Have you been admiring your partner’sengagement ring lately, wishing you also had a ring of your own? We don’t blameyou. But guess what? Men can wear engagement rings too, and it’s perfectlyacceptable! Want to learn more about them? Check out our below guide!
Whatare Men’s Engagement Rings?
Men’s engagement rings — or “mangagementrings” — are exactly what you might think! These bands are worn prior to thewedding and subtly tell the world that you’re set to marry the love of yourlife.
A 2014 survey conducted by The Knot’sparent company, XO Group Inc., found that 5% of men were already sporting engagementrings. That might seem like a small percentage, but another wedding sourcereported that 56% more men have been seeking male engagement rings since 2007.And this trend is expected to continue.
What’s causing the spike in interest? Well,there could be a few reasons. One is commitment. Previously, an engagement ringindicated that a woman was “claimed” by the proposer and off the market. Butnow that younger couples value equality in relationships, rings have come torepresent loyalty to each other vs. ownership.
Another reason is the growing number ofsame-sex marriages. Men typically propose with an engagement ring in same-sexrelationships. And as of 2020, married same-sex couples made up more than 500,000 U.S. households, according to U.S.Census Bureau data. Several celebrities, like singers Ed Sheeran and MichaelBuble, have also proudly worn “mangagement” rings in recent years, which couldhave prompted additional interest.
Now, you might be wondering who’s responsiblefor purchasing that second mangagement ring. If you’d like a little bling foryour finger too, talk it over with your partner! They might want to buy thering or you might want to split the cost for both rings. You have plenty ofoptions!
Historyof Men’s Engagement Rings
Although men’s engagement rings are growing inpopularity, the concept isn’t new. The first mangagement rings were actuallyintroduced by jewelers back in the 1920s. Companies gave the piecesmasculine names, such as the “Stag” and the “Master,” and advertised them inEast Coast newspapers. But they didn’t appeal to male shoppers.
In fact, men didn’t even wear wedding ringsuntil the 1940s and 1950s! For jewelers, weddings represented the AmericanDream following World War II, and this messaging apparently caught on withsoon-to-be grooms. Certain Hollywood actors, like Humphrey Bogart, also beganwearing wedding rings, making them acceptable pieces of jewelry.
Mangagement rings, on the other hand, stillweren’t accessories of choice. So, British jeweler H. Samuel reintroduced themin 2009 with the “Tioro Ring” — a titanium band that’s about 5 millimeters wideand studded with a small diamond. A few years later, a jewelry industry surveyfound that opinions toward men’s engagement rings were shifting. Nearly 70% ofthe polled men said they would consider wearing a mangagement ring. But there’sstill much more work to be done before these engagement rings truly become acultural staple.
StyleTips for Men’s Engagement Rings
You can find different types of mangagementrings on the market. Some are simple metal bands, while others feature dazzlingdiamonds and gemstones.
Before buying a ring for yourself or asignificant other, consider lifestyle and style preferences. Do you playsports? Do you work with your hands? If so, you’ll want to choose durablemetals that are less likely to corrode, like platinum, titanium or tungsten. These metalsalso offer contemporary and sharp masculine looks. But if you’re atraditionalist and want to pass your ring down to the next generation, anyshade of gold is always a beautiful option.
Band width is another important feature toconsider, and men’s engagement rings are typically available in 4, 6 and 8millimeter widths. For reference, 8 millimeters is equivalent to roughly fourstacked nickels. If you have an active lifestyle, thicker bands will be bettersuited for you.
So, how should you wear a mangagement ring?Some men wear it on their left hand and switch it to the opposite hand afterthe wedding ceremony. For other men, the piece doubles as an engagement andwedding ring and therefore remains on the left hand. Some same-sex couples weartheir engagement rings on their right hands to distinguish themselves fromheterosexual couples. It’s ultimately your choice!
ShopOur Favorite Men’s Engagement Rings
Callum 14K Gold Polished Wedding Ring
Dylan 14K Gold Bezel Set Emerald Lab Grown Diamond Men’s Engagement Ring (1/2 TCW)
Ivan 14K Gold Bezel Set Oval Gemstone Men’s Engagement Ring (1/2 CT DEW)
Julian 14K Gold Satin & Polished Dome Men’s Engagement Ring
Have aquestion? We can help!
Gage Diamonds is Chicago’s premier jewelry showroomand online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. Weoffer a gorgeous selection of men’s engagement rings.
We’re committed to helping you find the ring of yourdreams. For inspiration, browse our website or set up an appointment with a memberof our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.
We offer no-credit-needed financing – feel free to applyand get your approval within 24 hours!
Pay over time, because love shouldn’t wait.