Promise Rings: Meaning, Symbolism, and How to Wear Them
A promise ring is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. Whether it marks a commitment, a milestone, or simply a moment of love, it carries a story - quiet yet powerful.
What Is a Promise Ring?
A promise ring symbolises a commitment - often between partners, but just as beautifully, between friends or as a promise to oneself. It's a way to express "not yet, but soon" or "always, in my own way."
At Maya Magal London, we see promise rings as modern heirlooms - understated, handcrafted pieces that hold emotion in their simplicity. Each one tells a story, shaped by hand in our London workshops using recycled solid gold and responsibly sourced stones.
Promise Rings and Their Meaning
For couples, a promise ring often represents the intention to marry in the future - a symbol of love before the engagement ring. Others choose it to celebrate shared distance, a first home, or a deeply personal bond.
But promise rings can also mark self-love - a quiet promise to honour your own journey. Whatever the intention, the sentiment is always the same: connection, devotion, and meaning made tangible.
What Does a Promise Ring Look Like?
Promise rings come in endless variations - from dainty single-stone designs to modern gemstone clusters. Traditionally smaller than engagement rings, they often feature a subtle diamond, sapphire, or emerald set in solid gold.
Our handcrafted collection includes 9ct and 18ct recycled gold rings, each made in small runs in our London studios. Popular designs include:
- Solid Gold Sapphire Cluster Ring - timeless and vibrant
- Salt & Pepper Diamond Single Stone Ring - subtle and organic
- Oval Emerald Promise Ring - rich in colour and meaning
Each ring is shaped by hand and designed to be worn every day - elegant, symbolic, and made to last.
How to Wear a Promise Ring
In the UK, a promise ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand - the same finger as an engagement ring, said to connect directly to the heart. When an engagement ring is added later, the promise ring is often moved to the same finger on the opposite hand or stacked with other meaningful pieces.
There are no strict rules, though. Many choose to wear their promise ring as part of a personal ring stack - a daily reminder of a love story, a promise, or simply a moment worth keeping.
Can You Propose with a Promise Ring?
Yes - a promise ring proposal can be just as meaningful as an engagement. It’s not about tradition; it’s about intention. Whether you plan to design an engagement ring together later or simply wish to mark your commitment now, a handcrafted promise ring makes the moment unforgettable.
Our jewellers often see couples begin with a promise ring, then return to design a bespoke engagement ring together - a beautiful continuation of the same story.
Promise Rings, Handcrafted in London
Every Maya Magal promise ring is handmade in London from recycled gold and precious stones. We work with responsibly sourced sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds to create lasting pieces - small-scale, zero-waste, and designed to be worn every day.
Prefer something completely unique? Our Bespoke Jewellery Service invites you to design a one-of-a-kind promise ring with our London jewellers. We can also repurpose heirloom stones into new designs, giving old treasures a modern life.
Explore our Promise Rings Collection - handcrafted in London from recycled gold and natural gemstones. Or visit us in Islington, Coal Drops Yard or Upper Street to find the ring that tells your story.
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