The Complete Guide to Engagement Rings for Men

When you think of an engagement ring, the image that likely comes to mind is a metallic band with a center stone that rests on a woman’s left ring finger. Based on traditional gender norms in our mainstream society, these symbolic baubles have had a long-established association with just women—not men. In our Western world, the conventional practice for proposals is for the man in the relationship to get down on one knee and present his future wife with a sparkly piece of jewelry that symbolizes their commitment. Since societal views on equality and relationships are shifting, this double standard is changing, too.

Now, men’s engagement rings are becoming more and more popular. Popping the question with a sparkler made for a man is a common aspect in gay men’s relationships, but heterosexual unions are also embracing the concept: Some modern women are taking it upon themselves to propose to their boyfriends, while other couples decide to flaunt matching engagement rings to reflect the equal nature of their partnership. “Many couples now choose for both partners to wear engagement rings, recognizing that engagement is a shared commitment,” says Zack Romano, customer experience manager at Rings By Lux.

No matter what the relationship looks like, these accessories are worth looking into and investing in. Want to know more about engagement rings for men? Read on for our complete guide, including tips and inspiration photos.

What Are Engagement Rings for Men?

Engagement rings for men are rings designed specifically for men to signify their promise to marry their significant other, according to Romano. Depending on the couple, the man might receive this piece of jewelry during or after the proposal. There isn’t a standard look of a man’s engagement ring—the item can be a simple gold band or one bedecked in diamonds, for instance.

The History of Engagement Rings for Men

While the concept of engagement rings for men has been around for centuries—particularly in certain countries, like Chile, Sweden, and Brazil—our modern Western world has only recently embraced this idea. These accessories date back to 15th-century Europe, when a man and woman in a relationship would each wear a band from a Gimmel ring, made with two interlocking bands, before getting married. Then, at the wedding, the man would give his band to his wife, so she could wear both.

This idea popped up again in the 1920s, when ad agencies tried marketing engagement rings for men, but the concept didn’t catch on. It wasn’t until the past few decades that the public started warming up to the idea of male baubles, since many celebrities, such as Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Johnny Depp, wear one.

What Engagement Rings for Men Look Like

Like women’s engagement rings, men’s engagement rings come in a variety of different shapes, styles, and sizes. Below, we’ve listed some of the materials and adornments you can opt for.

Materials

There are several materials for men’s engagement rings that each offer a different look and feel. Stainless steel, gold, and platinum are some of the classic choices, whereas titanium, tungsten, carbide, black zirconium, and damascus steel are more modern—the first three offer a polished and sleek appearance, while the last exhibits a textured finish, Romano says.

Adornments

A plain, unfussy design is a common choice, but some men want to add adornments. A band encrusted with small diamonds is one option, while a bar engraved with a personal message representative of the relationship is another.

How Engagement Rings for Men Compare to Men’s Wedding Bands

While men’s engagement rings are becoming more normalized, men’s wedding bands have been around in Western culture for about a century. Keep scrolling to find out a few distinctions between these two pieces of jewelry.

The Timing

During the wedding ceremony, both individuals in the partnership traditionally exchange wedding bands to reflect their shared dedication to their lifelong marriage. With engagement rings, though, men receive these accessories during the proposal (unless their partner is proposing with a replacement sparkler). Sometimes, according to Romano, the man’s engagement ring becomes a wedding ring on their big day, but for others, the individual still receives a separate wedding band during the service.

The Placement

In Western cultures, men usually wear their wedding band on their left ring finger. For those who also have an engagement ring, many usually move their engagement ring to their right ring finger to make room for their wedding band on their left ring finger.

The Style

For men, wedding bands typically include a simple metal band. With men’s engagement rings, though, the design possibilities are endless: You can choose from a variety of metals, and you can even adorn the item with gemstones, engravings, and other custom details. Some couples even choose to get matching engagement rings.

Shopping Tips for Engagement Rings for Men

If you’re thinking about purchasing a men’s engagement ring, whether you’re shopping solo or as a couple, keep these tips in mind.

Start Early

Romano advises buying a men’s engagement ring at least two to three months before the proposal. “This allows ample time to find the perfect ring, consider customization options, and accommodate any necessary resizing or adjustments,” Romano says.

Consider Personal Style

Since the individual will be wearing this bauble on the daily, it’s important to pick out a design that suits their unique style. If you or your partner is a minimalist, consider a simple metallic band. For those who like a bit of flair, you might want to include gemstones. 

Pay Attention to Lifestyle

If you or your significant other has an active lifestyle or frequently works with their hands, you’ll want to choose a material that’s durable; Romano suggests tungsten carbide or titanium.

Stay Within Budget

The cost of engagement rings for men varies, from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the ring’s material, thickness, and add-ons, plus the place of purchase. Whatever you choose, make sure it adheres to your budget. Romano recommends setting a price range before you shop, so you can narrow down your choices.

Get the Right Size

An accurate ring size is essential for comfortability. If you and your partner are browsing for rings together, measure his ring finger before you head to the jeweler. If you’re shopping without him and the bauble will be a surprise, use another ring that he owns as a reference or ask a family member.

Alternatives to Engagement Rings for Men

When you propose to your boyfriend, handing them a ring is only one possible symbol of your love and commitment. Below, we’ve listed a few alternatives to consider.

A Watch

Instead of an engagement ring, you can always pop the question with a new watch. “A high-quality watch can serve as a stylish and practical symbol of your engagement, offering both sentimental and functional value,” Romano says.

A Bracelet

Similar to a watch, a bracelet is another option. Romano loves ones made with leather or metal for a one-of-a-kind choice. This idea is best for stylish grooms-to-be who accessorize on a daily basis.

A Necklace

If your future fiancé doesn’t usually wear jewelry on his wrist, try a necklace. You can opt for a plain chain or one with a pendant or charm that suits their personality, style, or interests. 

Inspirational Ideas for Engagement Rings for Men

Still unsure which men’s engagement ring is best? Get inspired with these ideas.

A Classic Band

One of the most timeless styles is a simple gold band, which is similar to men’s wedding rings. We love this idea for classic, sophisticated men who aren’t looking to make any sort of statement; instead, their engagement ring is an addition to their everyday wardrobe. If you do want to add a bit of personality, you can always engrave the inside of the band for a meaningful touch.

Mixed Metals

If you like the look of a classic band but you want to up the ante just a bit, choose a mixed-metal design. This example demonstrates a gold band with a platinum line that cuts down the middle of the band and wraps around the entire piece, creating the appearance of a striped pattern—it’s unique without looking flashy.

A Bedazzled Signet Style

Instead of a single band, consider a signet style bedecked in gemstones. For instance, this Seb Brown design with an engraved star in the middle and nine multi-shaped, multicolored diamonds around it (which this groom received during his private Palm Springs proposal) is an unconventional, glitzy option. With a square-shaped pendant, you’ll have more surface area to work with regarding accents and/or inscriptions. 

A Colored Gemstone

Want to add a pop of color to the men’s engagement ring? Select a colored gemstone. Positioned in the middle of the band, this ornament will give the accessory a sparkly, colorful flair. You can even choose a bezel setting, like this one here, for a secure, distinctive feel.

A Diamond-Encrusted Piece

To really boost the shine of your men’s engagement ring, opt for a diamond-encrusted band. With diamonds covering the surface of the metallic foundation, the bauble will produce a glamorous, upscale look that will glimmer in the light. Be wary that a collection of diamonds will elevate the price, though.