What Is a Promise Ring? Who Buys It and How to Choose One

Short answer: In Turkey, the promise ring (“söz yüzüğü”) is the first ring, put on at the “söz” ceremony when the two families give their consent to the marriage. The rings are usually tied together with a red ribbon, an elder of the family cuts the ribbon, and the rings are placed on the ring finger of the right hand. Traditionally the groom’s side buys the promise rings; today couples usually choose them together. Many couples also wear their promise rings as wedding bands at the engagement and the wedding.

The “söz” tradition

In Turkey, the road to marriage often goes in this order: asking for the bride’s hand (“kız isteme”), the promise (“söz”), the engagement and the wedding. The söz celebrates, with a small ceremony, the consent given when the families meet; it is usually held at home, simply, with close family on both sides. The rings are presented on a tray, tied together with a red ribbon. A respected elder of the family cuts the ribbon with good wishes, and the couple put each other’s rings on. Traditions can vary from region to region and family to family.

Which hand does a promise ring go on?

Like the engagement ring, the promise ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. At the wedding, the wedding band moves to the left hand. The solitaire given at the proposal is usually worn on the left hand. More: which finger does a ring go on.

How to choose a promise ring

Plain or stone-set?

Traditionally, promise rings were simple and slim. Today most couples choose their promise rings as the wedding bands they will also wear at the engagement and the wedding. In that case the ring should have the qualities of a band worn every day: comfortable, durable and timeless.

As a pair

Promise rings are usually bought as a pair. The two rings do not have to be identical: the woman’s ring can be a slim half eternity and the man’s a plain band. Choosing a pair of wedding bands.

The most loved promise ring designs

• Plain band: simple and timeless; also worn at the engagement and the wedding.
• Slim half eternity: a delicate sparkle; it will look lovely next to a solitaire later. Half eternity ring.
• Five-stone: bold stones and a symbolic meaning. Five-stone ring.
• Slim solitaire: a small single stone; delicate and meaningful.

Promise, engagement and proposal rings

These rings are often confused. In short: promise and engagement rings are usually a pair of bands worn on the right hand; the solitaire given at the proposal is a single ring and is usually worn on the left hand. You do not need to buy them all separately; the most common arrangement is one solitaire and one pair of bands. More: promise ring, engagement ring, wedding band and solitaire.

Size and timing

A söz ceremony is often planned at short notice. For rings made for you, take your sizes early and ask about the production time. We explain how to measure your size correctly at home on the ring size page.

Frequently asked questions