Do Men Wear Engagement Rings
Proposals come in all shapes, sizes, and types, from a couple simply making a plan to get married all the way up to lavish planned affairs where one person gets down on a knee and presents a ring.
But what happens when the person being proposed to is a man? Do men wear engagement rings?
Although it’s still less common than seeing women wearing engagement rings, men do still wear engagement rings. And the number of men - in both same-sex and heterosexual couples - who opt to wear an engagement ring before the wedding is growing.
WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR ENGAGEMENT RINGS?
Before we explore more about why men choose to wear engagement rings, it’s important to understand a bit of the history behind the practice.
The practice of wearing rings to symbolize a betrothal is thought to date back to the ancient Romans, who exchanged rings upon an engagement instead of giving the bride money or a valuable object. At this point in history, giving an engagement ring was less about love and more about claiming the woman as property.
Centuries later, diamonds became part of engagement rings when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477.
The practice of giving a diamond ring became more prominent in the 1880s when diamonds were discovered in South America. By the early 1940s, engagement rings had become the top jewelry line in most American department stores.
DO MEN WEAR ENGAGEMENT RINGS?
While engagement rings have historically gone to women, a growing number of men are getting in on wearing jewelry prior to their marriage.
In the 1920s, L. Bamberger & Co. placed ads in newspapers that showed engagement rings for men. These ads introduced rings with names such as the Stag and the Master.
At the time, the practice didn’t quite catch on with men. Now, an estimated 5 percent of guys wear engagement rings, according to a survey by The Knot.
Even though that sounds like a small number of overall engaged men, the practice has gained popularity. And with celebrities such as Michael Buble and Ed Sheeran sporting their own engagement rings, more men have grown comfortable with publicly symbolizing their commitment by wearing rings.
WHAT DO MEN’S ENGAGEMENT RINGS LOOK LIKE?
Women’s engagement rings can come in all types and styles, from traditional diamond solitaires to artsy arrangements of colored stones.
Men's engagement rings also can differ in style and form, but most fall into the category of band-style rings.
Whether made from yellow or white gold, platinum, or even wood, engagement rings for men can be as individual as the person wearing the ring. The band can be inlaid with diamonds or other stones, or carved with any number of designs and engravings.
ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR MEN AT WINDSOR FINE JEWELERS
While men wearing engagement rings is still uncommon solely when comparing the numbers, this trend is gaining popularity. If you’re considering proposing to that special someone with a ring - or you don’t want to be left out of getting to wear jewelry before your wedding - visit us today at Windsor Fine Jewelers to find the right ring or call (706) 738-7777.
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