Promise Ring: Meaning, Which Finger and Prices (for Her, Him and Couples)

Updated October 16, 2026 · by Enzo, founder of Laveran Paris

A promise ring (“bague de promesse” in French) is a ring given to seal a romantic commitment, often before an engagement, without promising an immediate wedding. At Laveran Paris, a promise ring costs from €90 for a men's band in sterling silver, €320 in 18k gold, €536 for a half-eternity band set with lab-grown diamonds and €880 for a solitaire. This guide explains what it means, which finger to wear it on, when to give it and how to choose a promise ring for her, for him or for a couple.

Contents

• What is a promise ring?
• How is it different from an engagement ring and a wedding band?
• What does a promise ring mean?
• Which finger do you wear a promise ring on?
• When and how should you give a promise ring?
• How much does a promise ring cost?
• Which promise ring for her, for him or for a couple?
• How do you care for a promise ring?
• Frequently asked questions

What is a promise ring?

It's a ring given to say “I'm committed to you,” before or without any plans to marry. It sits between a friendship ring and an engagement ring: it expresses the wish to build a future together without setting a date. It is also called a commitment ring.

One partner can give it to the other, or both can exchange rings: that's a couple's promise ring, often as matching rings. There's no rule about age or style: a simple gold band, a diamond half-eternity band or a small solitaire all work.

How is it different from an engagement ring and a wedding band?

A promise ring announces a commitment, an engagement ring announces a wedding, a wedding band celebrates it. All three can be worn together over the years.

That's why many couples choose a slim promise ring that can later be worn next to the engagement ring. For the next step: our lab-grown diamond engagement rings.

What does a promise ring mean?

It symbolizes love, fidelity and mutual trust: a promise made by two people, with no timeline attached. For some couples, it's the promise of a future wedding. For others, it's a moral or emotional commitment, with no wedding planned.

The tradition is old. As early as Roman times, couples exchanged rings of precious metal to seal a promise of union. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, “posy rings” carried a short love message engraved inside. That's where the habit of engraving a date, initials or a word comes from: at Laveran, engraving is free. Message ideas: what to engrave on a ring.

Given as a pair, it means reciprocity: each partner wears the same symbol. Set with a diamond, it borrows the symbolism of a stone known to last forever.

Which finger do you wear a promise ring on?

Usually the ring finger: on the left hand, or on the right to keep the left for a future engagement ring. Unlike a wedding band, there's no strict rule.

• Left ring finger: the most common choice in France. On the day of the engagement, the promise ring can switch hands or stay, worn with the new ring.
• Right ring finger: to clearly set the promise apart from a future engagement.
• Another finger or as a pendant: on the middle finger, the pinky, or on a chain around the neck, for example when a ring gets in the way at work.

Traditions by country and hand: which hand to wear your wedding band on.

When and how should you give a promise ring?

There's no right age or set date: you give it when you want to say it. The most common occasions:

• A relationship anniversary: 1 year, 2 years, 5 years.
• Before time apart: studies, a move abroad, a long-distance relationship.
• A life milestone: moving in together, a new job, a hard time you got through together.
• Christmas, Valentine's Day or a trip, when you want to mark the moment without proposing.

When you give it, keep it simple and be clear about what you're promising, so it isn't mistaken for a proposal. A few ideas: dinner where you had your first date, a letter tucked into the ring box, an engraving with the date you met. If you'd rather have couple's rings, choose them together.

For Christmas, a made-to-order ring takes 2 to 3 weeks: order before the end of November. Some designs are in stock, and others can be made express in a few days.

How much does a promise ring cost?

At Laveran, a promise ring costs from €90 (men's band in sterling silver) to €880 and up (lab-grown diamond solitaire). It doesn't need to compete with a future engagement ring. Starting prices as of October 2026:

At Laveran, platinum costs the same as 18k gold. Our lab-grown diamonds are IGI or GIA certified with no fluorescence, and cost up to 80% less than a natural diamond. Installment payments are available with Alma.

Looking for a promise ring? Come alone or together to one of our 11 showrooms, or meet us by video call: an expert will help you choose the ring, the size and, if you'd like, a matching design. Free engraving. Book an appointment →

Which promise ring for her, for him or for a couple?

For her, a diamond half-eternity band or a small solitaire; for him, a simple gold band; for a couple, two bands in the same metal. Start from the jewelry they wear every day: the metal color they already wear, and whether their pieces are understated or bold.

Promise ring for her

The two most common choices are a diamond half-eternity band, which can later be worn with the engagement ring, and a small solitaire. The Saint-Louis half-eternity band starts at €536, the Montaigne solitaire at €880 with a 0.30-carat diamond. For a more romantic symbol, the Montaigne Heart ring, with a heart-cut diamond, also starts at €880. All our lab-grown diamond half-eternity bands.

Promise ring for him

For a man, the usual choice is a simple band that's easy to wear every day. The Fidélis band starts at €90 in sterling silver and €320 in 18k gold or platinum, the Jonc Parisien at €400 in gold, the Trianon at €740. The full collection: men's bands.

Couple's promise rings

For matching rings, pair a diamond half-eternity band with a men's band in the same gold: from €856 for both (Saint-Louis €536 + Fidélis €320). On a smaller budget, two Fidélis bands in sterling silver cost €180. A shared engraving, free of charge, links the two rings.

Gold, platinum or silver?

• White gold or platinum: bright and modern; at Laveran, the same price.
• Yellow gold: warm and classic.
• Rose gold: soft and romantic.
• Sterling silver: available on men's bands, for a first symbol at a small price.

Not sure of the size? Ask for our free ring sizer: resizing is free for life anyway.

How do you care for a promise ring?

Lukewarm water and mild soap are enough day to day; for everything else, our services are free for life.

• Cleaning: lukewarm water, mild soap, a soft brush, then dry with a soft cloth.
• Storage: its own box, to avoid scratches between pieces.
• Precautions: take the ring off for sports, housework and chemicals.
• At Laveran: free polishing and prong checks for life, free resizing for life and a lifetime warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What is a promise ring, in one sentence?

It's a ring given to seal a romantic commitment, often before an engagement, without promising an immediate wedding.

What's the difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring?

An engagement ring comes with a marriage proposal. A promise ring expresses a commitment with no wedding date, and both partners can wear one.

Which finger does a promise ring go on?

Usually the left ring finger, or the right ring finger to leave room for a future engagement ring. There's no set rule.

How much does a promise ring cost?

At Laveran, from €90 for a men's band in sterling silver, €320 in 18k gold, €536 for a lab-grown diamond half-eternity band and €880 for a solitaire.

Can you give a promise ring to a man?

Yes. Most men choose a simple band in gold or platinum, sometimes matching their partner's. See also: do men wear an engagement ring?

What is a promise ring “with a contract”?

Some brands sell a ring that can only be given once in a lifetime, with a signed pledge. It's a marketing concept, not a tradition. A personal engraving, free at Laveran, plays the same role in a more intimate way.

Can you wear a promise ring with an engagement ring?

Yes, it's common with a slim half-eternity band. Choose the same metal and a similar width so the two rings go together.

What if the size or design isn't right?

Resizing is free for life, and returns are accepted within 30 days. Shipping is free, insured and hand-delivered.

Ready to make your promise? Book an appointment at one of our 11 showrooms or by video call: we'll help you find the ring, the size and the engraving, for her, for him or for both of you.

Book an appointment → · See half-eternity bands →