Men’s Engagement Ring Trends: Breaking Traditions and Redefining Commitment

This article explores the change in Men’s Engagement Ring Trends.

Traditions surrounding engagement rings have long been associated with women, symbolizing their commitment and impending marriage. However, in recent years, a significant cultural shift has taken place as men have begun embracing engagement rings as well.

More men are wearing engagement rings than ever before in the USA.

According to The Knot, about 5% of men wear engagement rings but this grows considerably in same-sex relationships.

So what is the history of Engagement Rings?

While the Egyptians began the tradition of wedding rings to symbolize a union for eternity, it was the Romans who started the custom of engagement rings.

Replacing the traditional dowry in the 2^nd Century, Romans began giving a betrothal ring to show that a woman was ‘taken’ or promised to another.

And the engagement ring was born.

Archduke Maximillian of Austria was the first to commission an engagement ring with a diamond for his fiancé in 1477. This sparked a diamond ring trend among the European aristocracy at the time.

In 1947 DeBeers launched the slogan, “A Diamond is Forever”. And with this, a diamond ring became the global symbol of a lifetime commitment between two people.

Check out this sleek bezel engagement ring available from Brilliant Earth in white gold, yellow gold or platinum from Brilliant Earth.

Why are Men’s Engagement Ring Trends Changing?

Men’s engagement ring trends are changing to keep up with the new gender norms.

Love, commitment, and marriage are no longer limited to one gender. This shift represents a larger movement towards equality and inclusivity in relationships.

Check out this sterling silver Square ring with that tiny liberty gap!

A New Personal Expression

There has always been a niche market for men’s engagement rings but with the increase in women’s empowerment, men have become more open to how they dress and accessorize.

Since 2007, jewelers have reported a 58% increase in requests for men’s engagement rings. Celebrities like Michael Bublé, Johnny Depp, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran have all bucked with tradition and embraced the men’s engagement ring.

And In 2021, world-renowned jewelers, Tiffany’s, announced they were adding a range of gentlemen’s engagement rings to their brand.

Getting engaged is a mutual commitment. And it seems that the modern-day man with a strong sense of self-confidence is happy to get in on that excitement too.

So what do men’s Engagement Rings Look like?

Just as women have different tastes and prefer different styles of engagement rings, the same applies to men. No one style fits all, as they say.

Most engagement rings for men look similar to wedding bands. Some include diamonds or valuable gemstones. And others are made from simple wood, steel, or silver. It all depends on the man’s taste.

Ed Sheeran’s fiancé, for example, made his engagement ring herself from silver clay. And some men are wearing signet rings as engagement rings.

Check out this Bleue Burnham sapphire and silver ring

Men’s engagement ring trends in the stores

Jewelers are now offering a wide range of designs, materials, and styles specifically tailored for men. Men’s engagement ring trends reinforce the notion that men deserve to celebrate their commitments in their own unique way.

Check out this 9k yellow-gold band with which jet-black stones. It could be both an engagement or a wedding ring from The British Diamond Company.

Same-Sex Engagement Rings

Progress in equal marriage laws has certainly made an impact on the market for men’s engagement ring trends. Gay men are more at ease with an engagement ring than straight men are.

Some same-sex couples decide to purchase matching engagement rings together.

Others prefer the surprise of taking to a knee for a traditional proposal. In this case, the fiancé will often surprise their partner with a proposal and engagement ring.

Recognizing these strides in marriage equality, as well as the romantic dreams of same-sex and non-gender couples, the jewelry industry has responded. Matching ring sets for both gay men and women are now available.

Perhaps it is this fluidity and open-mindedness within the LGTBQ community that has spurred more men to embrace the male engagement ring. Whatever the reason, more engagement ring styles, choices, and custom-made options are available now than ever before.

For more info about LGBTQ jewelry check out my post:

Pride Jewelry for someone you love

Check out this Apollo Sapphire ring available in white or yellow gold or even platinum from Brilliant Earth. It would be a very special engagement ring.

Gender stereotypes in modern society are becoming less relevant. It is no longer taboo for women to propose to men. Same-sex marriage has become a present-day norm in Western countries where the same proposal and engagement traditions are followed.

Check out this sophisticated, modern, 18k white gold engagement ring from Brilliant Earth.

Are Men Wearing Diamond Engagement Rings?

