Have you been admiring your partner’s engagement ring lately, wishing you also had a ring of your own? We don’t blame you. But guess what? Men can wear engagement rings too, and it’s perfectly acceptable! Want to learn more about them? Check out our below guide!
What are Men’s Engagement Rings?
Men’s engagement rings — or “mangagement rings” — are exactly what you might think! These bands are worn prior to the wedding and subtly tell the world that you’re set to marry the love of your life.
A 2014 survey conducted by The Knot’s parent company, XO Group Inc., found that 5% of men were already sporting engagement rings. That might seem like a small percentage, but another wedding source reported 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 ring indicated that a woman was “claimed” by the proposer and off the market. But now that younger couples value equality in relationships, rings have come to represent loyalty to each other vs. ownership.
Another reason is the growing number of same-sex marriages. Men typically propose with an engagement ring in same-sex relationships. 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 Michael Buble, have also proudly worn “mangagement” rings in recent years, which could have prompted additional interest.
Now, you might be wondering who’s responsible for purchasing that second mangagement ring. If you’d like a little bling for your finger too, talk it over with your partner! They might want to buy the ring or you might want to split the cost for both rings. You have plenty of options!
History of Men’s Engagement Rings
Although men’s engagement rings are growing in popularity, the concept isn’t new. The first mangagement rings were actually introduced by jewelers back in the 1920s. Companies gave the pieces masculine names, such as the “Stag” and the “Master,” and advertised them in East Coast newspapers. But they didn’t appeal to male shoppers.
In fact, men didn’t even wear wedding rings until the 1940s and 1950s! For jewelers, weddings represented the American Dream following World War II, and this messaging apparently caught on with soon-to-be grooms. Certain Hollywood actors, like Humphrey Bogart, also began wearing wedding rings, making them acceptable pieces of jewelry.
Mangagement rings, on the other hand, still weren’t accessories of choice. So, British jeweler H. Samuel reintroduced them in 2009 with the “Tioro Ring” — a titanium band that’s about 5 millimeters wide and studded with a small diamond. A few years later, a jewelry industry survey found that opinions toward men’s engagement rings were shifting. Nearly 70% of the polled men said they would consider wearing a mangagement ring. But there’s still much more work to be done before these engagement rings truly become a cultural staple.
Style Tips for Men’s Engagement Rings
You can find different types of mangagement rings on the market. Some are simple metal bands, while others feature dazzling diamonds and gemstones.
Before buying a ring for yourself or a significant other, consider lifestyle and style preferences. Do you play sports? Do you work with your hands? If so, you’ll want to choose durable metals that are less likely to corrode, like platinum, titanium or tungsten. These metals also offer contemporary and sharp masculine looks. But if you’re a traditionalist and want to pass your ring down to the next generation, any shade of gold is always a beautiful option.
Band width is another important feature to consider, and men’s engagement rings are typically available in 4, 6 and 8 millimeter widths. For reference, 8 millimeters is equivalent to roughly four stacked nickels. If you have an active lifestyle, thicker bands will be better suited 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 after the wedding ceremony. For other men, the piece doubles as an engagement and wedding ring and therefore remains on the left hand. Some same-sex couples wear their engagement rings on their right hands to distinguish themselves from heterosexual couples. It’s ultimately your choice!
Shop Our 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 a question? We can help!
Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a gorgeous selection of men’s engagement rings.
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