Engagement rings and promise rings are both beautiful ways to express your love and commitment in a relationship. However, they have two very different meanings. This makes it even more important to learn whether an engagement ring or a promise ring is right for your relationship.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between engagement rings and promise rings. Keep reading to learn the specific meanings, popular designs, and when to give each type of ring. 

What Is an Engagement Ring?

Engagement rings are given when asking for someone’s hand in marriage. They are a formal step in the journey to marriage, and are considered a specific promise that you and your partner will wed. 

What Is a Promise Ring?

Promise rings are a sign you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level—just not the engagement level. They are a flexible symbol of commitment—making this the biggest difference between engagement rings and promise rings. These bands signify mutual trust as well as your intention to move towards long-term commitment in the future. 

Engagement Ring vs Promise Ring Designs

The classic engagement ring design is a solitaire—one center diamond set on a gold band. But the sky’s the limit when it comes to your design. From sparkly haloes that ring the center stone in mini diamonds, to asymmetrical settings and non-traditional stones, there’s a stunning ring to celebrate every love story.

Promise rings don’t have any rules about what they should look like. They can feature a center stone, like an engagement ring, but they don’t have to. Designs can be as simple as a plain band, or feature more intricate designs and gemstone accents. Many promise rings feature the wearer’s birthstone, for added sentimental meaning

When to Give Engagement Rings vs Promise Rings

Engagement rings are given before marriage. Some couples present engagement rings as part of a proposal, while others may propose without a ring and purchase the engagement ring later. Many couples choose to discuss their plans to marry before purchasing their engagement ring(s), while others prefer the element of surprise.

If you’re thinking about purchasing an engagement ring with the intent to propose, make sure to consider how involved your future fiancé(e) would like to be in the proposal.

Promise rings can be given at any time before becoming engaged. Here are some of the reasons why you might consider giving a promise ring:

- To emphasize your commitment to your romantic partner

- When starting a long-distance relationship

- To celebrate a milestone, such as an anniversary

- When making a vow for your relationship, such as with a purity ring

Wearing: Promise Rings Can Be Worn On Any Finger 

Engagement rings are worn on the left hand’s ring finger, making them a clear sign of your intention to marry. Following marriage, some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their right ring finger.

Promise rings can be worn on any finger. Whichever finger is completely up to you and your partner! Keep in mind that rings worn on the left ring finger may be mistaken as engagement rings, especially if they feature a colorless (diamond-like) center stone. 

Engagement Ring vs Promise Ring Cost

Engagement rings are more expensive than promise rings. They have a higher level of formality and represent a stronger commitment, so couples tend to save more money for engagement rings over time. Engagement rings also often feature diamonds, a highly valuable stone. 

Engagement rings cover a wide range of prices. They can cost less than $1,000 or well over $20,000. Factors like metal type, intricacy of setting, as well as the size, quality, and origin of the center stone all affect the price.

Promise rings are more affordable than engagement rings, with most ranging between $100–$800. They often feature thinner bands and smaller gemstones compared to engagement rings. Promise rings can feature diamonds, but often feature more affordable gemstones. 

Learn how to get the most value for your ring budget in our engagement ring budgeting guide.

Our Favorite Promise Rings

Any ring can be a promise ring. But if you’re not sure where to start, these dainty rings are some of our favorite pieces to mark your commitment to your relationship.

The Arlo Round Band, $1,204

The Arlo Round Band is a stunning, yet understated declaration of commitment. This bold ring features a knife-edge gold band with a ~.015 ct round diamond set in prongs in a diamond indent.

The Mini Bailey Ring, $2,280

The Mini Bailey Ring looks like a miniature engagement ring, making it the perfect stepping stone to symbolize your commitment. This classic ring features a .50 ct round center stone set in a high polish bezel for a delicate, timeless look.

The Tulum Band, $918

The Tulum Band features a delicately angled design with a .04 ct princess cut diamond set in prongs. This promise band’s subtle sparkle make it a beautiful choice to symbolize your commitment. It’s also a tracer design, meaning that it can fit around many engagement ring shapes to become part of a wedding band stack in the future.

Our Favorite Engagement Rings

These rings are practically screaming "I do". Make your engagement unmissable with these iconic and showstopping rings to represent your formal commitment.

The Charlotte Oval Solitaire, $2,100

The Charlotte Oval Solitaire is a classic engagement ring with a twist. The solitaire design showcases a single oval diamond, with options to choose lab-grown or natural stones ranging between 1 and 2 cts. A beaded gold halo adds subtle texture to the center stone for a unique touch.

The Agave Marquis Ring, $3,525

The Agave Marquis Ring features a stunning halo of small baguette and round diamonds around a marquise diamond. The differently-shaped stones within the halo create a stunning visual effect that you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from.

The Encanto Emerald Cut Ring,  $3,925

The Encanto Emerald Cut Ring puts a prong-set emerald cut diamond in the spotlight. Baguette and pear diamond side stones complement the center diamond and create an elegant, timeless silhouette.

Shop all engagement rings on the Sarah O. store.

Choosing Your Engagement Ring or Promise Ring

Once you’ve decided whether buying an engagement ring or promise ring is right for your relationship, it’s time to find the perfect piece. Not finding your dream ring? Set up a custom appointment to bring your romantic jewelry vision to life.

See more engagement ring guides and wedding planning tips on the Sarah O. blog.