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Photo by SASHA LANNIER
Choosing an engagement ring is an undoubtedly exciting part of marriage. However, the history is a bit less romantic. Traditionally, engagement rings have been targeted toward women, as they served as replacements for high-priced gifts and dowries and physical representations that a woman was taken. A token of ownership, if you will. Things have come a long way since then and many modern men are choosing to showcase their commitment by wearing one.
"We are finding this a more and more common practice," says Liz Ferris of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry. "Why should only one partner get to rock some bling in advance of the wedding date?"
While some men may not be interested in a huge, sparkling rock, there are certainly those who want in on the symbolic practice of giving or receiving a beautiful engagement ring. No matter your style, there are plenty of men’s bands on the market from popular brands synonymous with marriage, as well as lesser-known jewelry designers.
Ring shopping is a very personal experience. "It's easy to feel pressure to conform to tradition or stereotypes, but only you know your exact preferences, lifestyle, and taste," says Ferris. To help narrow down your options, we've researched the best men's engagement rings out there. For the future groom who likes to keep it simple, you can't go wrong with the Porter Gultch Narrow Comfort Fit Band With Distressed Finish or the Catbird Classic Wedding Band. Want something a little different? We love the unique style of the Tiffany & Co. Men's Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Read on for the best men's engagement rings.
Capucinne Men's Promise Ring With Black Spinel Inlay
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Courtesy of Capucinne
We love the sharp contrast between the black spinel and gold on this eye-catching band. It comes in various metal options, including 14-carat or 18-carat solid yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum. Plus, sizes range from three to 11.5.
Price at time of publish: $1,290
Brilliant Earth Everest Wedding Ring
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COURTESY OF BRILLIANT EARTH
Nature-lovers will fall for this mountain landscape ring. Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, this unconventional band features Mount Everest in a brushed matte finish. The ring is also available in 14-carat rose gold, 18-carat white gold, and platinum.
Price at time of publish: $1,450
Capucinne Dylan Wedding Band With Gemstone
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Courtesy of Capucinne
This ring screams elegance. The Dylan band features a dual finish in solid 14-carat rose gold with a morganite baguette. Other stones are available per request, and the ring can also be made in 14-carat or 18-carat white or yellow gold or platinum.
Price at time of publish: $1,350
Blue Nile Black Diamond Channel Set Wedding Ring
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Courtesy of Blue Nile
This elegant band is made with 14-carat white gold and has a matte finish. The center is channel-set with treated black diamonds for a masculine approach to traditional engagement jewelry. The ring is available in sizes six to 13.
Price at time of publish: $2,490
Pair two wedding bands together in contrasting metals and textures, and choose one to wear as an engagement ring and save the other for the ceremony to wear as a wedding ring.
Valerie Madison 6mm Men's Hammered Wedding Band
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Courtesy of Valerie Madison
Valerie Madison's hand-hammered wedding bands come in a variety of widths to suit each couple's unique style. A satin finish accentuates every rise and fall of the hammered texture. The band comes in six gold options, including yellow, white, or rose in either 18-carat or 14-carat. Half and quarter sizes are available in sizes six to 12.
Price at time of publish: $1,180
Piaget Possession 18-Karat White Gold Ring
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COURTESY OF NET-A-PORTER
This ring is the chicest of the bunch. As a part of Piaget's Possession collection, the brand writes that this ring represents "infinite play of love in motion." Two 18-carat white gold bands are bonded together in this ring, but they rotate separately to create an ultra-sleek look.
Price at time of publish: $1,960
Brilliant Earth Apollo Diamond Wedding Ring
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COURTESY OF BRILLIANT EARTH
This matte brushed band features a single baguette-cut diamond that's simple yet glamorous for the groom who's not afraid to sparkle. The ring is available in 18-carat white gold, 18-carat yellow gold, 14-carat rose gold, and platinum. There's truly an option for every style.
Price at time of publish: $1,690
Blue Nile Satin Finish Wedding Ring
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Courtesy of Blue Nile
This ring is sure to make your ring finger stand out in the best way possible. Sleek and polished, this stunning yellow gold ring from Blue Nile is inset with a band of lightweight titanium with a satin finish. It is also available in white 14-carat white gold.
