Do Men Wear Engagement Rings? Facts Behind the Trend

Do Men Wear Engagement Rings? Depending on where you are from, this might seem like a completely new and bizarre concept. Though uncommon in most parts of the world, engagement rings for men are a thing and have been for a while now. Reports show that more and more men are opting to wear engagement rings presently and the number is predicted to increase going forward. But why the sudden change in perspective? What do men’s engagement rings look like, where are they worn, and what makes the perfect engagement ring for a man?

Originating in ancient Egypt, engagement rings were worn by both men and women. They were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand as it was thought that the “Vena Amoris”, or the vein of love, was located on that finger. The rings represented eternity. The tradition was then adopted by the Romans and Greeks who used it as a sign of betrothal. It was only worn by women. Later in the early 20th century, the diamond ring became the most commonly used in proposals in Western culture and was presented to women.

Men in Sweden, Brazil, and Chile have been known to wear engagement rings. According to an article by the BBC, alongside a booming market for inclusive and gender-neutral fashion, more men are embracing jewelry in general.

When choosing a ring, there are many factors to consider, such as style, material, and even stone cuts like radiant vs emerald cut, which offer different shapes and brilliance. If you're looking to explore stylish options for men's engagement rings, check out the stunning collections available at Shiree Odiz Engagement Rings, where you can find customizable designs to suit every taste.

The Rise in Men’s Engagement Rings

The reversal of gender roles is an important factor. More women are opting to propose to men than the other way round as is common. To symbolize equality and partnerships within the relationships, most couples are choosing for both the man and woman to wear an engagement ring. Others choose to wear it as an expression of style. What better way to showcase your great fashion sense than with an engagement ring?

Ed Sheeran, Ryan Reynolds, and Michael Bublé are all household names. They have brought households worldwide notable music and movies that will likely stay relevant years to come. What some don’t know, however, is that these same influential men have been symbols of the changing times and breaking ‘tradition’ by proudly wearing their engagement rings. In essence, celebrating their love. But this trend goes beyond public figures. More men and women are open to the idea of men’s engagement rings.

What do men’s engagement rings look like?

Unlike women's engagement rings, men’s engagement rings are designed to convey a masculine appeal. They might be plain or have precious stones like diamonds encircling them or at the center. Men’s engagement rings are made of strong materials such as titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel. 

According to an article by The Independent discussing the popularity of men’s engagement rings, it highlighted platinum, gold, sapphire as some of the best material options for men. This is considering the resilience of these materials and considering just how often these rings are worn. The same article mentioned that sometimes mens’ engagement rings were still used as their wedding rings. 

Where do men wear engagement rings?

This is dependent on the person. There are no rules. After getting engaged, some men wear it on the fourth finger of the left hand while others wear it on the fourth finger of the right hand. Some even wear it on a completely different finger. Others prefer to string it on a chain and wear it as a necklace. Engagement rings can be worn together with a wedding band or removed in place of the wedding band.

What is the perfect engagement ring for a man?

What fits best for a particular person is determined by a lot of aspects, most of which are associated with the person. What is his style? What does he enjoy? What is his personality? Does he favor any metals or stones? What is his favorite color? These are the considerations one should have in mind when picking out an engagement ring for their male partner. Luckily, most stores offer customization services and can easily make your design come to life.

According to the Jewelry Editor, while more men are embracing the concept of engagement rings, the idea is still far from being mainstream. The fact remains though that whether we like it or not, men’s engagement rings are here to stay. They are seen as symbols of love, marriage, and commitment, and signify a modern approach to love that is inclusive and celebratory for all.

Shiree Odiz is pro-love and pro showing the dedication and commitment of  love. That’s why it matters to us to make your jewelry dreams come true whether it's a man or woman’s engagement ring. We design beautiful custom pieces that mark the beginning of a happy ever after. 

FAQ

Q. Do men wear rings when engaged?

Yes, more men are choosing to wear engagement rings as a symbol of commitment, equality in relationships, and personal style. This trend is growing globally.

Q. In what cultures do men wear engagement rings?

Men traditionally wear engagement rings in countries like Sweden, Brazil, and Chile. The trend is also gaining popularity in Western cultures, driven by modern views on gender equality.

Q. What finger do men wear engagement rings?

Men often wear engagement rings on the fourth finger of their left hand, though some choose to wear them on the right hand or even on other fingers. There are no strict rules.

Q. Why do men not wear engagement rings?

Historically, engagement rings were mainly worn by women as a sign of betrothal. Traditional gender roles and customs led to men not wearing engagement rings, though this is changing in modern times.