Pre-engagement ring
A pre-engagement ring, sometimes referred to as a friendship ring or promise ring, is a ring given as a gift to a romantic partner to signify a commitment to a monogamous relationship, often as a precursor to an engagement ring. A heterosexual couple typically has the man presenting a ring or both exchanging rings, though women may present one as well. They may be worn on any finger due to not being as serious as an engagement ring, though they are sometimes worn on a necklace. These rings are typically purchased by those who are too young to get engaged to their partner or by a partner or partners who do not want to rush into marriage. While similar concepts have been employed in the past, the concept of pre-engagement rings came into prominence starting in the 1970s. It gained further prominence in the late 2000s when celebrities began to use pre-engagement rings (as well as purity rings) such as the Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry, and Selena Gomez.
Appearance
Designs of pre-engagement rings may vary, featuring hearts, an entangled design, and other designs. However, any design can be used for a pre-engagement ring.<ref name="knot"/><ref name="savvy">Template:Cite web</ref> The bands may be made of a variety of materials, including titanium, silver, and gold. Less common inexpensive materials may be used, such as wood, glass, ceramic, bone, plastic, jade, quartz or any other type of gemstone band ring.<ref name="lovebondings"/><ref name="Brazil"/> Birthstones are also commonly used.<ref name="lovebondings"/> The ring or rings may be engraved with one or both of the names of those in the relationship, and potentially their nickname(s).<ref name="Brazil">Template:Cite web</ref>
Custom
A pre-engagement ring, sometimes referred to as a friendship ring or promise ring, is given to a romantic partner as a show of a commitment to a monogamous relationship as a precursor to an engagement ring.<ref>Philip-Phiri, Richard (2009). How to Grow Up the Right Way: Enter and Remain in Marriage. AuthorHouse.</ref><ref>Seleshanko, Kristina (2009). Carry Me Over the Threshold. Zondervan.</ref> It is typically given after six months to a year of dating.<ref name="ista">Template:Cite web</ref> In a heterosexual couple, the man is typically the one to give the ring, though it is not uncommon for the woman to give as well. Some couples may also exchange pre-engagement rings.<ref name="lovebondings">Template:Cite web</ref> Pre-engagement rings can be worn on any finger, though they're typically on the left ring finger. When a person gets married, if they still have their pre-engagement ring, they may switch the ring to their right ring finger.<ref name="knot"/> Since it is not an official engagement ring, it can be worn on any finger or even as a necklace.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="knot"/> Often seen as a fashion accessory rather than a formal engagement or wedding ring, pre-engagement rings are generally more affordable due to the lower level of commitment and the younger age of the giver and recipient.<ref name="knot"/> They are commonly worn by individuals who are too young for engagement but wish to express their commitment, as well as by couples who prefer to take their time before marrying.<ref name="lovebondings"/>
Pre-engagement rings are common in Brazil, and are sometimes worn by couples while they are dating. It is called a commitment ring (or Template:Lang).<ref name="Brazil"/>Template:Vague
History
Similar concepts to pre-engagement rings have appeared at various points in history. One such example is posie rings, which were engraved with romantic poems in 16th century England. Another example were acrostic rings, which spelled out a word in gemstones such as "regard" using a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, another ruby, and a diamond.<ref name="knot">Template:Cite web</ref> Claddagh rings are another similar kind of ring.<ref name="knot"/> The term 'promise ring' entered the "jewelry dictionary" in the 1970s.<ref name="ista"/> Template:Clear
Impact
Pre-engagement rings entered prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s.<ref name="knot"/> One of the reasons for the popularity of promise rings is the use by celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kylie Jenner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
When Gym Class Heroes vocalist Travie McCoy gave his then-girlfriend Katy Perry a diamond promise ring in June 2008, it was widely reported because Perry was just starting her rise to prominence with the hit song "I Kissed a Girl."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Perry told Steppin' Out magazine, "(People) think the promise ring means no sex! No, the promise ring is just a promise that he'll get me another ring. A better ring! Seriously, it's not one of those 'no sex' promise rings. That kind of went out the window when I was 17 years old."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Writer Nicole Fabian-Weber mocked the concept of pre-engagement rings in an article about a diamond-encrusted "J" ring that 17-year-old Justin Bieber gave to then-girlfriend Selena Gomez in February 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Writer Pascale Day expressed bemusement at the idea of a pre-engagement ring. She expressed confusion as to what it was and commented that 'pre-engagement' is just "being in a relationship."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Writer Ana Gabriela Verotti Farah commented that due to the relative newness of the custom in Brazil in 2003, it resulted in trivialization by couples, especially young ones.<ref name="Brazil" /> Gomez stated that the gift wasn't a pre-engagement ring or a promise ring, but rather a friendship ring.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Some companies have made franchise-branded pre-engagement rings, such as Disney's Beauty and the Beast-branded promise rings. The rings feature Belle and 'Her Beast' on the boy's ring and Beast and 'His Beauty' on the girl's.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Clear