Durability

• Pick something durable for your materials. A promise ring, like a wedding ring, is meant to last for a significant period of time, so make sure that the material you choose will not deteriorate quickly. Materials that tarnish easily should be avoided, as should materials that are malleable enough to have the ring lose shape easily over time. Choose solid metals such as silver or gold, or similar more cost-efficient alternatives such as tungsten or zirconium.
  
  

Meaning

• Pick a symbol or gem that has significant meaning to both you and your partner. Because promise rings are meant to signify a commitment to a union, whatever symbol or gem you choose should be something that reminds you of each other. The symbol or gem could be a special type of stone, represent a place, thing, or activity you both enjoy or recognize that has meaning, or it could be symbolic of the vows made with the promise-ring exchange. For instance, often placed in pairs, the heart shape traditionally symbolizes that the heart of the giver is taken or that the hearts of the couple are intertwined, while the use of diamonds symbolizes the strength and "foreverness" of the relationship.
  
  

Practicality

• Consider what you'll be doing when wearing the promise ring. Even though you want the design to be special to you and your partner, you do not want the design to be such that it gets in the way, poses a safety hazard (e.g., potential to get caught on machinery at the workplace), or clashes with everything else that you and your partner will wear.
  
  

Budget

• Look at your budget. You will want to get the best materials you can afford so that the ring is durable, but you also don't want to have to be making payments on a ring right up until a wedding date is set. You may not be able to afford a diamond heart setting, for example, but you still can use the heart design if you choose a different stone.
  
  

Allergies

• Make sure the materials won't cause allergic reactions. Some people are sensitive to certain metals. If your partner has this problem you'll want to make sure that the ring is made from a material that is hypoallergenic.