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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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. - 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:
- Men’s Wedding Bands: The Complete Guide
- Yellow Gold Wedding Bands: Sunshine Bling
- Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas
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