Men’s Engagement Rings: Royal Trends to Modern Bling!

Why should men miss out on that special piece of jewelry? As more couples embrace modern traditions, engagement rings for men are becoming a bold and stylish way to celebrate love and commitment together.

Navigate this guide:

• The Renaissance of Men’s Engagement Rings
• 7 Practical Tips for Finding the Right Engagement Ring for Men
• Decoding the Style: Materials and Designs 
• The Core of Brilliance: Understanding Diamond Quality 
• Selecting the Perfect Diamond for Him
• Future Trends: What’s Next in Men’s Engagement Rings?
• Conclusion
• 9 Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Engagement Rings

The Renaissance of Men’s Engagement Rings

The path to true love never did run straight, and the same can be said about the trend for men’s wedding jewelry. These days, it’s pretty customary for a man to wear a wedding band – although, in the US, an engagement ring is much less common for a man. But, even just a couple of decades back, it was pretty uncommon for men to wear wedding bands all of the time. Perhaps you’ve even noticed that your grandfather doesn’t wear ring to match your grandmother’s.

But engagement rings for men are a whole of this story. Even though it’s safe to say that the majority of married American men these days do wear a wedding band, most of us can probably count on one hand the number of men we’ve seen wearing engagement rings. Of course, the legalisation of gay marriage across the country means that more and more men are opting to wear engagement rings, but it still represents something of a minority even now.

Looking enough for any bling-loving guy, engagement rings for men are quickly gaining popularity. As traditional gender roles are challenged, we’re all waking up to the idea that anyone deserves to wear a beautiful comment luxurious, and special symbol of their commitment to their partner, whether they’re a bride-to-be or a groom-to-be.

Celebrity Influence: From Ed Sheeran to Brooklyn Beckham 

If you’re already itching at the idea of finally getting to choose your own engagement ring and wear a high-status piece of jewelry to celebrate your upcoming nuptials comma then you can thank some big celebrity names like Ed Sheeran for the privilege. Designed by now-wife Cherry Seaborn, his engagement ring made headlines for setting a new trend in the world of male ‘bridal’ fashion. 

Similarly, shortly after announcing his engagement to heiress Nicola Peltz, Brooklyn Beckham posted a snap of his own ring finger sporting a solid gold band featuring a flush set diamond. Beckham never confirmed whether it was an engagement ring or not, but that didn’t stop us from speculating about the future of men’s engagement rings…

Before we dive deeper into the specifics of Engagement Ring for Men, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process.

7 Practical Tips for Finding the Right Engagement Ring for Men

• Tip 1: Understand His Style:

• Personal Preference: Before anything else, consider the man’s personal style. Does he prefer classic, modern, or unique designs? Would he appreciate a flashy diamond or a more understated band? Knowing his style will guide your choices.
• Lifestyle: Think about his daily activities. If he’s involved in manual labor or uses his hands a lot, a durable and low-profile ring might be best. On the other hand, if he’s in a more formal setting, a more decorative or luxurious ring might be suitable.
• Tip 2: Material Matters:

• Durability: Materials like tungsten carbide and titanium are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for men who aren’t used to wearing jewelry or are hard on their hands.
• Hypoallergenic Options: If he has metal allergies, consider hypoallergenic materials like platinum or palladium.

• Tip 3: Consider the Stone (If Any):
• Stone Setting: If the ring has a stone, ensure it’s set securely, especially if it’s a raised setting. Bezel settings or channel settings can be more secure and less prone to snagging than prong settings.
• Stone Type: While diamonds are a popular choice, other stones like sapphires are almost as hard and can offer a unique look. Remember, the stone should also match his style and preference.
• Tip 4: Sizing and Comfort:

• Proper Fit: Ensure the ring is sized correctly. Remember that fingers can swell due to various factors, including temperature, so it’s a good idea to measure at different times of the day.

• Comfort Fit: Consider bands labeled as “comfort fit.” These have a slightly rounded interior, allowing them to slide on and off more easily and sit more comfortably on the finger.

Tip 5: Budget and Value:

• Set a Budget: Engagement rings can vary widely in price. Set a realistic budget that you’re comfortable with and stick to it.
• Certifications and Appraisals: If you’re buying a ring with a significant diamond or gemstone, ensure it comes with a certification from a reputable lab. This verifies the stone’s quality and characteristics.
• Tip 6: Think Long-Term:

• Resizing and Maintenance: Over time, he might need to resize the ring or have it maintained (like re-polishing or re-plating). Some materials, like tungsten, can’t be resized, so keep that in mind.
• Warranty and Insurance: Check if the jeweler offers a warranty or if you can get the ring insured. This can be beneficial in case of damage, loss, or theft.
• Tip 7: Customization:
• If you can’t find a ring that feels “just right,” consider custom-designing one. This allows for a personal touch and ensures the ring is unique to him.

Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:

Decoding the Style: Materials and Designs 

The best news of all? There are absolutely no rules when it comes to choosing an engagement ring for yourself, whether you’re a man or a woman. You may also like your future bride to pick out your ring for you. 

Anything goes, but here are the things you want to think about.

Gold vs. Platinum: A Classic Duel 

it’s not just about the gold versus platinum debate. There are other metals like titanium that are becoming more frequently used in wedding jewelry, particularly for men who are looking for a more edgy, masculine look. However, it remains the case that most men will be looking to make the choice between gold and platinum. Both have a high social status, both are very durable, and both stand a good chance of coordinating well with your partner’s bridal set.

Gold is the obvious choice. Is there anything on this planet that has as high and enduring a social status as gold? Well, probably diamond, but we’ll save that for later. When alloyed, it is very strong, very durable, and no other metal comes close in terms of that strikingly luxurious, yellow appearance.

Then again, platinum feels more modern. It also looks incredibly modern, thanks to that unrivalled, sleek sheen. It’s strong, hypoallergenic, eye-catching, and looks excellent with diamond.

Beyond the Traditional: Alternative Materials 

Titanium offers a lightweight yet incredibly durable option, perfect for those with an active lifestyle. 

Tungsten carbide, known for its scratch resistance, provides a rugged, industrial look that appeals to modern tastes. For a unique and eco-friendly choice, consider wood inlays or recycled metals, which add a personal and environmentally conscious touch. 

Ceramic rings, available in various colors, offer a sleek, modern aesthetic while being remarkably strong and hypoallergenic. These alternatives not only provide durability but also allow for a wide range of styles, catering to different personalities and preferences.

The Core of Brilliance: Understanding Diamond Quality 

If you’ve already started shopping for your bride’s engagement ring, then all the same rules apply. This should come as good news to you, especially if you’ve done your research already. Choosing a diamond is the same whether it’s destined for an engagement ring, or any other piece of fine jewelry out there, so don’t feel like you’re starting from zero just because you’re shopping for yourself now.

If you need a little help brushing up on your know-how – or you’re shopping on behalf of your husband to be, without any pre-existing knowledge of diamond shopping – Stick around for some tips.

The 4Cs Explained 

The 4Cs are cut, clarity, color, and carat. All of them are important when it comes to figuring out what diamond suits your budget and expectations, although how important they are varies from C to C.

Below, will rank them in terms of their importance.

• Cut
  since cut is the make or break between a sparkly diamond and a dull, flat, lifeless diamond, it is by far the most important of the Four Cs for you to consider. Read everything you need to know about cut here.
• Color
  Color is less important than cut, but it is still vital that you ensure that your diamond is free from any yellow discoloration. For that, you don’t need to go to the very top end of the scale, but you do need to be weary, and err on the side of caution. A near colorless diamond will almost always be fine, but it depends on the size and cut of your diamond. Click here for more.
• Clarity
  Getting a diamond that is eye clean is just as important as getting a diamond with no visible color, but the clarity scale offers a little more wiggle room than the color scale, which is why we’ve put it below color on this list. Read everything here. 
• Carat
  To a brand-new, first-time shopper, carat weight is probably at the very top of their list of concerns. However, diamond size definitely comes behind the other Cs in terms of importance. Find out why in this guide.

Selecting the Perfect Diamond for Him

Engagement Ring Styles for Men

Once again, the key takeaway should be that any diamond shape is perfect for a man, just as any diamond shape is perfect for a woman. What diamond shape will be perfect for you obviously depends on your lifestyle, your personal preferences, your style and you’re wildest dreams, but what we’re trying to say is that you shouldn’t feel restricted. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your partner, the sky really is the limit, and you don’t have to feel limited to one or two traditional, tried and true diamond ring ideas for men.

As styled so elegantly by Brooklyn Beckham, a flush set engagement ring is a great choice for a man with more ‘traditional’ tastes. Also known as a gypsy setting, this style integrates a diamond into a solid metal band, but in a subtle way that means it ends up looking a little more like a wedding band and an engagement ring. Is a great choice for getting a little extra blowing into your wedding jewelry, but you may be looking for something slightly different if this is going to be an engagement ring, and not tread on the toes of the wedding band.

For a modern vibe, look into tension rings. Here, you can still use a thicker band than you would find on a traditional female engagement ring, which retains some of that masculinity, but makes the design look more modern, and a little more special than a solid metal band.

The signet ring is a classically masculine design, but it’s perfectly possible to reinvent it for a modern wearer – and, most importantly, get that diamond in there. If the diamond isn’t there, how are people supposed to know that it’s an engagement ring at all?

