So, here’s a question that you may have never thought about unless you’re in the middle of planning your own proposal or a wedding: Do men wear engagement rings? And if they don’t, why not? Is it some ancient rule? Is it because society is still dragging its feet on gender equality? Or is it because men just don’t like shiny things on their fingers? Well, let’s figure it out together.
The Traditional Engagement Ring Story
Let’s start with a little history lesson, shall we? (Don’t worry; it won’t be boring.) The whole idea of engagement rings goes back to ancient Rome, where women wore rings made of iron to signify that they were “spoken for.” Romantic, right? Nothing says “forever” like rust. There are also other origin stories, like one where all credit goes to the Egyptians. However, none of them are as reliable.
Fast forward to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring to his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy. Diamonds became a girl’s best friend, and the rest is history. Hollywood icon Humphrey Bogart’s choice to don a wedding band after marrying actress Lauren Bacall in 1945 likely resonated positively with his vast fanbase.
But here’s the catch, this tradition was always about the woman wearing the ring. The man? He just got to stand there, looking smug, like, “Yeah, I did that.” Why? Because, for centuries, marriage was less about love and more about property. The ring wasn’t just a promise; it was a receipt.
So, if you’re wondering why men didn’t wear engagement rings back then, the answer is simple: society didn’t think they needed one. Men were the proposers, the providers, the ones who didn’t need to flash their relationship status because, well, patriarchy.
But Wait, Why Not Men?
Fast-forward to today, and let’s face it: times have changed. We’re living in an era where men can wear pink shirts without anyone batting an eye, where gender roles are being questioned, and where equality in relationships is (finally) a thing. So, why isn’t the male engagement ring as common as avocado toast on Instagram? Good question. While in the United States, it is a growing trend but still isn’t as common, as in some other countries:
- Latin America: In countries like Argentina and Brazil, it's common for both partners to wear engagement rings. These rings are often simple bands worn on the right hand.
- Nordic Countries: In Scandinavian countries, men have worn engagement rings for decades as a symbol of equality.
- United States and Europe: The trend is growing rapidly in Western countries, driven by changing attitudes toward gender roles and marriage traditions.
And what about the argument that men don’t want to wear a ring until the wedding? Okay, sure, but women wear engagement rings for months (sometimes years) before their wedding day. Why is it fine for women to announce, “Hey, I’m off the market!” while men get to stay mysteriously unmarked? Double standards, anyone?
The Modern Trend: Men Wearing Engagement Rings
Here’s the thing: men do wear engagement rings. It’s just not as common (yet). In recent years, more and more men have started embracing the idea. Part of this is thanks to changing gender norms, because, let’s be real, we’re all kind of over the whole “men do this, women do that” nonsense.
Another part is the growing popularity of same-sex marriages, where both partners often exchange engagement rings. And then there are the celebrities who are making it cool. (Thanks, Ed Sheeran, for casually wearing an engagement ring and sparking a worldwide conversation about it.)
So, if you’re a guy reading this and thinking, “Wait, am I supposed to want an engagement ring now?” The answer is: only if you want to. There’s no rulebook here. But if you like the idea of wearing a symbol of your commitment, go for it. Jewelry stores are ready for you, my friend.
What Do Male Engagement Rings Look Like?
Now what would a man’s engagement ring even look like? Because let’s be honest, some of the diamond-encrusted sparklers out there might not exactly scream “masculine.” (Not that there’s anything wrong with that. You do you.)
Luckily, jewelers have been paying attention, and there are plenty of stylish options out there for men. Think sleek metal bands, matte finishes, black diamonds, or even wood accents. (Yes, wood. It’s a thing.)
You could go for something minimalist, like a simple platinum band, or something bold, like a ring with an actual gemstone. Heck, you could even customize it with an engraving or a design that means something to you. The point is, male engagement rings aren’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s the beauty of it.
Many tend to match their rings with their fiancée by having the same colored band. Some may skip the fancy diamond with a small, delicate look. When Prince Harry, now the Duke of Sussex, married Meghan Markle, he opted for a platinum wedding band.
The Future of Male Engagement Rings
So, will male engagement rings ever become as common as their female counterparts? Honestly, it’s hard to say. But one thing is clear: the idea is gaining traction. Since 2007, there has been a widespread increase in the number of sales of men’s rings. What couldn’t be done by the marketers in the 1920s, is finally happening.
More men are wearing them, more jewelers are offering them, and more couples are embracing the idea of equality in all aspects of their relationship—including the jewelry. Today, you'll find men's wedding rings worn by A-list stars, athletes, and entertainers like Ryan Reynolds, David Beckham, and Michael Bublé.
If you ask me, the future looks bright. Because at the end of the day, an engagement ring—whether it’s worn by a man, a woman, or anyone in between—isn’t just a piece of jewelry. It’s a symbol of love, commitment, and partnership. And who wouldn’t want to celebrate that?
Final Thoughts
So, do men wear engagement rings? Some do, and some don’t. In some countries, it is normal for a man to don a ring as well as the women. In countries like the US, it is less common but a definitely growing trend.
The real question is: Should they? And the answer is: Only if they want to. There’s no right or wrong here, no tradition you have to follow, and no rulebook you have to obey. If you like the idea of wearing an engagement ring, go for it. If you don’t, that’s cool too. So with this we will end this article. For more such informative articles visit Valentina Rings.
