Guide to Men’s Engagement Rings

When most people hear the phrase “engagement ring,” they automatically think of a feminine sparkly diamond solitaire. But today, more and more men are getting in on the engagement ring action with hardware of their own. And why not? Don’t both members of a couple deserve a trinket to commemorate their love and commitment?

Furthermore, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone knew your man was taken? Why wait until the ceremony is over to “put a ring on it”?

Since the idea of men’s engagement rings is relatively fresh, we’ve put together a handy guide for you. And remember, your favourite jeweller is always more than happy to answer your questions and chat about your needs.

Do Men Wear Engagement Rings?

Yes, some men do wear engagement rings, just like some women don’t wear engagement rings. It’s up to you. 

But now that we’re seeing celebrities like Grammy winner Ed Sheeran sporting ring-finger baubles, we expect to see more. 

Sheeran told British talk show, Lorraine, that his fiancee Cherry Seaborn made the silver ring herself--such a precious gesture.

Another crooner, Michael Buble, wore a plain-band engagement ring when he was engaged to Argentinian model Luisana Lopilato. In Argentina, it’s common for both men and women to wear engagement rings. They were ahead of the curve on this trend.

How Should Men Wear Their Engagement Rings?

Since Aussie men don’t traditionally wear engagement rings, there are lots of questions. Which finger do you wear it on? Do you get another wedding band at the wedding ceremony? And if you do, do you wear both rings together? On different fingers?

It’s a matter of personal preference. In some places (Chile, for instance), men wear their engagement ring on the fourth finger of their right hand while they’re engaged. At the wedding, they move the ring to the fourth finger of their left hand. That’s one possibility.

Here’s another idea: Choose two thinner bands for your engagement ring and wedding band, and then wear them stacked together. They could even be fused later on for a more comfortable fit. If you like the look of mixed metals, this option presents many fresh possibilities.

And then there’s the necklace idea. After the wedding, wear the engagement ring on a chain around your neck.

And just in case you wanted more options, you might want to look into the new engagement watch trend. Like a ring, a luxury watch will stand the test of time. Some women want to give something in return upon receiving a gorgeous sparkler. A Rolex or Audemars Piguet might be just the thing.

What are Popular Styles for Men’s Engagement Rings?

Ultimately, you’ll want to choose an engagement ring that matches his personality, lifestyle and preferences. If you familiarise yourself with common styles, you’ll feel more comfortable when you start shopping.

Solid Bands

Timeless and low-maintenance, solid bands stand the test of time and always look right. Check out different widths and finishes, and consider the best precious metal for your lifestyle. 

Hypo-allergenic platinum may be expensive, but its elegant sheen and durability certainly justify the cost. Yellow gold looks beautiful on every skin tone and wears incredibly well. White gold is refined and less expensive than platinum, but you should keep in mind that the rhodium plating (that gives it that silvery white shine) may need to be replaced periodically.

Jewellers have also been employing space-age metals like cobalt, titanium, tantalum and tungsten to create durable, elegant engagement rings for men.

Diamond Rings

Diamonds aren’t just for the ladies. You might be surprised how many different ways you can find diamonds incorporated into men’s engagement rings.

Sometimes they’re set in a channel, providing a row of sparkle to an otherwise sedate band. Black diamonds may dot the ring, offering sophisticated, low-key glamour to a dark metal like tungsten carbide.

If you love diamonds, choose a setting that shows them off. Jewellers have created ingenious ways of including rocks while still keeping men’s bands practical for everyday wear.

Textured Bands

From wood grain to geometric patterns, men’s engagement rings come in a variety of intriguing textures. You don’t need gemstones to make a statement, especially with so many texturing options:

• Hammered

• Brushed

• Braided

• Wood Inlay

• Chain

• Sandblasted

• Grooved

Unusual Materials

Some guys love oddities, right? For them, the sky’s the limit. We’ve seen men’s engagement rings that incorporate dinosaur bones, meteorites, antlers, carbon fibres and silicone into the design. 

If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, jewellers love to create bespoke designs for inventive customers. Your quirky idea might make your jeweller’s day.

When you find the perfect engagement ring, protect it with a JewelCover policy. When purchased at the point of sale, it will be insured from the moment you walk it out of the shop. We’re here to answer your questions, or you can start with an instant quote. Congratulations on your engagement! We wish you all the very best.