Price at time of publish: $818
Brilliant Earth Horizon Sapphire Wedding Ring
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Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
Want something a little different? The modern band has a softened edge for comfortable wear and features a matte brush finish in 18-carat white gold, 14-carat rose gold, or platinum. A thin vertical row of deep-blue sapphires sits in a single channel setting. This ring comes in any size, but it cannot be resized after it is made.
Price at time of publish: $1,490
Anna Sheffield Virtue Band
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
The seven-millimeter band is flanked on a single edge with treated black diamonds. The ring is available in recycled rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. A custom inner-band engraving and brushed or hammered side detailing can be added for a special touch, and white or champagne diamonds are also available.
Price at time of publish: $2,650
Mejuri Black Onyx Square Signet Ring
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COURTESY OF MEJURI
How can you go wrong with black onyx and gold? Edgy and modern grooms will love this pick from Mejuri. The pair come together in this square signet ring that is perfect for a timeless engagement ring with a bit of edge. Sizes range from seven to 12.
Price at time of publish: $600
Angara Comfort-Fit Arrow Pattern Men's Milgrain Wedding Band
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COURTESY OF ANGARA
For a twist on tradition, consider this arrow pattern ring from Angara. The band also features milgrain detailing for an elegant touch. The comfort-fit ring comes in your choice of yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.
Price at time of publish: $629
Valerie Madison Wide Mobius Wedding Band
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Courtesy of Valerie Madison
The Mobius band comes in three widths and features a mathematical twisted design. The six gold options include yellow, rose, or white in either 18-carat or 14-carat options. The ring also comes in platinum and in sizes six to 12, with half and quarter sizes available.
Price at time of publish: $1,900
Olive Ave Slate Ring
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Courtesy of Olive Ave Jewelry
Chic, sleek, and perfect for the fashionable husband-to-be. The Slate ring is made from black immerse-plated tungsten in a comfort-fit band. It features contour edging with a satin finish and comes in six- or eight-millimeter widths. Sizes range from seven to 12.
Price at time of publish: $220
Olive Ave Cannon Ring
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Courtesy of Olive Ave Jewelry
The Cannon ring is hammered with a comfort-fit band. It's available in six- and eight-millimeter widths and is made from tungsten with 18-carat rose gold PVD (AKA, the vacuum coating process known as "physical vapor deposition"). Sizes range from five to 14.
Price at time of publish: $220
Valerie Madison 4mm Birch Wedding Band
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This band is hand-textured to resemble birch bark. We're obsessed with how the hammered texture stands out against the silky satin finish. The ring comes in 14-carat and 18-carat yellow, white, and rose gold and is available in sizes four to 12.
Price at time of publish: $900
Leo Ingwer GX178 Diamond Wedding Band
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Courtesy of Leo Ingwer
Calling all grooms who love bling! Pictured in white gold, this band is available in several different metals and widths. The ring has a comfortable fit and details a channel-set diamond melee. We love how the bright finish step-edge contrasts the main piece's matte finish.
Price at time of publish: Upon request
Anna Sheffield 4mm Brushed Soft Square Band
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
This 14-carat recycled brushed rose gold band–also available in silver and yellow gold–is everything modern groom could wish for. The soft square shape is trendy while remaining comfortable. The best part? It can be engraved to make it extra special. The ring is available in sizes three to 12.
Price at time of publish: $690
Olive Ave Ridge Band
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
We can't get over the sleek and modern design of this unique men's engagement ring. Available in sizes six to 14, the Ridge band comes in tungsten with 18-carat rose gold PVD. The band is eight millimeters wide, but due to the materials, it cannot be resized. The good news is that you may exchange sizes for a $25 fee.
Price at time of publish: $220
Bario Neal Milla Square Rims Band
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This handmade square band has 14-carat gold rims with a platinum matte finish for an ultra-cool and bright look. Width options are four, five, six, or eight millimeters and can be custom engraved. Bario Neal is a sustainable jewelry brand, making all rings from either 100 percent recycled metal or fair-mined gold. What more could a groom want?
