From Abnormality to Tradition: Evolution of Engagement Rings for Men

The history of engagement rings dates back to 2 century BC, when ancient Romans began giving betrothal rings to women they wanted to marry. Historians give different theories of the origin of this tradition. According to one of them, the band was a part of dowry exchange for the woman hand in marriage and proof of ownership. The other theory explains that Romans regarded the engagement ring as a symbol of binding contract between families and a form of financial security for the woman. If her husband left her, she could sell the expensive piece of jewelry for good money.

Between the 15th and the 17th centuries, Gimmel rings became popular in England and Germany. The jewelry consisted of two hoops which fit into one ring. The engaged couple wore one hoop each and rejoined them at the wedding ceremony. Also, there were three-band Gimmel rings; the person who was assigned to witness the wedding vows, held the third hoop until celebration.

In the 18th century, Gimmel rings changed their meaning, and fiancés gave up the idea of wearing any jewelry which could refer to their future marriage. The fiancées retained the right to enjoy sparkles on their fingers until the early 20th century, when Macy’s, a department store in New Jersey, tried to promote engagement rings as a masculine accessory. The campaign was not a success; thousands of men were involved in physical labor, so jewelry on hands was inconvenient and may lead to injury.

At last, men gave more attention to engagement bands after World War II; the desire to show intentions to his loved one turned into a trend. Little by little, an engagement ring has gained the trust, and in the 21st century men are increasingly willing to demonstrate they are just one step from a happy marriage.

“For a girl, the wedding is when you’re married. For a guy, it’s when you get engaged. It takes a real aggressive human being to back out between the ring and the wedding”.
– Max Greenfield

Do Men Wear Engagement Rings?

In general, the answer is yes. More and more men convey their matrimonial plans through this piece of jewelry. There are several reasons why men are willing to wear an engagement ring together with their partner:

• Traditions Change: The days when only a man proposed to a girl standing on his knee are far, far away. Prejudices and biases are blurred, and people do what they think is right and convenient. Ladies can propose to gentlemen and give them engagement rings to prove the great value of their relationship. The couple can decide to get married and choose engagement rings together. Nobody can condemn it, so an engagement ring ceased to be a “woman only” concept.
• Recognition of unity: For many couples, paired engagement rings are symbols of mutual love and willingness to move forward together hand in hand, overcoming any difficulties and obstacles.
• Pride and pleasure: A man, engaged to a woman he really loves, is eager to tell everyone about this joyful event and gladly accepts congratulations on par with his best half.

The efforts of jewelry designers are another reason for men to wear engagement rings. Both world-famous and extravagant brands create products that reflect individuality and unique style of the owner.

Engagement Rings for Men – Design and Trends

Men are rethinking their attitude towards engagement rings also because celebrities are not afraid to show their feelings and commitments. Ed Sheeran, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp and others appear in public with the ornament on “that same” finger, and each was worth to look at it in detail.

While many women still rely on 4C (cut, color, clarity, and carat) and expect a proposal backed up by a diamond, men can enjoy diversity and choose from a number of options:

• Subtle Diamonds: Ladies like striking sparkles but men prefer something more laconic. That is why designers embed very small gemstones into simple bands to provide a stroke of elegance and retain masculine vibe.
• White Gold or Platinum: Yellow and pink gold often seem too pretentious to men. However, they often prefer the noble shine of modern platinum rings, which can complement any image.
• Mixed Metals: The combination of platinum, gold, and silver opens up opportunities to create a unique engagement ring design. Its owner makes the statement; the upcoming event is special to him.
• Tungsten or Black Onyx: Personalities who care about feelings more than about formalities, often choose extraordinary textures and bold design.

The identity of the male and female engagement rings for a couple is another issue for discussion. In fact, the fiancé doesn’t need to wear exactly the same design: similarity in material is quite enough.

How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring?

According to some experts, the average cost of an engagement band is $5,200 in 2025. Still, average price doesn’t mean all couples stop there to buy; about 33% of fiancés spend less than $3,000 on an item, while 8% confess they left between $10,000 and $15,000 at the jewelry store.

You may also remember the three-month salary rule. The etiquette tip means that you have to spend at least three times more you earn per month on an engagement ring. In fact, it is just an echo of a successful marketing campaign from De Beers which promoted diamond rings a century ago. So, this rule is not even a tradition; it means absolutely nothing. Anyone can feel free to rely on quality, design, brand, and his own preferences and purchase engagement rings he can afford.

How to Set an Engagement Ring Budget

Men who received proposals and engagement rings can relax a little; their budgets are freed from this item. If you are going to buy engagement rings for you and your fiancée, these rules may be helpful:

• Consider all your goals: Buying engagement rings should not disrupt wedding plans or, say, postpone buying a house or a car. Set a limit and stick to it.
• Look for sales and discounts: This will give you more chances to buy stunning rings that you couldn’t afford for full price.
• Define what you really want: The desire to follow trends often overshadows true aspiration. Listen to yourself, explore engagement ring designs; maybe what is perfect for you is cheaper than you think.

FAQ

Conclusion

Thousands of men still don’t care about wearing engagement rings. To some extent, they are right; you can prove your love in many other ways without having something on your finger.

However, when both of the couple wear the bands, it becomes a symbol of true bond and desire to follow each other now and forever. Besides, a man’s ring does not have to be exactly the same as a woman’s; designers offer many options to highlight your intentions and taste.

Engagement rings for men are not yet a tradition. However, it is an individual solution that reflects your own style and values.