When you think about it, men have been wearing jewelry as a symbol of status, power, and wealth for a long time. Kings, conquerors, maharajas, royals, and men of power all over the globe have worn gold bands inset with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires for centuries.

Some of these powerful men were straight, some were not, and some were gender fluid.

The point is, that jewelry has always been a form of expression. And it always will be. Luckily, diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals are gender-friendly too. So when it comes to men’s engagement rings, the general rule is, to do as you feel!

Check out this 14K white gold geometric Channel-set Diamond ring from James Allen

James Allen’s geometric ring: wearing it on the ring finger of the right hand,  shows your love and commitment to your betrothed.

Do Women Buy Engagement Rings for Men?

They sure do. Engagement rings might have previously been part of an old-fashioned tradition where men laid claim to their women. But with the emergence of men’s engagement rings, the proposal is becoming a symbol of equality.

Just like the ring a man presents to his loved one, the male engagement ring presented by a woman symbolizes her love and commitment to spending a lifetime together too.

Some modern women who decide to propose to their men are buying male engagement rings along with their ring of choice. Other couples are deciding to buy their engagement rings together.

Naturally, a woman can propose without presenting an engagement ring too. It is an entirely personal decision and will depend on the dynamics of each relationship.

5 Tips to Buy Your Man the Perfect Engagement Ring

Searching for and choosing the perfect man’s engagement ring is just as important as choosing one for a lady. And it should be a thoughtful process rather than an impulse buy. Here are some tips to consider before buying a man an engagement ring.

1. Decide on a budget and stick to it.
2. Consider the type of lifestyle the man in your life enjoys. His work, taste, and hobbies are all important factors to think about when choosing the perfect man’s engagement ring.
3. The preferred types of metals for men’s engagement rings are yellow gold, white gold, platinum, palladium, meteorite, cobalt fiber, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, silver, wood, and steel. Think carefully about the type of metal your man will prefer to wear for the rest of his life.
4. Men’s engagement rings are typically wider than women’s rings. Common widths are usually 4-8 mm. And the edges can be flat, beveled, domed, or curved.
5. Be sure to measure for the ring fit when your fingers are neither too cold nor too warm. It’s also a good idea to consider if the man in your life would prefer the standard flat surface between the ring and finger or the more comfortable rounded surface between the ring and finger

Ultimately, you want to choose the ring that best says “I Love You”.  Knowing his preferences, size, lifestyle, and tastes will help you to recognize the perfect ring as soon as you see it.

Check out this 9k gold brushed matt comfort ring

Black Engagement Rings for Men

Black Engagement Rings for men are made from titanium, tungsten, steel, or carbon fiber. All of which are strong and durable metals that remain scratch-free after years of use.

This makes black rings ideal for men who work with their hands.

Check out this cobalt satin finish band from Walmart

Black rings will also add a touch of style and class to any outfit, whether formal or casual. And metals like carbon fiber and titanium are hypoallergenic, making them the perfect ring for men with sensitive skin.

Check out this timeless brushed zirconium matt ring. It is a very durable metal hopefully like your relationship.

What Happens To A Man’s Engagement Ring After the Wedding?

Generally, women wear their engagement rings on their right hands before the wedding. They then transfer it, along with the wedding band, to their left hand after the wedding.

Other women decide to wear their wedding bands only. And after the wedding, they store their engagement rings in a safe place to eventually pass them on to the next generation

These same options are followed by men who wear engagement rings. Some men simply change their engagement band from their right hand to their left hand after the wedding. Other men, wear both the engagement ring and wedding bands together on the ring finger of their left hand.

Check out my post:

Which is the wedding ring finger? Don’t blow it on the big day!

Conclusion

Men’s engagement ring trends showcase the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. The new millennials are revolutionizing how they accessorize.

When Ed Sheeran was asked about it he said, “I never saw why men didn’t wear engagement rings, because it’s the same commitment either way”

Whether male, female, straight, gay, or gender-neutral, wearing an engagement ring is, above all, a symbol of eternal love & commitment.

No longer is a piece of jewelry for women only, the engagement ring is now a statement of equal & mutual dedication.

In saying that, engagement rings are also an outward expression of personal style and taste.  So if you are contemplating proposing to your man, it is vital to understand his preferences before buying.

Each of the rings featured in our men’s engagement ring guide can be purchased via the direct links. And most include a wide range of sizes, as well as free delivery.

Check out my post:

Men’s Rings Seductive Alternatives to Gold and Silver in 2024