Price at time of publish: $370
Porter Gulch Narrow Comfort Fit Band With Distressed Finish
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Courtesy of Porter Gulch
An ideal choice for the active man, the rounded inner edges and narrow design give this ring a comfortable fit on the finger. Each ring is unique with individual hand-distressing. Metal choices are sterling silver, 14-carat yellow gold, or 14-carat palladium white gold, all with a high-polish finish. The bands are made to order with an option for engraving for a special touch.
Price at time of publish: $720
Nora Kogan Ridgeback Ring
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Courtesy of Nora Kogan
Perfect for classic and traditional tastes, this handcrafted ring comes in both 14-carat and 18-carat solid yellow gold. Ridged edges add interest and contrast to the high-shine finish of the classic and simple design. This sleek option is available in sizes eight to 10.
Price at time of publish: $1,700
Tiffany & Co. Double Milgrain Ring
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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
The unisex ring is textured with a double milgrain motif. A .01-carat round brilliant-cut diamond sits centered on the platinum band. The ring is four millimeters wide and comes in sizes three to 13 with half sizes available. Plus, you can engrave it with something special to create a meaningful token of your love.
Price at time of publish: $2,100
Catbird Classic Wedding Band
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COURTESY OF CATBIRD
Rose gold has risen in popularity over the past few years, and it's not hard to see why. The blush hue perfectly embodies the love between you and your partner and pairs well with both silver and gold jewelry. Engraving options are also available.
Price at time of publish: $550
Tiffany & Co. Men's Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Ring
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COURTESY OF TIFFANY & CO.
Go bold with this platinum, emerald-cut diamond ring from Tiffany & Co. This crisp style is a unique twist on a traditional signet ring that's sure to stand out.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Cartier Love Wedding Band
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COURTESY OF CARTIER
This cult-classic band from Cartier is truly the perfect engagement ring. According to Cartier's website, "the screw motifs, ideal oval shape and undeniable elegance establish the piece as a timeless tribute to passionate romance." The band is also available in yellow gold and rose gold.
Price at time of publish: $1,260
Miansai Duo Ring
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Courtesy of Miansai
If you're looking for a two-band ring—perhaps one to represent engagement and the other marriage—consider this duo ring from Miansai. One band is crafted in sterling silver and the other in gold vermeil for a stunning and eye-catching design.
Price at time of publish: $225
David Yurman Classic Band in Black Titanium
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COURTESY OF DAVID YURMAN
Sometimes less is more, which happens to be the case for this sleek black titanium ring from David Yurman. The ring features the iconic David Yurman rope design on the inside of the band, and it is available in sizes five to 13.
Price at time of publish: $425
Meet the Expert
Liz Ferris is a custom ring specialist at the Seattle-based sustainable jewelry brand Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Men's Engagement Ring
Metal
The type of metal you choose will help define your engagement ring's aesthetic, especially if you decide against diamonds or other gemstones. When it comes to metals, there is no shortage of options. Platinum has long been a popular choice for men's rings because it is a subtle and timeless look. On the other hand, gold is also a popular choice that is eye-catching and elegant. For a more romantic look, you may also choose to go with a rose gold ring, which has increased in popularity over the past few years. Sterling silver is another option you might choose, which is crisp and a bit more cost-efficient.
Stones
Diamonds and gemstones are popping up in many men's engagement rings. Traditionally, diamonds were not the center of attention in men's rings, but that is quickly changing. Now you may see rings with a large center stone or even a pavé band for all-around sparkle. If you decide to choose a diamond engagement ring, take into account the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. These four qualities in a diamond will guide you in the right direction when choosing your ring. For other stones, like black onyx, sapphire, morganite, etc., keep in mind that they are softer stones—meaning they could scratch easier—so they should be held in a safe setting, such as a bezel setting.
Style
In the past, men's wedding rings were standard without many different options outside of metal options. Now, men's engagement rings are more customizable than ever. For example, you may find that you prefer a thinner band compared to a thicker option. Signet rings are also a popular option, especially because there is room for engraving.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Laura Lajines is a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work with Brides, she served as the senior fashion editor at the Zoe Report and PopSugar. Her work has also been featured in Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.