Do Men Wear Engagement Rings? Uncover the Shift

The History of Men's Engagement Rings

Back in 16th and 17th century Europe, men would sometimes wear an interlocking double ring known as a "Gimmel ring". However, this could be considered only a distant precursor to men's engagement rings or even men's rings in general.

Till the mid-20th century, men started wearing rings more commonly. In 1926, the New Jersey department store L. Bamberger & Co. (later known as Macy's) promoted men's engagement rings through masculine-themed advertisements. The bad news is these rings did not become popular at that time because men were usually engaged in physical labor and it was inconvenient to wear rings.

"Wearing an engagement ring became a popular new trend in the U.S. after World War II", according to The New York Times. It was during this time (the 1940s and 1950s) that men's engagement rings truly began to gain attention. More and more men were also willing to embrace the grandeur of lavish white weddings.

In the early 21st century, men wearing engagement rings resurface, with male celebrities like Ed Sheeran expressing commitment to their partners by wearing engagement bands. Gender equality also developed during this period, encouraging more and more women to take the first step in marriage - proposing to their boyfriends. A 2013 survey showed that a surprising number of men would consider wearing engagement rings if their fiancées proposed to them.

The legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015 accelerated the development of male engagement bands, attracting unprecedented attention and development in the 21st century. According to The Knot, about half of same-sex couples choose to wear engagement rings, and 40% of them, both partners nod when it comes to do men wear engagment rings.

5 Main Answers to Do Men Wear Engagement Rings

Historically, it was rare for men to wear engagement rings. With the growing emphasis on individual value and gender equality, the answer to do men wear engagement rings has become much clearer: more men are now wearing engagement rings. This is a result of historical progress, cultural inclusivity, and the subtle evolution of society as follows.

Tradition Shift: Engagement rings have evolved from being seen as contractual or economic collateral for women to symbolizing a mutual commitment between partners;

Celebrity Influence: Celebrities like Michael Bublé, Ed Sheeran, and Johnny Depp have challenged the notion that engagement rings are for women by sporting them themselves. In 2023, actor Joe Alwyn sparked discussions by wearing a platinum engagement band, further normalizing the trend.

Marketing and Promotion: Many jewelry brands, including Tiffany & Co., Darry Ring, and Van Cleef & Arpels, have expanded their offerings to include men's engagement rings, fueling the trend;

Symbol of Equality: Couples choosing to wear engagement rings together represent a shared journey into love and marriage, emphasizing mutual responsibility and support;

Personal Preference: Some men value the public declaration of their relationship and enjoy receiving well wishes from friends and family alongside their partners.

How Do Men Wear Engagement Rings

Everything is still new when it comes to do guys wear engagement rings. Therefore, there aren't many rules for how men should wear engagement rings. You can refer to the methods below or choose your own way.

Put Rings on Left Hands: In the United States, engagement rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. However, in countries like Switzerland and Greece, wearing them on the right ring finger is more common.

Choose Plain Ring Bands: Many men's engagement rings differ from their partner's, often featuring simpler, more understated designs, sometimes just a plain band. However, when the two rings are placed together, you'll notice that the design style and color are similar, making it clear that they are a matching pair.

Wear the Same Ring Post-Wedding: The bride and groom typically choose a different ring to exchange on their wedding day. They may wear it on the same hand as their engagement ring or on a different one. However, many prefer to continue wearing the same ring after the wedding. This is a matter of personal preference and choice.

Personalized Ways to Wear: Engagement rings don't always have to be worn on the finger. For manual laborers or people in special circumstances, the engagement ring can also be worn as a pendant around the neck. This serves as a reminder of commitment and enhances the sense of sentiment.

Who Should Buy Engagement Rings for Men?

Whether male or female, anyone can purchase an engagement ring as long as both partners are committed to each other and wish to take the next step. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

For heterosexual couples, the woman can choose an engagement ring and purchase for her boyfriend if she's the one proposing. As noted, men can also wear engagement rings. In such cases, it would be a gentlemanly gesture for the man to purchase unique engagement rings for both himself and his girlfriend as a solemn promise to embark on a journey of marriage together.

For same-sex couples, societal norms are challenging, and marriage can be fraught with obstacles. Therefore, it is advisable for both partners to get an engagement ring. These rings can be purchased together by one partner for each other, indicating your bravery, love, and the pursuit of equal rights.

However, regardless of who buys men's engagement rings in response to do men wear engagement rings, they should make a wise choice. Refer to the tips below or How to Choose An Engagement Ring guideline to ensure a successful purchase.

Darry Ring for Men's Engagement Rings

Do men wear engagement rings as meaningful symbols of love? At Darry Ring, the answer transcends tradition. Once limited to simple bands, men's engagement rings now embody bold individuality — crafted to mirror the depth of your commitment. From timeless platinum to dazzling black diamonds, each design harmonizes rugged elegance with modern sophistication, proving that love knows no gender.

But Darry Ring's legacy lies deeper. Our "Buy for One Person in a Lifetime" promise transforms every ring into a sacred vow. With a personalized True Love Agreement and engraved ID, your ring becomes an heirloom — exclusively yours, eternally hers. Whether it’s a minimalist titanium band or a gemstone-studded statement piece, we redefine men's engagement rings not as accessories, but as testaments to courage, loyalty, and a love sworn once and forever.

Darry Ring Selection of Men’s Engagement Rings

FAQs About Do Men Wear Engagement Rings

Do men wear engagement rings in Islam？

Traditionally, Islamic practices don't include men wearing engagement rings. In many Muslim cultures, the engagement (often called the "khitbah") is marked by a formal announcement and sometimes the exchange of gifts, but it does not typically involve the man wearing a ring as a symbol of the engagement. However, due to the influence of globalization and Western ideologies, this tradition is evolving.

What finger do men wear engagement rings on？

Men engagement ring finger is the fourth finger of the left hand, a tradition that can be traced back to ancient Rome. It is said that the fourth finger of the left hand, or ring finger, has a vein that runs directly to the heart, known as the "vein of love". Wearing an engagement ring on this finger for men symbolizes a deep commitment to their true love. This practice is still in use today for its romantic significance.

Why do men not wear rings during engagement?

Historically, men haven't worn engagement rings because they symbolize a physical representation of a woman being "taken" or financial security against broken marriage contracts in patriarchal societies. Currently, the reasons may include:

Personal Preference: Some men simply don't enjoy wearing jewelry or may find rings uncomfortable;

Occupational Hazards: For those working in manual labor or outdoors, an engagement ring can be impractical or even dangerous;

Financial Considerations: Some men may view an engagement ring as an unnecessary expense, especially when finances are tight;

Alternative Expressions: Men may choose to express their commitment to their partners in other ways, without the need for a symbolic ring.