The purity ring is a simple symbol now worn by many teens and young adults to signify that they intend to practice abstinence until marriage. Many think of these rings as having been invented in the 1990s, and promoted especially by Christian groups to encourage the teaching of and celebration of remaining in the virginal state. However, origin of these rings may date much farther back to the use of rings when some women would become nuns. The ring might symbolize a marriage to Christ though, and it didn’t have an expiration date as the purity ring does and implies. Once married, a person might not continue to wear his/her ring, though some couples exchange rings on their wedding night.

Though more commonly worn by women, there are some men that also don the purity ring. Much was made in the late 2000s about the fact that the Jonas Brothers, a popular musical group, wore purity rings. A number of Christian artists who are not married wear them, however.

There may be special ceremonies associated with getting a purity ring. A young woman or man might make a pledge to God, in the presence of family or friends to abstain from sexual intercourse prior to marriage. Sometimes purity rings are given to daughters at purity balls, which are father/daughter dance events. It is not necessary for the ring to be a ring; there are also chastity necklaces and bracelets too.

Price can vary on these rings, and silver rings may be inexpensively purchased, while elaborately designed gold ones can be expensive. Parents who intend to give a purity ring to a young teen may then want to consider the durability of the ring. A very inexpensive one may not hold up for the five or more years that it may be worn.

Rings are usually worn on the left hand of the ring finger, as something of a placeholder until replaced by a marriage ring. Some people feel uncomfortable with the concept of advertising virginity in this manner. Most etiquette specialists feel it’s gauche to inquire whether or not a person has been sexually active, and that it is really not the business of any other person. On the other hand, many say the purity ring is a symbol to potential dates that there can no expectation of intercourse, and this helps retain the vow of chastity until marriage.

There could be some unfortunate consequences, aside from the obvious risks of STDs and pregnancy, if a person breaks their vow of purity prior to marriage. They would then have to remove the ring, advertising they were no longer virgins. This might be greatly shaming in a predominantly Christian community. The other option would be to continue to wear the ring, but this would a lie, which is definitely not a sanctioned Christian behavior.