The Promise Ring: Designing Your Future Dreams
In 2025, Deirdre O’Donnell Contemporary Jewellery added a new offering to our collections: the promise ring. With our collections of ready-to-wear rings, Deirdre decided this was the perfect way to allow for a surprise proposal, without sacrificing the ring your partner truly wants. The opportunity to design a custom ring is an exciting chance to get closer to your partner and ensure that your piece is one that lasts a lifetime.
What is a promise ring?
A promise ring is a tradition that dates back many years. The act of giving a ring as a promise of love and affection and wearing a ring to show loyalty has ties to ancient times. In 16th-century England, “Posy rings” engraved with romantic poems were common. In 2nd century BC, Roman brides were known to have worn engagement rings.
Rings have always had special meaning, as they display a continuous circle, representing an infinite love and commitment. Though the styles have changed over the years, the ring shape and fashion remains a constant.
The Deirdre O’Donnell Contemporary Promise Ring Service
At Deirdre O’Donnell, we noticed a large number of our customers either wanted to design bespoke engagement rings, but also wanted their proposal to remain a surprise, or did not know what their partner would want. To ensure that our customers are entirely confident about the lifelong purchase they are about to make, we designed the Promise Ring Service.
The Promise Ring Service is a unique take on the concept of a promise ring. Our promise rings are more of a placeholder, so that you can have a surprise proposal, and your partner can design a bespoke piece together. We think it’s the best of both worlds.
This service works in 5 steps:
You alone meet with Deirdre for a 1:1 consultation.
You pick out a promise ring, typically valued from €495.00 to €695.00. This ring is in-stock and ready to take home that day. Your payment for the promise ring acts as a deposit on your bespoke piece.
You propose!
Following your proposal, you and your partner return to Deirdre O’Donnell Contemporary and work with Deirdre to design your dream ring.
Once completed, you return your promise ring and collect your bespoke ring to enjoy for a lifetime.
Do you have to get a promise ring before an engagement ring?
No! There are no rules when it comes to promise rings, or engagement rings, for that matter. Making your experience personalised with your partner is the most important consideration. This service is not for everyone, and if you know exactly what your partner wants or you have already picked out a Deirdre O’Donnell ring together, we encourage you to follow your instincts.
How to design an engagement ring
Together with the team at Deirdre O’Donnell Contemporary, you and your partner will pick the perfect precious metal, stones, settings, cuts and more to create a ring that lasts generations. If you’re stuck or looking for inspiration, Deirdre has over 35 years of experience and designs to share. If you decide that one of Deirdre’s core collection designs is the perfect fit, we would be delighted to create your custom size.
Conclusion
Whether you’re ready to propose or just want to find a special piece for a special person, promise rings are a beautiful way to show your commitment. Our Promise Ring Service is here to make your engagement go smoothly and allow you and your partner to create a piece that is special to both of you, designed in collaboration and handled with care by Deirdre herself. Congratulations, and we look forward to welcoming you into the shop!