The-Ultimate-Cover-Guide-to-Mens-Engagement-Rings

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Men’s Engagement Rings 

So you’ve found “the one” and you’re ready to pop that magic question to the man of your dreams, but how will you find the perfect men’s engagement ring? Allow us to walk you through all you need to know about finding that perfect ring to seal the deal!

Mens engagement rings

Engagement rings for men are fast becoming the new normal, and we’re here for it! 

For those of you who are thinking about popping the question to the man of your dreams, we’ve put together a guide on men’s engagement rings and how to find the perfect one for your partner.

Picking an engagement ring can be so much fun, all you need is your partner’s style in mind, your budget, and maybe one or two close family or friends’ opinions and support. 

The History Of Men’s Engagement Rings

Believe it or not, there are many countries where men’s engagement rings are common and have been for some time. Despite this, for many in the United States, buying men’s engagement rings was a concept that simply couldn’t take off. 

Fast forward to ten years ago, and we finally see the trend gaining momentum.

Why?

Societal practices and viewpoints have changed drastically and what used to seem odd is now a trend of the times. We love a man who wants to wear a symbol of his commitment. Trust us when we say there are more than a few fellas who are ready to wear their heart on their ring finger for all to see. 

The history of men wearing wedding bands came about in World War II, and for no other reason than simply wanting to remember their special someone while they were away. Wedding bands became a symbol of commitment- a sentiment that’s now shared with engagement and promise rings

Celebrities like Karamo Brown and Michael Bublé have also raised awareness of the practice by proudly wearing their own engagement rings for all to see.

Celebrity Men’s Engagement Rings

Here are just a few of our favorite gents rocking their engagement rings. 

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran proposed to his lifelong friend Cherry Seaborn in 2017 and the moment wasn’t exactly as he had planned. She’d been so shocked she asked him if he was joking. No jokes, she said yes and he was spotted soon after wearing a ring of his own on the red carpet. That alone sparked rumors that the two had wed but Sheeran shared that she had made his silver clay ring as a beautiful engagement gift. 

18K Yellow Gold 6mm Wire Finish Comfort Fit Wedding Band

Johnny Depp 

Johnny Depp proposed to actress Amber Heard with a vintage-style engagement ring and was then seen wearing it himself at a press conference. He referred to it as his “management ring.” We love that he took a ring that might not have been his fiance’s personal style and it kept it for himself. Engagement ring or management ring, we can get behind a man that loves a good diamond center stone and rocks it with confidence.

14K Yellow Gold Beaded Filigree Cathedral Kite-Set Engagement Ring

Brooklyn Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham is another A-list up and comer who is sporting this trend. The oldest of Victoria and David Beckham’s children proposed to his stunning girlfriend, Nicola Anne Peltz before being seen sporting his very own engagement ring. It’s safe to say the two are very in love and he is happy to wear his ring as a symbol of what’s to come!

Gray Tungsten Carbide 6MM Domed Comfort Fit Band By TRITON

Does An Engagement Ring Replace A Wedding Band?

The short answer is no, they don’t replace a wedding ring.

Why?

Engagement rings have different universal symbolism compared to wedding bands. One shows the intention of committing to a lifelong relationship with a chosen partner, while the other shows the joining of the two people together.

However, it’s really up to each individual. In history, women have worn both their engagement rings and wedding rings together. It’s also possible to wear one without the other depending on your mood or the occasion. Throw caution to the wind and wear your engagement ring on a different finger, if you want to wear both at the same time. The rules aren’t set in stone, so do what feels more comfortable for you.

What Is The Difference Between Men’s Engagement Rings and Men’s Wedding Rings? 

One of the two key differences between wedding and engagement rings is their symbolism and when they’ll be worn. For wedding bands, it’s all in the name – typically wedding rings are first worn for the first time on the day of the actual wedding. These rings are usually given from partner to partner to symbolize the beginning of their married life together and recognition of a lifelong commitment.  

An engagement ring receives a lot more hype and attention and is usually worn from the time of the proposal. An engagement ring, in every way, symbolizes intent and also creates excitement for the couple and their loved ones.  

No matter where you go, engagement rings for men serve the same cultural purpose, perhaps only with a more masculine flair to their design.

