. Your other half will still want to wear the ring there and then, and may plan to wear it on the other hand once the main ring is purchased. So make sure the sizing is right by checking the ring size against a ring they already wear.

What is a Token Engagement Ring?
Token Ring by Natasha Sherling 

Keep the Promise Ring Smaller than the Real Engagement Ring

If you're using a token ring with a diamond or gemstone, keep in mind this golden rule: don't go for a bigger stone than you can afford to buy in the real ring, you don't want the official engagement ring to feel like a downgrade.

Think Outside the Box

A token ring isn't just a cheaper version of the usual styles we see for engagement rings. A beautiful costume ring could be a fun option that your other half will love wearing on special occasions, or perhaps something that is easily stackable with a ring they already own and love.

What is a Token Engagement Ring?
Token Ring by

Give the Promise Ring Special Meaning

Think about the symbolism of your chosen design, love hearts, anchors, or infinity symbols are all meaningful ideas and probably won't compete in style with the actual engagement ring. But you could also go for something more personal to you and your other half - birthstones and alternative gemstones with a special meaning are a thoughtful touch too! For Instance, rose quartz is known as the love stone, while turquoise is a symbol of devotion and loyalty.

Now to Find the Right Token Ring!

To help you make a start on finding the perfect promise engagement ring, check out this post where we showcase 22 token rings that would be just perfect for your proposal! We can't think of anyone better to help you choose something utterly gorgeous to propose with than the fabulous expert jewellers in our recommended suppliers list.

Looking for more proposal tips? You'll find them here!

Image credits

Featured image by:

Melanie Casey

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