Then again, don’t feel like you have to reinvent the wheel. A solitaire is still a perfect option for an engagement ring, whether you’re a man or a woman. True, you may not want to go for the Super dainty, super architectural solitaire that women tend to favour, but you can still elevate that diamond comma and make sure the ring looks nothing like your future wedding band. Opt for a thicker band – say, 6-8mm – and a cathedral style setting to give it that weight and masculine energy.

Understanding His Preferences

If you’re shopping on behalf of your partner, then you get to experience some of the pressure they might have felt when choosing your ring. Knowing your partner’s style is fundamental to making a good choice. You don’t want to go too ‘out there’ if they tend to favour the more traditional, conservative styles, and you don’t want to play it too safe if they like to experiment with their style.

We can’t give you the answers here. Look at their existing jewelry collection – that’s a great place to start. If they are comfortable wearing rings on a daily basis, then feel free to go a little more out there. If they’re not used to wearing rings, then a more comfortable, easy-to-wear design like a flush setting may be the best bet – but that doesn’t mean you have to make it boring.

The Significance of a Perfect Fit 

Don’t get so caught up in the process of designing the ring that you forget about one of the most important things: how well it fits. While some rings can be resized, this is never the ideal scenario, and it’s much better to make sure it fits in the 1st place to avoid time spent back with the jeweller, or disappointment.

Read more about ring sizing here.

Setting a Realistic Budget 

Again, this comes down to you and what you feel is appropriate. If you want to set aside the lion share of your budget for your bride-to-be’s engagement ring, then there are still plenty of things you can do with a smaller budget.

Remember what we always say about using your budget wisely. We generally recommend that 80% of your engagement ring budget goes to the diamond. Even if you’re working with a smaller budget for your own engagement ring, you should still make that 80/20 split to really get the most out of your money.

Since male engagement rings tend to feature fewer design features and embellishments, you’ll find it very easy to stick within that 20% budget for the ring design itself. Then again, if you’re not looking for a big diamond, you can channel a little more into the ring design and opt for a higher-karat gold – or swap out your white gold for platinum.

Maintenance and Comfort Tips 

men’s rings tend to be sturdier, but that doesn’t mean you can replace a good care and maintenance routine. Fortunately, these routines tend to be pretty simple. If you notice a little grime building up around your diamond, give the ring a soak in some warm, mild soapy water. 

Once in a while, take the ring to a jeweller for a checkover. They can clean it, and tighten any prongs or design elements that may be working loose with time and wear.

Future Trends: What’s Next in Men’s Engagement Rings?

With styles changing and more and more people looking for inspiration online, and from celebrities, to find their personal style, we’re convinced that men’s engagement rings are just going to become more and more popular as thr days go by. Not only is it a great way to celebrate this next chapter in your life, but it’s also a great way to equalise a relationship. 

Engagement rings represent a promise, and that promise to marry is shared between both parties in the relationship. It’s not something that the man or the woman enters into more than the other, so why not both celebrate your love together with a pair of engagement rings?

Conclusion

As men’s engagement rings gain popularity, they symbolize a modern shift towards equality and shared commitment in relationships. Whether opting for traditional metals like gold and platinum or exploring alternative materials like titanium and wood, the key is to choose a ring that resonates with personal style and significance. 

As trends evolve, men’s engagement rings will likely become even more diverse and widely accepted, offering a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary flair. Celebrate your unique love story with a ring that reflects both your personality and your shared journey towards marriage.

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Engagement Rings

Q: Are engagement rings for men common?

A: Yes, men’s engagement rings have become increasingly common, with more couples choosing rings for both partners as symbols of their commitment.

Q: What materials are best for men’s engagement rings?

A: Durable materials like tungsten, titanium, platinum, and gold are popular choices for men’s engagement rings due to their strength and longevity.

Q: Can men’s engagement rings have diamonds?

A: Absolutely. Diamonds and other gemstones are often featured in men’s engagement rings for added elegance and personalization.

Q: How do I find out his ring size without him knowing?

A: Borrow one of his rings and take it to a jeweler for sizing, or ask friends and family if they know his ring size.

Q: What is the average cost of a men’s engagement ring?

A: The cost can vary widely based on materials, design, and whether it includes gemstones. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Q: Should the engagement ring match the wedding band?

A: While not necessary, some couples choose matching or complementary engagement and wedding bands for a cohesive look.

Q: Can men’s engagement rings be customized?

A: Yes, customizing men’s engagement rings is a popular option that allows for unique and personal design choices reflecting individual style and preferences.

Q: How should a men’s engagement ring fit?

A: The ring should fit comfortably; snug enough not to fall off, but loose enough to slide over the knuckle with minimal resistance.

Q: Is it possible to resize a men’s engagement ring?

A: Most rings can be resized, but the ability to do so depends on the material and design of the ring. Tungsten and certain other metals, for example, cannot be resized.

Discover your perfect match with JewelerAI – redefine engagement rings for men.