Men’s Engagement Ring Styles

Men’s engagement rings are just as much an expression of personal style and unique characteristics as women’s engagement rings. To buy the right engagement ring for your partner, you need to take all of this into consideration.

What do your partner’s personality and tastes say about their unique style?

The Traditionalist: Classic Engagement Rings

If plain and simple suits your partner best, stick with the classic mental engagement rings. Simple bands made from precious metals will always be timeless. These are also the easiest bands to get engraved if you’re looking to add a refined personal touch to a classic ring.

18K White Gold 6mm Traditional Slightly Curved Wedding Ring
14K Rose Gold Swirl Finish Comfort Fit Ring

Masculine Chic: Black Wedding Bands

Black wedding rings are the new talk of the town and can easily work as an engagement ring or fashion ring. The color black is often associated with power, strength, and authority. So if these represent your man’s style or character, a black band, or a band with black accents, could be the perfect fit.

Black Titanium 8mm Comfort-Fit Carbon Fiber Inlay Design Ring
White Tungsten Carbide 8MM Black Sapphire Band By TRITON

A Little Sparkle: Men’s Diamonds Engagement Rings

Who said diamonds are only a girl’s best friend? Men’s diamond wedding bands are becoming increasingly popular. What we love about this trend is there are variations of these rings to suit each individual’s desire for a bit of sparkle. You can find a band with a single diamond or other diamond rings that have a small selection of stones on the band or circling the entire band.

14K White Gold 6mm Beveled Bezel Set Diamond Wedding Ring
Platinum 6mm Etched Channel Set Diamond Wedding Ring

Rough Around The Edges: Carved Bands For Men

A textured ring can give a classic metal band a little edge to it by providing some dimensions to an otherwise timeless design. These rings are perfect for men who like a clean look but don’t mind adding some layers to their unique engagement ring.

14K White Gold 6MM Diagonal Stripe Satin Finish Band
14K White And Yellow Gold 6MM Band Grooved Band

Different Metal Types For Men’s Engagement Rings

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic metal, consider these metals for your partner:

  • Tantalum and Cobalt Chrome™ (without nickel) are great for medical and chemical applications because it’s both hypoallergenic and bio-compatible.   
  • Tungsten is also hypoallergenic and a great substitute for those allergic to yellow gold wedding bands.
  • Platinum is hypoallergenic and a perfect replacement for white gold men’s wedding bands because it has no traces of nickel. 
  • Titanium is also safe to wear and anti-allergenic.
  • Platinum is 95% pure, making it the most hypoallergenic metal choice. 
  • Ceramic contains no unwanted components in its composition. 

How To Clean Your Engagement Ring

  1. Warm water + dish soap + soft toothbrush.
    Make your own ring cleaner by filling a bowl with warm (not hot) water, and then adding a few drops of dish soap. Put your jewelry in the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterwards, take your ring out of the bowl and scrub it clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse, dry with a soft towel, and lay out on a soft surface to dry.
  2. Polishing cloth.
    In a pinch, a normal microfiber cloth will do. However, specialty jewelers’ cloths are the best, since they contain particular cleaning compounds formulated to both polish and remove small scratches in your ring. 

What Are You Waiting For?

When it comes to picking the right men’s engagement band for you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to find the perfect fit. Visit our site for all you need to know about the different metals, styles, designs, and more! 

Looking for more men’s rings inspo? Check out our wedding ring series here: 

  1. Men’s Wedding Bands: The Complete Guide
  2. Yellow Gold Wedding Bands: Sunshine Bling
  3. Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

More Posts - Website

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Men’s Wedding Rings For Different Lifestyles

We’ve taken the time to break down all major considerations to help you find the perfect men’s wedding band to symbolize forever. 

A man with white All Stars, rolling up his pant leg while showing off his wedding band.

We know how important it is to find a wedding ring that fits your unique lifestyle. There are men’s wedding bands that cater to just about any lifestyle and hobby we can think of. From classic yellow gold to stylish black wedding rings, dynamic metal options make it easier to enjoy your favorite activities without stress.

Whether you’re the kind of man who enjoys leisure or one who spends his time doing extreme sports, there is a metal and style that is the ideal fit for you. We’ve even considered that you might be both these men in one fun package – there’s a ring for that, too. 

