What’s all the fuss about engagement rings? Are they something new or have they been around for a while? What do they mean and why is my teenager wearing one? If you’ve ever wondered what anger is all about, then you’ve come to the right place!

What exactly is an engagement ring?

When an agreement or oath has been made between two people, a promise ring is a piece of jewelry that is given as a token of the commitment that was made.

Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, be careful because the promise made between two people can be practically anything. It is imperative that both parties are clear about the meaning of the agreement or commitment. For example:

• Monogamy: A promise to remain faithful to each other.
• Chastity or Purity: Promise to maintain virginity until marriage.
• Friendship: A promise to seal a commitment of eternal friendship.
• Substance or sobriety: A promise to remain free from addictive behaviors (alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, etc.).
• Religious or Christian: A promise to remain committed to one’s faith or belief in the God of one’s understanding.

These are just some of the most popular reasons to give or wear an engagement ring.

Prior commitment

With that being said, the most popular reason for giving a promise ring is for a prior engagement.

Are you already confused? Pre-committing isn’t actually as bad as it sounds. It has always been popular to exchange promise rings, so that a couple can show their commitment to each other before getting engaged. In other words, this ring is a symbol of a promise that there will be an upcoming engagement ring.

If you’re old enough to remember to “be steady” with someone, then giving this kind of promise ring is kind of an updated version of being steady. The symbolism of the promise ring is actually no different than a girl from years ago wearing her boyfriend’s high school ring on a chain around her neck or wearing her boyfriend’s letter jacket. of her stable. If you are too young to understand this analogy, talk to your parents or grandparents and they can enlighten you.

This trial period before engagement is a good way for a couple to test the waters before actually committing to marriage. Some may scoff at this prior commitment gesture. However, with the increase in divorce rates in this country, it may be wise to start the relationship slowly rather than rush into something you are not ready for.

The other good news here is that a promise ring costs a lot less than an engagement ring. It’s a wonderful alternative for the couple who decides not to spend a fortune on a ring right now, but still wants to make a statement about their commitment to each other.

How do you wear an engagement ring, on which finger, on which hand?

Basically it is strictly a matter of personal preference, however the finger and hand you choose can completely depend on the type of ring it is and in some cases the type of garment. For example, an Irish Claddagh ring can have several meanings depending on its shape:

• Worn on the left hand, the wearer has made a pledge of love and fidelity.
• Worn on the right hand with the heart facing out, the wearer’s heart is free.
• Worn on the right hand with the heart facing in, the wearer’s heart is taken.

If you are exchanging friendship rings, it may be wise to wear the ring on your right hand so that there is no confusion about the romantic ties. There are many different types of rings that you can share with a friend that will be meaningful to both of you. For example, a fun vacation you had or a love for a certain hobby or animal. My best friend and I share a love for cats. So, we bought matching kitty rings – in gold with pavé diamonds, no less! These rings are special just for us and are a symbol of our friendship.

Most people associate wearing a ring on the ring finger of the left hand as a significant engagement of some kind.

If the promise is prior commitment, many couples choose to wear this ring on the ring finger of the left hand. They then switch the ring to their right hand once they receive the engagement ring or wedding ring.

Similarly, a ring exchanged for the promise of monogamy or fidelity would be worn on the ring finger of the left hand to symbolize the wearer’s heart being taken.

Where did the promise ring originate?

The rings themselves have been symbolic for many thousands of years. The circle has no beginning or end and is a strong symbol of eternity.

Have you ever heard of a doodle ring? In 16th century England, lovers exchanged uncut diamond crystals in rings. Wearers of these doodle rings would use the prongs of the diamonds to engrave (or “doodle”) romantic writings to each other on glass, mirrors, or windows.

Another popular ring exchanged during Shakespeare’s time was called the Posey Ring. Posey rings are inscribed with poetic phrases or dates significant to the wearer.

It is believed that wearing words next to the skin has a magical effect. These symbolic words can be carved on the outside or inside of the ring, or on both sides, there is no right or wrong way to do it!

Posey rings are a romantic way to share an expression of love and are engraved with beautiful sayings. It’s no surprise that since French is said to be the language of love, French poseys are very popular. Some special phrases include:

• A Ma Vie De Coer Entier – All my heart for all my life
• A Vila Mon Coer, Gardi Li Mo – Here is my heart, keep it well
• Amor Meus – My love
• Another Ne Veuil – Nobody except you
• De M’Amoure Soiez Sure – Of my love be sure

Ok, maybe French isn’t your thing, how about one of these?

• In Gaelic – Anam Cara – Friend of the soul
• In English – I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine
• In Latin – Semper Amenus – Our love is forever
• In German – Mine Genyst – My heart
• In Hebrew – Mazel Tov – Marital Good Luck Ring
• Christian – With this ring, I marry you
• In Italian – Mani In Fede – Hands together in faith
• In Spanish – No Tengo Mas Que Darte – I have nothing more to give you than my heart

Use your imagination and write your own Posey!

The list of Posey ring sayings is endless! If you really want to “surprise” the love of your life, think of a special phrase that is meaningful only to the two of you. Having a special ring engraved with one of your own poseys would be a very romantic way to share your heartfelt feelings with someone special you care about!