Jessica Biel — The Promise of Things To Come
The tradition of the promise ring dates back many years to a time during which the price of gold was prohibitive, so when things got serious, a woman was given a silver ring to pledge the promise of things to come. Upon marriage, the sterling silver ring was replaced with a gold band. The tradition continues, today, with the contemporary version of the promise ring – typically comprised of a thin gold band, with a delicate stone (euphemism for barely visible to the naked eye!), it is a sweet gesture, a sentiment usually reserved for that particular brand of young love with questionable longevity!
Owing to the aforementioned association with promise rings, I was surprised to read that Justin Timberlake and Jessica had decided to embrace this tradition which is today widely regarded as the exclusive domain of the “puppy love” set whose disposable income is at a premium!
With nuptials not impending, but a desire to establish an outward symbol of commitment to his relationship with Jessica, Justin was spotted shopping for a sparkler which he termed a “promise ring”.
Will these two put a whole new spin on the tradition of promise rings? With the absence of the monetary constraints usually attributed to promise rings, how hefty a promise has he made in carat weight?
Perhaps he has purchased a right hand ring for Jessica, a gemstone ring, or maybe a diamond fashion ring, to be replaced upon engagement with a something to symbolize eternity. I’m sure we’ll all be on the lookout to see what Jessica is sporting!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I think these two are such a great power couple. Justin’s probably going to start the promise ring trend again, just like Marilyn Munroe made diamonds a girl’s best friend.
It’s about time I think.
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:27 am
Hi Sharon! I think they make a great couple and am glad he extricated himself from that B-Person. LOL You’re probably right, this coupld be the start of a new trens. If so, perhaps that extra “step” prior to taking the big plunge is exactly what’s needed in Hollywood to temper the staggering divorce stats! Yay them.
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:07 pm
I dunno, “promise ring” sounds very high school to me. Isn’t that basically what engagement is supposed to be? But hey, whatever works for them.
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Well, I wish my husband gave me a promise ring, then an engagement ring, and topping it off with a wedding ring
Hey, a girl can wish….
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Hi Alex — it was associated w/ a more juvenile tradition. I can see it as being a bit of a divorce deterrent with the Hollywood types if they add this additional step/waiting period. I don’t imagine he bought her the usual little bauble we think of when the notion of promise ring comes to mind.
Sharon you are a woman after my own heart. There is no such thing as too mny diamond rings. I should qualify that — no such thing as too many *substantial* diamond rings.
August 26th, 2007 at 11:31 am
That’s so interesting. My former gf asked me for a promise ring, much to my surprise. I thought it was not so much a teen-thing, but more of an antiquated tradition. It’s interesting to read it in this context.
Besides, it sounds very romantic to me.
August 26th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I just saw in a mag that the stars of High School Musical (Zac Efron and whatever-her-name-is) are also into the promise ring thing. You’re right–a new hollywood trend!!
I love that faux spring roll recipe. Will def have to try that. Thanks!
August 27th, 2007 at 7:39 am
It’s nice to see you are a romantic fellow, Jon! Did you acquiesce to her request? Don’t leave us with that little crumb of info and not let us know the outcome.
Hi Alex — you’re welcome! It’ll be interesting to see if a trend does emerge and the new heights the notion of promise ring is taken to! Can you imagine Elizabeth Taylor accepting a promise ring from a man, back in the day? LOL. I think probably not, unless the rock was of gargantuan proportions!
August 28th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
I tried, but let’s just say “the timing wasn’t optimal”.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Ah, Jon — I’m sure the “timing” will be “optimal” when a Salma-type comes around.
In the meantime, you can stash some savings for future (diamond) diva demands!