Take all your possible questions and worries, and allow us to confidently help you find the perfect wedding ring that will sit on your finger the day you say “I do.” Scroll down to see our six important factors to consider when buying the wedding ring your soon-to-be spouse will melt over. And if your partner is sitting right beside you now, remember they know best. 

Make Yourself Comfy 

Having a comfortable men’s wedding band is essential for any man who might be wearing this type of jewelry for the first time. A softer metal like white or yellow gold is the best option here. Men working with their hands or those in an office space will benefit most from this metal while looking great at the same time. Gold rings may need some minor buffing and polishing in the long term, but they’re a popular classic for a reason.

Both these metals are valuable and less expensive than platinum. White gold is slightly stronger with a cooler undertone, while yellow gold is more malleable and warm. One of the most comforting attributes of these metals is that they suit just about anyone and leave no room for insecurities or fuss. 

Slightly Domed Comfort Fit Wedding Ring 

14K White Gold 4mm Slightly Domed Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

A ring to wear for unforgettable comfort with a classic touch. 

Slightly Flattened Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

14K Yellow Gold 5.5mm Slightly Flat Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

Classy and elegant: two features that’ll never lead you wrong.

When we talk about comfortability, we’re also going beyond metal and venturing towards ring style. Familiarize yourself with the term “comfort-fit.” This term is generally used to describe a ring that has a domed interior. This style is perfect if you want to avoid irritants to your skin and uncomfortable cuts to your finger.

Titanium is also a softer metal that offers its wearer more comfort and is a lighter weight than steel. It’s perfect for family men who want a durable yet comfy metal that can survive everyday wear. 

Black Titanium Satin Finish Comfort Fit Wedding Ring  

Black Titanium Satin Finish 6.5mm Comfort Fit Ring

A contemporary satin look for the ultimate style and comfort. 

Titanium Comfort Fit Hammered-Finished Wedding Ring

Titanium 7mm Comfort-Fit Hammered-Finished Design Ring

A lighter side of strength with this rounded polished interior. 

Durable For Your Lifestyle  

Active lifestyles can mean anything from regular sports to high-intensity construction jobs. Investing in a ring with high durability is the only way to save yourself the grief and frustration of having to fix scratches or breaks on your wedding ring

Platinum is the first metal that comes to mind when we talk about durability. It’s rare and dense, making it suitable for rougher lifestyles. A bonus to look forward to when investing in this metal is the fact that it will likely last a lifetime while maintaining its beauty. Take it from us, this metal is perfect for men’s wedding bands and a smart buy as a future family heirloom. 

Next, let’s dive into cobalt chrome™. This metal will maintain its original condition even under the most intense wear and tear. It’s lighter than platinum, making it easier to wear, and it comes in various styles. 

Platinum High Polished Beveled Edge Wedding Ring

Platinum 6mm Comfort-Fit High Polished Beveled Edge Band

Polished perfect that slides and rests easily on the finger. 

Cobalt Chrome™ Stair Step Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

Cobalt Chrome™ 9MM Stair Step Comfort Fit Ring

A little shatter-proof edge to your ring, sir? 

Scratch Resistant Rings

No one enjoys seeing scratches on their property. Not on our phones, cars, and certainly not on our wedding bands. The issue is, no matter what we do, scratches appear out of nowhere regardless of what protective measures we take. This is especially true if you’re a man who enjoys the outdoors or works in an industry where bumping his ring is a given. 

Fret not, we have a solution to your problem. Tungsten is, without a doubt, the most scratch-resistant metal that exists. Incredibly, the only material out there that would be able to scratch your wedding ring is a diamond. It’s a tough metal making it impossible to bend out of shape and, unfortunately, impossible to resize. 

Another favorite is the metal tantalum. It’s an excellent choice for men’s engagement rings as it’s highly durable against scratching and breakage. It’s an oddly vibrant futuristic metal and is virtually indestructible. Like tungsten, this metal is perfect for men working in harsh conditions, especially fields with chemicals and heat.

Tantalum Channel Set Black Diamond Wedding Ring 

Tantalum 7.5mm Channel Set Black Diamond Satin Finished Comfort Fit Ring

Tantalum strength and a touch of elegance with black diamonds.  

