It’s no secret that men’s engagement rings have been growing in popularity in recent years. We’re here to help you find the perfect one for you or your partner.
A Short History Of Men’s Engagement Rings
Men have been wearing rings for centuries to express their wealth and status. However, it wasn’t until more modern times that men started wearing jewelry to represent love and their relationship status. Men’s wedding rings have essentially become a staple of male fashion and accessories around the world, but it wasn’t until the 90s that engagement rings for men became popular. Even more recently, men began expressing themselves with diamond engagement rings and those made from alternative metals.
Wedding Ring Vs. Engagement Ring
One of the two key differences between wedding and engagement rings is their symbolism and when they’ll be worn. For Men’s wedding bands, it’s all in the name – typically wedding rings are first worn for the first time on the day of the actual wedding. These rings are usually given from partner to partner to symbolize the beginning of their married life together and the recognition of a lifelong commitment.
An engagement ring receives a lot more hype and attention and is usually worn from the time of the proposal. An engagement ring, in every way, symbolizes intent and also creates excitement for the couple and their loved ones.
Buying Men’s Engagement Rings
Just like any piece of jewelry, there are several factors to keep in mind before completing your purchase. Naturally, the buying process will be pretty different for yourself or your partner. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when buying a men’s engagement ring:
Understanding Your Partner’s Style
They’re the ones who’re going to be wearing the ring so it’s important to know what they want. So get started by:
- Talking to friends and family to get an idea of their dream ring
- Find a way to slyly find out their interests – but be careful not to spoil anything!
- Look at their other jewelry or style in general to get an idea of a ring that would fit
Set A Budget
Men’s engagement rings come in all sizes and types, which also means they also come with a wide variety of price tags. It’s important to know your personal budget that will align with what your partner has in mind. You can find more basic engagement rings for men that will cost less than $1,000 but when adding diamonds that price will increase significantly.
Make sure to take the gem type and amount (if opting for more than basic) as well as the metal type into account when budgeting for the ring.
Ring Size
Getting their ring size correct and even in secret can be a little tricky. Read our guide below on how to measure your ring size at home.
Related Post: Men’s Wedding Ring Size Guide: Measuring your Ring Size At Home
Metal Types
There is no shortage of materials when it comes to finding the perfect men’s engagement ring. Let’s break them all down:
- Titanium: amazingly lightweight while also being incredibly strong, you can find more traditional and unique rings with intricate designs in this metal type that is available in standard titanium or black titanium
- Ceramic: considered cutting-edge technology for men’s rings, ceramic is durable, scratch-resistant, and lightweight
- Cobalt Chrome: four times harder than gold and scratch resistant while coming in both white and black options makes this metal type a great choice
- White Gold: a modern color with many traditional and modern choices to explore
- Yellow Gold: traditional, timeless, and offered in a myriad of styles and designs, you can’t go wrong with a yellow gold men’s engagement ring
- Rose Gold: a beautiful choice for a man looking for a modern and unique engagement ring option
- Platinum: an excellent alternative to other metals, platinum is rarer than gold and very long-lasting
- Tungsten Carbide: uniquely forged to be extremely strong and scratch-resistant, perfect for a man with a more active lifestyle
- Tantalum: this strong, dark-gray metal creates a very sleek and modern engagement ring for men
Diamond Or Gemstone
Engagement rings for men come in all shapes and sizes, and yes, they sparkle, too! But do you want a traditional diamond or a gemstone ring? We’re taking a look at the pros and cons of each.
| Diamond | Gemstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Classic and timeless appeal | – Wide range of colors for personalization |
| – Durable and resistant to scratching | – Unique and eye-catching appearance | |
| – Symbolizes eternal love and commitment | – Often more affordable than diamonds | |
| – Higher resale value | – Symbolic meanings attached to specific stones | |
| Cons | – Expensive initial cost | – Less durable than diamonds, prone to scratching |
| – Limited color options | – Limited resale value | |
| – Can be seen as traditional or mainstream | – May not convey traditional wedding symbolism for some |
How to Wear A Men’s Engagement Ring
We’re here to tell you that the way to wear your engagement ring is in whatever comfortable fashion you like. If you want to keep it traditional- wear your ring on your ring finger on the left hand. If you want to wear it on a different finger, be sure to measure your ring size, or your partner’s ring size, to get an accurate fit.
Men’s Engagement Ring Styles
Men’s engagement rings are just as much an expression of personal style and unique characteristics as women’s engagement rings. You need to take this into consideration before you buy your partner their engagement ring.
From traditional classic bands to diamond wedding rings and even carved rings, there’s a style, metal color, and ring setting for every man and their lifestyle.
What do your partner’s personality and tastes say about their unique style?
How To Clean Your Engagement Ring
- Warm water + dish soap + soft toothbrush.
Make your own ring cleaner by filling a bowl with warm (not hot) water, and then adding a few drops of dish soap. Put your jewelry in the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, take your ring out of the bowl and scrub it clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse, dry with a soft towel, and lay out on a soft surface to dry. - Polishing cloth.
In a pinch, a normal microfiber cloth will do. However, specialty jewelers’ cloths are the best, since they contain particular cleaning compounds formulated to both polish and remove small scratches in your ring.
FAQs
Can you customize men’s engagement rings?
When shopping for engagement rings for men online you can customize many aspects of the ring such as metal type, the design, whether to include gemstones, and the fit (such as comfort fit). Additionally, you can add an engravement to the ring to add that extra level of customization for yourself or your partner.
Do men’s engagement rings always have diamonds, or can they have other gemstones?
You can find men’s engagement rings with or without diamonds, with diamonds of different colors such as black, or with gemstones such as sapphires. There are many different styles and variations of rings to choose from.
How do I determine the right size for a men’s engagement ring?
There are several different ways to get the perfect ring size. You’re looking to find the circumference of the ring, generally in millimeters. The standard scale ranges from 8-15, with half sizes in between to help find the perfect fit.
You can use a measuring tape around your finger, or if this is for your partner you can measure one of their other rings. You can also request a ring sizer that we’ll send you directly by mail.
What Are You Waiting For?
When it comes to picking the right men’s engagement band for you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to find the perfect fit. Visit our site for all you need to know about the different metals, styles, designs, and more!
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