Do Guys Wear Engagement Rings?
When you think of engagement rings, what typically comes to your mind? You probably instantly envision a sparkling diamond atop a classy ring on a smiling woman’s left ring finger. You’re not alone in those thoughts. In today’s modern era, however, there are new traditions that are taking root. Men’s engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular, with men wearing them to show off their love for and commitment to the person they’re about to marry, whether that be a woman or another man.
It’s safe to say that many couples today want their wedding celebrations to reflect a more unified partnership. At Gittelson Jewelers, we find that the traditional route of the man purchasing a ring and surprising his significant other with a request for their hand to be fading into the past -quickly. Many couples, in fact, shy away from the surprise element these days begin the journey of marriage with a discussion, agreement, a budget and a mutual interest in the jewelry they select together.
Over the past several years, greater percentages of men said they have received or wear an engagement ring. As they grow in popularity, there are plenty of options out there for men’s engagement rings — we’re here to help you find the right ring for you.
History of men’s engagement rings
While you might think that men wearing engagement rings is a new trend, it’s simply not true. They’ve actually been a thing in the United States for almost a century. All the way back in 1926, the New Jersey department store L. Bamberger & Co. advertised men’s engagement rings with a string of macho newspaper ads. (You probably know Bamberger’s by its current name, adopted in 1986: Macy’s.)
The male engagement ring didn’t really catch on at the time. During this time period, n the 1920s, men weren’t even wearing wedding rings all that often due to their usual vocations of manual labor. This is something that started to change when celebrities such as Humphrey Bogart started to wear them in the 1940s.
In the early 2000s, the men’s engagement ring started the first steps of a comeback. And in 2013, a survey showed that an astounding number of men would consider wearing an engagement ring — they’re just waiting for their fiancées to make the first move.
Wearing engagement rings on the right hand
While women’s engagement rings are often sold as part of a stacked pair that also includes the wedding band, men’s engagement and wedding rings are sold separately. For practicality and affordability, some men just transition their engagement bands to use as their wedding ring. Some love the symbolism of the separate ring and preserve that by shifting their engagement ring to their right hand on their wedding day. Depending on the style of the ring, some men will choose to hang their engagement ring on a long chain and wear it around their neck.
You can learn more about the history of the engagement ring position in our article “Why Is The Wedding Ring Worn On The Left Hand?
Engagement rings for same-sex couples
The legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015 and local adaption in many states has led to explosive growth in the area of answering the question “do guys wear engagement rings?”. It only makes sense that someone getting ready to marry his boyfriend would want to celebrate that commitment with an engagement ring. This begs the question if one man is wearing an engagement ring, why not both?
In fact, about half of all gay men getting married opt for an engagement ring, and according to The Knot wedding network 40% of gay couples, both men wear an engagement ring. Most commonly, gay men choose engagement rings that are similar in style to men’s traditional wedding rings. Jewelry designers are now creating engagement rings specifically for same-sex couples.
Engagement Rings For Everyone
Your rings, specifically today the rings you choose together, are just one part of your love story. We are seeing more couples, both straight and gay, buying men’s engagement rings as part of their proposals. Because men’s engagement rings may be new to some couples, basic questions about the process understandably come up.
- Is your fiancé involved in the process or do you surprise them?
- Do you coordinate your rings or do you pick individual styles?
- Do you reduce your overall budget or live a little?
- What metal should I get? Should it match my mate?
At the end of the day, this is your new tradition and you make the rules. If you want to surprise your boyfriend with an engagement ring, then you should do it!
If you know your fiancé wants matching engagement rings, then you should do that. If you’re on a budget or have made financial decisions in your planning, then stick to that. Always remember that it is your engagement and you should choose what speaks to your and your love story. Don’t let traditions limit you or put you in a box.
Men want to show off their commitment
Women have always been proud to wear their engagement rings, showing that they are in love and have made a commitment. In the modern generation, men are wondering why women get to have all the fun. Couples who don’t resonate with traditional gender roles often look for ways to show that they are ready to start some new traditions that promote equality and a united front; a team.
With these new breaks in traditional norms, we see the couples carving pathways to new traditions also not caring too much about conformity. These are the people who are more likely to eschew white wedding gowns and church ceremonies, opting instead for designing weddings that reflect their own personalities and values. Often they also opt for male engagement rings to make a statement along these lines.
One thing is for sure. Everyone still loves diamonds.
Getting Engaged?
Gittelson Jewelers is proud to offer in-person, intimate consultation when it comes to your engagement rings and wedding bands. If you’re not up for coming into the store right now, we’d love to consult with you over the phone or even via Zoom or your choice of video call technology. You don’t have to live in Minneapolis to source your engagement ring from Gittelson Jewelers. We work with couples all over the United States. Right now, we’re offering free shipping nationwide on jewelry alongside our competitive pricing and commitment to excellence. How can you go wrong?