Everything You Need to Know About Men's Engagement Rings

By now, we're sure you've seen the rise of men's engagement rings, a trend that has been steadily growing over the past several years. “We have seen a rise in engagement rings for men—particularly in the LGBT community—but this interest is growing for all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation,” says Jordan Yoder, co-founder of Jordan Jack. “A ring is a defining ingredient of this major life milestone. It’s how we memorialize the occasion and communicate the change in relationship status to others in daily life.”

When engagement rings first came about centuries ago, they were symbols of ownership. “The wearer was literally ‘off the market,’” Yoder says. “Couples are looking to take that back and redefine this symbol to showcase equality in their partnership and commitment to each other.” And, much like every other aspect of modern weddings, rings are getting more and more personalized, with men and women alike looking for something unique. “There are no rules anymore,” says Darryl Moore, founder and creative director of Houston-based D’Concierge Weddings & Events, who proposed to his partner with a silver and diamond eternity band soldered together. “There’s no wrong or right. Men are not afraid to wear what they want to represent their love.” 

With all this in mind, for those interested in learning more about men's engagement rings, we’ve gathered some information that may be helpful in picking out the perfect style for your partner, whether you’re shopping alone or together. Ahead, read on for everything you need to know surrounding this popular trend.

What Are Men's Engagement Rings?

While many people automatically assume that men can only wear wedding bands, that's not the case. According to Akshie Jhaveri, creative director of Grown Brilliance, "While a men’s wedding band is usually a horizontally styled plain gold (or another metal) or diamond ring, a men’s engagement ring is usually seen with a larger center diamond or a design with a center focus." Simply put, in a similar fashion to a traditional engagement ring one would expect to see on a woman, men's engagement rings boast similar qualities, such as a large center stone and pavé diamonds.

What's more, these rings can be worn in conjunction with a wedding band once a couple has officially said "I do." As Jhaveri points out, there are no rules when it comes to these accessories, and men have the option to stack their engagement rings and wedding bands or wear them on separate hands—it's all a personal choice. "We believe the more jewelry the better! So yes, if the design permits, one can stack the plain gold, silver, or platinum band with the diamond ring," the creative director shares.

How to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring for Your Partner

Now that you understand the basic fundamentals of engagement rings for men, you may be curious as to how you can find one that works best for your partner. So, following the continued advice of our experts, here are the best tips to follow in order to find the perfect piece you'll love forever.

Get Personal

One aspect that sets an engagement ring apart from a wedding band is personality, so this accessory is the place to get creative and incorporate meaning. As suggested by Moore, “Google what [certain elements] stand for" he says, while also sharing that his own ring encompasses elements that hold personal, significant meaning. “I didn’t want [my ring] to be perfect because I’m not, and marriage is not. I also wanted a nod to Africa—if you look closely, it has the shape of Africa in it," he notes about his engagement ring design.

Know Your Metals

Consider your partner’s lifestyle when selecting a metal, advises Yoder. “If you work with your hands, you’ll want to consider a ring that is durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion; look for engagement rings crafted from tungsten or cobalt,” he says. “If you’re more concerned about a ring that will hold generational value and can be passed on in your family, a gold or silver engagement ring is the right choice for you.”

Add Some Sparkle

Why should women have all the fun? There are many ways to incorporate diamonds in men’s engagement rings that cater to a variety of styles and aesthetics. "It’s about time we gave men a chance to sparkle too," notes Jhaveri. "For men who like more diamonds on their rings, there are also rings with a single center diamond and smaller side diamonds on the shank that do well." Additionally, the Grown Brilliance expert points out that emerald and princess cuts do well when adding sparkle to engagement rings for men "because of their masculine and cleaner cuts."

Double Up

Can’t decide what to buy? There’s nothing wrong with having two rings, says Moore, who dons his formal one-of-kind ring when he’s out and about—“a conversation piece,” he says—and a rose-gold band at home. “Just like a woman, you might not want to wear your diamond every day, but still want to have something special and unique,” he shares.

Have options to swap out depending on the day, and look for complementary pieces to stack or even wear together when it comes time to add a band. However, Jhaveri does point out that you should consider matching your future wedding band to your engagement ring, as "it will look sleek and be more comfortable to wear" in the long run.

Track Trends

For those who absolutely don't know where to start when selecting an engagement ring for their partner, consider some options that are currently trending. Yoder has seen rose gold and even bronze-colored bands picking up in popularity, while gold and silver are forever popular and classic choices. Another tip: Consider visiting your local jeweler to ask about their top-selling styles, as this can help influence your decision and help you find the perfect piece for your beloved partner.