Yellow Tungsten Bevel Edge Wedding Ring By TRITON

Yellow Tungsten Carbide 6MM Bevel Edge Band By TRITON

A unique high-tech high-style creation using yellow tungsten carbide. 

Best Hypoallergenic Metals

Being active may cause your hands to sweat and develop ring rash but there are some metals that can prevent this extremely well. Keep this list of all the hypoallergenic metals in mind when you purchase your ring:

  • Tantalum and Cobalt Chrome™ (without nickel) are great for medical and chemical applications because it’s both hypoallergenic and bio-compatible.   
  • Tungsten is also hypoallergenic and a great substitute for those allergic to yellow gold wedding bands.
  • Platinum is hypoallergenic and a perfect replacement for white gold men’s wedding bands because it has no traces of nickel. 
  • Titanium is also safe to wear and anti-allergenic.
  • Platinum is 95% pure, making it the most hypoallergenic metal choice. 
  • Ceramic contains no unwanted components in its composition. 

Ceramic Satin-Finished Wedding Ring

Ceramic Comfort-Fit Satin-Finished Round Edge Design Ring

A lightweight and long-lasting ceramic masterpiece. 

Faceted Center Groove Wedding Ring

Platinum Satin Finish And Faceted Center Groove Comfort Fit Band

Shine bright with the highly polished facet and light-reflective groove. 

Aesthetically Pleasing

Beauty is in the eye of the wedding band holder, and that’s why we can’t tell you which ring is the most handsome. We can, however, let you in on which of our rings frequently make the bestsellers list and those that have a little extra pizazz. After all, there’s no shame in wanting your ring to be an extension of your unique style and personality.

If you like being outside and active, it’s likely one of these metals will have a pattern that mirrors your hobby. If you prefer office life and are more easygoing, yellow and white gold, along with platinum are softer metals that can be engraved for a more personal and intimate touch.   

Tantalum, Cobalt Chrome, Titanium, and Tungsten are high on the list of stylish wedding bands for men who want that extra appeal to their ring. While the classics are always timeless, these metals are making the rounds with their exciting designs and unique styles. 

Fractured Texture & Grey Tantalum Wedding Ring

14K White Gold Fractured Texture Center And Grey Tantalum Edges 8mm Ring

We’re here to tell you fractured wall texture and grey tantalum edges are in.

Cobalt Chrome™ Carbon Fiber Inlay Wedding Ring

Cobalt Chrome™ 8mm Comfort Fit Ring With Black Carbon Fiber Inlay

Carved design perfection featuring a hammered-finished center with a milgrain pattern.

Affordable Quality

A wedding band isn’t an easy purchase or one you should take lightly. It’s a long-term investment in a piece of jewelry that you’ll not only be wearing forever but also represents your love and commitment. In short, it’s a pretty big deal. 

Lifestyle plays a significant role in how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding band, and so let’s compare two scenarios. If you see yourself in a fast-paced, rough, and tough environment with the need for durable wear, then it’s obvious you’ll need something that is damage-resistant and low maintenance. In this case, your best option is cobalt chrome™. Its combination of affordability, durability, scratch resistance, hypoallergenic qualities, and general look makes it the best choice for very active lifestyles on a budget. 

Our other scenario is that you’re the kind of man who is relatively active – not too intense – looking for a high-quality ring with extra shine and immortality. Your ideal wedding ring would be made from Platinum, the rarest metal that needs a bit of upkeep but holds great prestige. 

Titanium Satin Finished Beveled Edge Wedding Ring

Titanium 7mm Comfort-Fit Satin-Finished Beveled Edge Design Ring

Lightweight shine with all great qualities on a budget.

Cobalt Lava Pattern Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

Cobalt Lava Pattern 6mm Comfort Fit Ring

The perfect cobalt combination with everything you need for an active lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking the right men’s wedding band for you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to find the perfect fit. Visit our wedding ring page for all you need to know about the different metals, styles, designs, and more! 

Looking for more wedding band inspo? Check out our wedding ring series here: 

  1. Men’s Wedding Bands: The Complete Guide
  2. Yellow Gold Wedding Bands: Sunshine Bling
  3. Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

More Posts - Website