Dancehall artiste Jada Kingdom celebrated her birthday in fine Kingstonian style last night (September 4), after she was gifted a promise ring by American rapper and boyfriend Nas EBK. 

An excited Jada Kingdom, now 24, did not hesitate accepting the diamond-encrusted ring as the pair cemented their six-month relationship, which was first made public in March 2022.

The 19-year-old Nas EBK, an upcoming rapper from the Bronx, wished the “love of his life” a happy birthday, adding that the promise ring is just the first in a long line of joys she will experience. 

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Sparing no expense for the ‘Bonnie to his Clyde’, Nas EBK also tattooed Jada Kingdom’s likeness on the front of his left deltoid. 

But what is a promise ring? 

High-end department store franchise Macy’s argues that a promise ring, at least in the modern-age context, symbolises “a couple’s commitment to each other or a declaration of monogamy, especially if they’ve been dating for some time”.

“The tradition of gifting promise rings dates back to ancient times, when rings engraved with romantic poems were exchanged as a symbol and promise of love,” 

The gifting of a promise ring could mean one of several scenarios: 

• Maybe, as a couple, the ring declares that you’re going from casual dating to officially exclusive. 
• It could also mean that having been together for a while and, though not engaged yet, you are “almost there”. 
• It is also suggested by Macy’s that the bearing of a promise ring could signify that maybe marriage is not for you, but you still want to show your boyfriend or girlfriend just how much they mean to you.

“Every couple is different, so be sure you’re clear to your other half about what the promise ring means for your relationship, so it’s not confused for something else like an engagement ring—especially if you’re not there yet. A promise ring could mean a possible engagement in the future (when you’re ready), while an engagement ring means you’re ready to take things to the next level,” the US-based company advised further.