Guide to Purity Rings
Purity rings emerged in the last few decades, but you might not be familiar with their purpose and who wears them. In this post, you'll learn about purity rings including their meaning, design options, etiquette, and shopping tips.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What are Purity Rings?
Purity rings, also known as chastity or abstinence rings, represent a pledge to remain celibate until marriage. Males and female young adults typically wear purity rings. The purpose of the ring is to remind the wearer of their pledge to remain pure. It’s also worn publicly and visible to other people, so it makes a statement.
These rings came to be in the 1990s. They were made mainstream by well-known millennials such as Miley Cyrus, Demi Lavato, Selena Gomez and the Jonas Brothers. Christian groups also helped popularize these rings, and some held Purity Balls for fathers and daughters where they focused on abstinence for teenage girls.
Often with sayings, like “True Love Waits.” Other engravings include:
- I Will Wait For You
- Purity
- Faithful to My Beloved
- Heart and Soul
- One Life One Love
- Bible Verses
- Love Waits
Purity Ring Etiquette
Today, people buy themselves a purity ring, family members give them as a gift, or couples purchase rings. For example, dads buy their daughters rings and moms buy their son’s rings. They’re worn by both young men and women. Usually the ring is worn on the left hand ring finger to serve as an abstinence reminder. If he or she gets married, the wedding ring typically replaces the purity ring. But you can also wear the ring on the right hand or on another finger. Comfort is key!
Like other special jewelry, you can take off your purity ring if you’re participating in outdoor activities, cleaning the house, or you're worried about damaging it. You can always wear it around your neck on a chain so it’s close to your heart, but not on your hand. Your purity ring carries sentimental value so make sure you keep it safe if you take it off and on a lot.
Purity Ring Designs and Styles
Purity rings come in a variety of styles from simple to extravagant. There’s not one style of purity ring. You’ll see simple metal bands with engraving as well as more elaborate rings that have gemstones. Diamond crosses are a popular style for women. Other popular designs include keys, hearts, vines, and flowers. The key represents “the key to my heart.” For men, bands are popular and sometimes they’re engraved.
Purity Ring Metal Options
Once you’ve decided on a ring style, you'll also need to select your metal. You might prefer the look of a certain metal or choose metal based on skin sensitivity. All of the following options are durable.
- Yellow Gold: A gold purity ring has a classic look. Its yellow hue is flattering on many skin tones and is an affordable option.
- Platinum: Platinum costs a bit more, but it’s a hypoallergenic, silvery-white metal that works well for someone who has a sophisticated style.
- White Gold: Another silvery-white metal is white gold. It’s a budget-friendly, radiant option that continues to be popular.
- Rose Gold: This metal features a warm, pink tint, and it’s a popular, trendy option. It’s ideal for someone who prefers a modern sense of style.
Purity Ring Shopping Tips
Once you’ve decided on a ring style, you'll also need to select your metal. You might prefer the look of a certain metal or choose metal based on skin sensitivity. All of the following options are durable.
- If you’re buying a purity ring for yourself, you can pick the design that you want–it doesn’t need to be boring. Select a design that suits your sensibilities and beliefs. There are so many beautiful designs available, so browse until you find the perfect ring that speaks to you and is meaningful.
- Consider engraving your purity rings with a special message to make it even more beautiful and personal. Some purity rings have engravings on the outside while some might prefer to have the inside of the ring engraved.
- Keep comfort and quality in mind when choosing the ring. You want a ring that is durable and will last. Try on different rings and bands with different widths to find one that is comfortable.
- Buy from a reputed brand that offers easy returns if at all you’re dissatisfied with the product for any reason.
FAQs
What is the meaning of a purity ring?
A purity ring is a visible reminder of your pledge to remain celibate until marriage. The purpose of the ring is to remind the wearer of their pledge to remain pure. If couples both have purity rings, then they’ve vowed to remain virgins until marriage.
Is only a woman supposed to wear a purity ring?
Both men and women can wear purity rings. Some couples purchase rings together, some get rings for themselves and others are given by family members (for example, moms and dads will gift rings to their sons and daughters)
On which hand and finger do you wear the purity ring?
Purity rings are typically worn on the left ring finger. However, there aren’t rules for purity rings. Some choose to wear their ring on a different finger, on the right hand, or on a necklace.
Are purity rings considered religious?
Most people who wear purity rings say it’s rooted in their religion. However, people who aren’t religious can also wear purity rings because they’re a personal pledge.
Can I stop wearing my purity ring?
Wearing a purity ring is a personal pledge and decision. If you decide that wearing a purity ring no longer fits what you want, then you can stop wearing it at any time. After all, it’s your decision!
