What is a promise ring?

I got this from an article on About.com

Question: What are Promise Rings?

Answer: 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 a specific promise to you
• Promise rings can mean: I will keep your secret
• Promise rings can mean: I love you
• Promise rings can mean: My intention is to marry you, but I'm not yet ready to become engaged
• Promise rings can mean: I will save my virginity for you
• Promise rings can mean: We are best friends
• Promise rings can mean: I will always be there for you
• Promise rings can mean: You are my one and only valentine
• Promise rings can mean: I promise to abstain from a vice (gambling, drinking, smoking)
• Promise rings can mean: I promise to replace this ring with a (larger) diamond one as soon as I can afford it

Both men and women can give promise rings. Some promise rings do feature small diamonds, but any ring can represent a promise. If the ring is wide enough, the giver can have a names or initials engraved or a few words that summarize the promise. It's best to avoid band rings, though, which can be mistaken for wedding rings.

When giving a promise ring, it's important to communicate the specific meaning you give to it. To avoid confusion and later unhappiness, make sure the recipient understands what it symbolizes for the two of you.

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:D I am a happy happy woman who is enjoying every minute of this journey.