In December 2017, Ed Sheeran went down on one knee for his long-time girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn. When the pop icon shared the news with his 18 million followers on Instagram, it wasn’t his fiancé that caught the internet’s attention.
Sheeran’s followers noticed that he was sporting a dainty ring of his own. While it sparked rumors that the couple had tied the knot in secret, the reality was that Seaborn had personally designed the ring as a symbol of their commitment.
It made Sheeran a part of the growing league of men who flaunt their engagement rings with aplomb. Numerous celebrities – from Charlie Sheen and Colin Jost to Johnny Depp and Brooklyn Beckham – have flaunted their engagement rings in public with elan.
According to research, there’s been a 56% rise in men looking for male engagement rings since 2007. With more celebrities taking the plunge, the trend will likely continue well into the future.
Shifting relationship dynamics and the role of engagement rings
Are men even supposed to wear engagement rings? If you’re like most people, it’s the first question that pops into your head when someone mentions male engagement rings.
Traditional society used to perceive engagement rings as a mark of ownership (more or less). That’s the reason only women wore to wear engagement rings as a sign of their love and commitment.
Today, engagement rings are becoming more of a symbol of partnership. This, in turn, is fueling the rising trend of male engagement rings.
Also, the age-old tradition of waiting for the man to pop the question is fast becoming passe. Instead, women are taking matters into their hands and proposing to their male partners. Even celebrities – from Britney Spears to Sarah Snook – have embraced the idea of popping the question first.
As more women choose to reverse pre-defined gender roles of a marriage proposal, male engagement ring sales will skyrocket even further.
Then there’s also the phenomenon of more same-sex relationships coming into the limelight. Homosexual men are choosing to wear engagement rings as a symbol of commitment to their partners.
Buying guide for men’s engagement rings
Despite more men warming up to the idea of wearing engagement rings, their options are fairly limited. The world of jewelry design is yet to establish a clear distinction between male engagement rings and wedding bands.
That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide to help you get started. Whether you want to go engagement ring shopping with bae or are looking to drop hints about the type of ring you want, make sure you check out the following tips:
Don’t give in to the norms
First things first – just because most men settle for engagement rings that closely resemble wedding bands, it doesn’t mean you should too. Whether you want a chunky solitaire on your finger or something more subtle – make sure you understand what goes with your personal style.
Be open to experimenting
Even if you’re opting for a minimalist band, you could jazz it up with rare gemstones or colored diamonds. You could even consider checking out examples of pink diamonds from online jewelry stores.
If you’re a man who likes breaking stereotypes, there’s nothing more statement-worthy than a pink diamond ring. If you’ve always dreamed of wearing a massive sparkler, you could even choose a setting that’s studded with more diamonds to enhance the center stone.
Think about your finances
Engagement rings come with a hefty price tag. Buying two engagement rings means a bigger hole in your wallet. That’s why it is important to discuss financing options with your partner.
Consider the following questions:
- How much is each one of you willing to spend on the rings?
- Will both of you split the cost of the engagement rings?
- Will you pay upfront or look for financing options?
Your answers to these questions will influence several aspects, including the type of metal and center stone you choose for your ring.
Don’t forget your wedding band
Will you continue to wear your engagement ring after you get married? If yes, are you planning to have both rings on the same finger or on different fingers? It’s essential to answer these questions before deciding on the type of engagement ring you want. If you’re planning to wear both rings on the same finger, you need to ensure that their styles complement each other.
As more men start wearing engagement rings in public, it’ll likely open the doors for new styles and designs. For now, you could ditch the traditional bands and opt for something more bedazzling, such as yellow or pink diamonds.
Keep in mind that you aren’t obligated to settle for masculine rings. If you prefer a princess-cut pink diamond enveloped in a halo of smaller sparklers, don’t hesitate to let your partner know.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
5 Engagement Diamond Ring Ideas to Check Out
4 Tips on Matching Outfits with Your Significant Other
Moissanite: The Diamond Alternative That Lasts
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you think of engagement rings? Do you have a preferred style? Which one is it? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!