Do Men Wear Engagement Rings? A Guide

Engagement rings are a symbol of love and commitment, traditionally worn by a woman to show that they are planning to marry. They have a long history and the traditions around engagement rings have changed over the decades.

But has the change in society affected the tradition around engagement rings? In today's blog, we will take a look into the history of engagement rings, whether men wear engagement rings, and how to choose the perfect male engagement ring.

The History of Engagement Rings

Engagement rings have an interesting history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Roman women wore rings made of flint, ivory, or iron as a symbol of their love and loyalty.

The diamond engagement ring became a popular option in the late 15th century. Throughout history, engagement rings have typically been worn by women to symbolise their intention to marry.

Diamonds are used for engagement rings as they represent eternal love. They are also extremely durable and high quality, making them the perfect choice for an engagement ring - after all, it needs to last a lifetime.

Who Wears the Engagement Ring

Traditionally and more commonly it's the woman In the relationship who wears the engagement ring.

However, in some cultures, it is traditional for both males and females to wear engagement rings as a commitment. For example, in Nordic countries, both partners will often wear engagement rings.

It is becoming more popular for males to wear an engagement ring. This is common in same-sex relationships and has become more common in straight relationships as a symbol of equality and mutual commitment.

So, to answer the question, yes - men wear engagement rings. Anybody in the relationship can choose to wear an engagement ring, it is your own personal preference.

Why Is It Not Traditional for Men to Wear Engagement Rings?

The tradition of men not wearing engagement rings can be traced back to the very beginning, during ancient times. The idea of an engagement ring was influenced by patriarchal societies with strict gender roles.

These gender roles emphasised women becoming 'taken' and men didn't wear anything to symbolise their engaged status.

Now that modern-day gender roles are changing, the ideas around engagement rings are changing too as society is becoming more inclusive and gender roles aren't as strict.

Who Buys the Engagement Ring?

It is tradition for the man to purchase the engagement ring upon proposing to their partner. However, today, it has become increasingly popular for couples to go engagement ring shopping together.

This is especially the case if both are deciding to wear an engagement ring, ring shopping together can be a special time.

How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

When buying an engagement ring, it is a good idea to follow the 2-3 month salary rule. This is where you calculate 2-3 months of your salary and set that as your budget for your ring.

However, it is not always necessary for you to spend that much. You must take into consideration your own personal budget - so take time to think about how much you are willing to spend. An engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment - and the price of the ring shouldn't impact the proposal.

What Hand Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring?

The engagement ring is commonly worn on the left hand on the ring finger and is worn with the wedding band after the wedding ceremony.

In different countries and cultures, the way that people wear their engagement rings is different and some wear theirs on their right hand. In some other countries, there isn't a preference on which hand you wear your ring.

How to Choose a Male Engagement Ring

Choosing an engagement ring is personal and there are some considerations you need to make when choosing the perfect ring. You are going to be wearing it for a lifetime, so choose wisely.

Choose a timeless ring that you can see yourself - or your partner - wearing now and 20 years from now and choose a metal that is durable enough to last a long time. Let's take a look into some of the considerations you should make when choosing your ring:

Style

Think about your personal style. Would you prefer to make a statement with your ring, or have a daintier option that isn't as noticeable? You could go for a simple band or a ring with intricate designs and gemstones.

Metal

Engagement rings are commonly made using gold or platinum. This is because both metals are timeless and extremely durable, making them the perfect choice for everyday wear.

They both have their individual qualities - for example, gold is a classic choice, and versatile, meaning you can get it in yellow, white and rose shades.

Meanwhile, platinum comes in a natural shiny white shade, is hypoallergenic, and is an extremely strong metal.

Gemstones

You should decide if you would like your ring to have diamonds, or as a popular alternative, you could go for sapphires or rubies. As traditions are changing, you don't have to follow the diamond engagement ring rule!

Wedding Rings at Miltons Diamonds

Here at Miltons Diamonds, we have a wide selection of wedding bands and engagement rings for you to choose from.

If you are shopping for that special someone or shopping for your rings together, then don't hesitate to get in touch or visit us in-store so that we can help you find the ring of your dreams.

From diamond rings to simplistic wedding bands, we have it all here at Miltons Diamonds - come and see for yourself!

Choosing an engagement ring is a huge milestone in your relationship. That is why our experienced jewellers are here to help you make your decision. Shop our range today!