| A promise ring is most commonly associated with | | | | commitment to be joined together forever. |
| a man gifting a woman a ring as a promise of | | | | Most promise ring are simple mass market rings |
| marriage in the near future. A good example is a | | | | that don't cost a lot of money. Claddagh rings, |
| claddagh ring. The ancient Celtic people have used | | | | though make far better choices as promise rings. |
| Claddagh rings for centuries as promise rings. | | | | It is because of the intricate artwork and the |
| Sometimes though, a promise ring has different | | | | meanings attached to the symbols on the ring. |
| uses than what is commonly used. Rather than | | | | The deep significance of these Celtic rings are |
| simply limiting its use to pre-engagement rings, | | | | well-documented and besides the meanings |
| there are a number of other common uses. | | | | associated with the metal artwork, there is also |
| Basically it all boils down to symbolically | | | | the meaning behind the way the rings are worn. |
| representing a promise to oneself or to another | | | | Claddagh designs consist of a heart (representing |
| party. | | | | love) and are topped by a crown (representing |
| These other promises can be: | | | | loyalty) which are both held by two hands |
| 1. For best or special friends - Between best | | | | (representing friendship). A Claddagh ring, |
| friends, the rings are given in cases such as when | | | | depending on the material used and the |
| a friend is moving away or as a symbol of their | | | | manufacturer, can range anywhere from thirty |
| long-lasting friendship. Such rings are a perfect | | | | dollars to several hundred or over a thousand |
| way of indicating a special friendship. Claddagh | | | | dollars. |
| rings, for example, are given between friends | | | | The fine details contained within a Claddagh ring |
| along with the saying "Let love and friendship | | | | make them excellent pre-engagement or |
| reign". | | | | engagement gifts. As with most cultures, wearing |
| 2. For chastity - Chastity is another use of a | | | | the ring on the left ring finger is an indication that |
| promise ring. While it can be given by a boyfriend | | | | the person is attached. In this case, a Claddagh |
| or girlfriend to their partner, it is usually given by | | | | ring worn with the symbols facing inwards on the |
| parents to their child as a reminder to be chaste | | | | left hand indicates that the person is married. |
| or pure prior to being married. Another name for | | | | This deep significance in the ring's symbols and |
| such rings are purity rings. | | | | the way it is worn has resulted in Celtic jewelry |
| 3. For monogamy - Promise rings can also act as | | | | experiencing an upsurge in demand now as more |
| a symbol of monogamy for two people who | | | | couples are choosing Celtic wedding rings over |
| haven't decided on marriage yet. Claddagh rings | | | | traditional wedding rings for their wedding |
| are exchanged between couples to indicate their | | | | ceremony. |