When you think of lab grown diamond engagement rings, you probably envision a metal band with a center gemstone on a woman’s left hand. According to societal gender norms, these symbolic trinkets have been historically linked exclusively to women, not men. In Western culture, it is traditional for the man in a relationship to kneel and offer his future wife a shiny piece of jewellery as a symbol of their commitment. As societal perspectives evolve on equality and relationships, this double standard is also transforming.
Currently, the popularity of men’s engagement rings is on the rise. It is common for gay men to propose with a sparkler designed for men, but heterosexual couples are also adopting this trend: Some women are proposing to their boyfriends, while other couples are getting matching engagement rings to symbolise their equal partnership. Many couples opt for both partners to wear engagement rings, showing that engagement is a mutual commitment.
Regardless of the type of relationship, these accessories are worth spending money on. Interested in learning more about men’s engagement rings? Continue reading for our comprehensive guide.
What is the purpose of men’s engagement rings?
Men’s engagement rings are specifically crafted for men to symbolise their commitment to marry their partner. It varies between couples whether the man will receive this piece of jewellery before or after the proposal. A man’s engagement ring doesn’t have a specific design – it could be a plain gold band or adorned with diamonds.
Men’s Engagement Rings: A Brief History
Even though the tradition of men wearing engagement rings has existed for centuries in countries like Chile, Sweden, and Brazil, it has only recently gained acceptance in our modern Western society. These adornments originated in 15th-century Europe, with both partners in a relationship wearing a band from a Gimmel ring, consisting of two connected bands, before tying the knot. At the wedding ceremony, the man would present his wife with his wedding band for her to wear alongside her own.
This concept resurfaced in the 1920s as advertising agencies attempted to promote engagement rings for men, but it was not successful. The recent acceptance of male baubles by the public is credited to celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Johnny Depp, who have been seen sporting them in the past few decades.
What Men’s Engagement Rings Look Like
Similar to women’s engagement rings, men’s engagement rings are available in an assortment of shapes, designs, and sizes. Listed below are some of the materials and decorations you can choose from.
Materials
Various materials are available for men’s engagement rings, each providing a unique appearance and texture. Stainless steel, gold, and platinum are traditional options, while titanium, tungsten, carbide, black zirconium, and damascus steel are considered more contemporary—with the first three providing a shiny and smooth look, and the latter showcasing a textured finish.
Decorations
Many men prefer a simple, minimalist style; however, some desire to incorporate embellishments. One choice is a ring adorned with tiny diamonds, while another is a custom-engraved bar symbolising the relationship.
Comparing Men’s Engagement Rings and Men’s Wedding Bands
Although men’s engagement rings are becoming more accepted, men’s wedding bands have been common in Western society for around a hundred years.
The timing
In the wedding ceremony, it is customary for both partners to exchange wedding bands as a symbol of their commitment to their lifelong marriage together. However, men typically receive engagement rings during the proposal, unless their partner is proposing with a different ring. At times, the man’s engagement ring transitions into a wedding ring on the day of their marriage, while others still receive a separate wedding band at the ceremony.
The Positioning
In Western societies, it is common for men to wear their wedding ring on their left ring finger. Many people with an engagement ring often shift it to their right ring finger to accommodate the wedding band on their left ring finger.
The Style
Men’s wedding rings usually consist of a basic metal band. When it comes to men’s engagement rings, the design options are limitless: You have a wide range of metals to choose from, and you can also embellish the ring with gemstones, engravings, and other personalized features. Some partners also opt to have matching engagement rings.
Tips for buying engagement rings for men.
Keep these tips in mind if you are considering buying a men’s engagement ring, whether you are shopping alone or with your partner.
Start early
Ensure you buy the engagement ring at least two to three months in advance of the proposal. This provides enough time to locate the ideal ring, think about customisation choices, and make any needed resizing or modifications.
Consider their fashion sense.
Choosing a design that fits their style is crucial as they will wear this accessory every day. If you or your significant other are minimalists, think about opting for a plain metal ring. If you enjoy adding a touch of style, consider incorporating gemstones.
Consider the lifestyle
If you or your partner lead a busy lifestyle or often use their hands, it is recommended to opt for a tough material such as tungsten carbide or titanium.
Stick to budget
The price range for men’s engagement rings can vary greatly, starting from just a few hundred dollars to reaching tens of thousands, based on factors like the ring’s material, thickness, additional features, and where it is bought. Ensure that whatever you decide on aligns with your budget.
Ensure you have the correct size.
Having the correct ring size is important for ensuring comfort. Before going to the jeweller, ensure to measure your partner’s ring finger if you are searching for rings together. If you’re buying a gift for him that will be a surprise, use one of his existing rings or ask a family member for guidance while shopping without him.
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