| A new trend now is promise rings for men - but | | | | desire to promise pre-marital abstinence to one |
| did you know that it stems from an old and | | | | another, celebrate a new co-habitation, or mark |
| fascinating tradition? Before men wore rings to | | | | the seriousness of the relationship. |
| symbolize their romantic commitments, they | | | | Couples who are looking for a promise ring for |
| wore them to signify their devotion to various | | | | the male partner will find they have a lot of |
| institutions, among them professional guilds, | | | | flexibility with style, color, and stone choices. Rings |
| religious organizations, and groups such as | | | | with personal messages engraved on the outside |
| fraternities or colleges. | | | | or inside of the band are popular, and the ring can |
| The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the | | | | be worn on either the left or right hand and on |
| Pope, wears a Papal ring to symbolize his fidelity | | | | the finger of the wearer's choice. |
| to God and the Church. According to experts, this | | | | "Anam Cara" is a saying in Gaelic, the language of |
| tradition stems back thousands of years to the | | | | Ireland, which means "soul friend". This saying has |
| religious institutions of the ancient world, where | | | | become a popular engraving on men's promise |
| male spiritual officials wore rings as signs of their | | | | rings in the last few years, especially on rings that |
| faith. | | | | are inspired by the jewelry of the ancient Celts. |
| During the 1500s, it was common for friends and | | | | Matching his-and-hers promise rings is another |
| lovers to exchange rings as symbols of affection | | | | popular trend right now. Couples who are looking |
| and fidelity. These early rings came in many | | | | to signify their connection to one another through |
| different styles and settings, and were worn by | | | | their rings often opt for matching pieces. |
| both men and women. | | | | Frequently, the woman's ring will be of lighter |
| In the late 20th century, promise rings became | | | | weight and more delicate design than the man's, |
| popular for, first, women, and then, for men too. | | | | but a similar stone, engraved saying, or colour will |
| Couples have many different reasons for | | | | link the two rings in look and feel. |
| exchanging rings before engagement, including the | | | | |