Do Men Get Engagement Rings?

We can all imagine a man down on one knee in front of a woman at sunset, holding out a diamond ring in a beautiful box. For years, this was the picture-perfect engagement–but people change, and so do the times. For example, sapphire rings have become a popular engagement ring choice!

With gender norms often seen as old-fashioned, many men have decided to sport engagement rings as a symbol of their commitment. 

Who Is Proposing?

The idea of a woman proposing has become more and more popular. Some women have grown tired of the classic stereotype of waiting for him to pop the question and have decided to do so themselves. 

Plenty of contemporary couples are also doing away with the idea of a proposal entirely. People have realised that marriage should not be a surprise, but rather a decision made by both parties. After having talked it over and deciding to take the next step, each partner may want their own ring to symbolise the joint decision.

Regardless of who proposed, both partners are finding it increasingly appealing to wear rings as a sign of their commitment. The next step on this lifetime journey is deciding on what type of ring to choose.   

Men’s Engagement Rings

While some long-held beliefs are slowly fading, the traditional idea of a wider band for a men’s ring still holds strong for engagement rings. Designs come in many forms, including traditional bands, bands with gems, dual-tone rings, and mixed metal bands.  

With or Without Precious Gems?

Men sporting rings with gems and jewels isn’t a new idea. Throughout history, men have worn rings with a variety of precious stones, such as sapphire, emerald, and ruby. How those stones are arranged, however, is somewhat different than a typical women’s ring. Several types of men’s rings have stones set into the band itself rather than displayed on top of the ring. 

Inlaid stones offer a touch of refinement without diminishing the masculine aspects of a larger band. This subtlety tends to suit men who desire something more understated.

Other men have decided to forgo any stones completely in favour of solid colour bands or dual tones. 

A dual-tone band usually features two different alloys. A lighter alloy is normally on the outside edges of the band, with the darker metals used as a contrasting colour running through the centre. These bands can serve as engagement rings, wedding bands, and dress rings. 

The eye-catching appeal of a dual-tone band should not be underestimated. The simple addition of a second colour, especially a deeply contrasted one, causes the band to immediately stand out from the crowd. This makes it well-suited to be worn regularly and for any occasion, including as a wedding band. 

The Engagement Ring as the Wedding Band

Couples opting to get engagement rings for each partner often find themselves needing to make a decision. Do they get a second ring to serve as the wedding band, or do they reuse the engagement ring? 

Many often choose the second option. How they go about it, though, differs from couple to couple. Some will wear the engagement ring on the right hand and then switch it to the left once they are married. This humble symbolism is a way to let others know the wedding has taken place and their bond has been cemented. 

Other couples may take the engagement ring back to the jeweller and have it modified to symbolise the transition to married life. Engagement rings without stones can have gems added, and those that already have stones can have scrollwork or engraving added to the design. Ultimately, the decision is up to each individual couple to decide what is right for their tastes. 

Final Thoughts

More and more, the gender norms around who buys engagement rings are breaking down, and there have never been so many options for those shopping for a ring to symbolise their union. Find your perfect engagement ring from Holloway Diamonds today!

Wondering how much a guy should spend on an engagement ring? Check out our latest post!