DO MEN WEAR ENGAGEMENT RINGS?
A Guide to Modern Proposals & Styles
We all know the traditional image: a man gets down on one knee to present his partner with an engagement ring. But people never think to ask, after he's presented them with the ring, does he also wear one himself?
Many traditions like this are going out of fashion. We've moved past the notion that women have to wait for a leap year to be the ones to propose, we recognise that the singular image of what constitutes a married couple is no longer valid. Yet the ring as a symbol of commitment has and most likely will continue to endure.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about men's engagement rings, the history behind the trend, when to wear them, where to wear them, and how to find the right ring for you.
Did Men Wear Engagement Rings Traditionally?
Men wearing engagement rings is a relatively new concept in Western culture. Historically, the custom of wearing an engagement ring was one-sided, dating back to ancient Roman customs where the ring symbolised a formal contract or ownership.
Men wearing wedding bands was surprisingly uncommon as recently as the mid-20th century, some have suggested off the back of World War II, when soldiers wore bands as a comforting reminder of their wives back home. Back in 2011, questions were asked around this after Prince William didn't wear an engagement ring or wedding band after his engagement to Princess Kate.
Are Male Engagement Rings Becoming More Popular?
Recently, the jewellery industry has seen a significant rise in couples choosing a mutual celebration of commitment from both partners. This is, in part, down to a rise in prominent male celebrities like David Beckham, Hollywood royalty like Dwayne Johnson & Chris Hemsworth, and actual royalty in Prince Harry wearing engagement rings & wedding bands. They're displaying how rings can showcase devotion to their spouses and how to make them part of their signature style.
Do Men Have to Wear Engagement Rings?
There is no legal rule or strict etiquette that says a man, or indeed anyone, must wear a ring before marriage. Under UK law, engagement rings are treated as absolute gifts, meaning they belong to the recipient, so no laws dictate who should wear one.
What Finger Do Men Wear Engagement Rings On?
The rules here are incredibly flexible, and placement often comes down to comfort and how you plan to wear your future wedding jewellery.
The Left Hand Ring Finger
Most men in the UK wear their engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. This aligns with the ancient belief in the vena amoris (the vein of love), which was thought to run directly from that finger to the heart.
The Right Hand
In several European cultures, it's common for men to wear engagement rings on their right hand. Some men choose the right hand simply to keep the left hand clear for their future wedding ring.
Before vs After Marriage
Many people wonder if they should wear their engagement ring and wedding band together. Some choose to wear the engagement ring before marriage and then switch it to the right hand once the wedding band takes its place on the left. Others opt for a stacking style or buy a single, standout band that serves both purposes.
How Much Should a Man's Engagement Ring Cost?
There is no single correct answer to how much a man's engagement ring should cost. You may have heard adages about spending one or two months of your salary, but modern couples look at their actual financial comfort rather than arbitrary rules.
The truest answer is to look at the ring and how it represents the wearer, not seeing the cost as a benchmark you should reach. You should spend what feels comfortable for your budget.
At ROX, we believe that an engagement ring is an investment in fine craftsmanship and premium materials. Whether you are looking for an understated band or a statement diamond piece, the focus should be on the quality of the metals and stones.
Finding the Perfect Style with ROX
While it goes without saying that whoever proposes will have bought the engagement for the other, these days, many couples prefer to split the cost or shop together as a shared experience.
To help with choosing the perfect engagement ring, here are some important signs for men to look for:
Diamonds are Forever and for men
Who says diamonds are only for women? Many men opt for a bezel setting, where the metal surrounds the rim of the diamond, offering a clean look and excellent protection for daily wear. At Rox, all our diamonds are certified natural or lab-grown, offering you peace of mind along with a guaranteed beautiful finish.
Do you have the metal?
The metal you choose dictates the longevity and weight of the ring. Platinum is a very durable, natural metal that will never lose its bright finish. This makes it a top-tier choice for active men. If you prefer a classic aesthetic, 18ct yellow or rose gold provides a rich, warm tone. You can view our exceptional metals and timeless designs in our ROX Wedding Rings collection, which features many bands that double perfectly as contemporary engagement styles.
Find a ring that represents you
Your ring should be a true reflection of your unique character and personal journey. Instead of simply following trends, look for a design that resonates with you. As well as stone and metal, consider the pattern, the shape and the curve of the band. You want a ring that won't just fit, but that feels like it showcases you, your partner, and your journey. Check out our Men's Engagement Rings to find jewellery for every man.
Shop Men's Engagement Rings
ROX Adore Diamond 6mm Ring£3,500
ROX Adore Diamond Wedding Ring 0.64ctSpecial Price £2,250 was £4,500
Redefining Tradition
Ready to find the engagement ring for you or the man in your life ahead of the proposal? Visit one of our boutiques in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool or London. You can make a booking for one of our locations, but you don't need an appointment to see our collection. We'll help to make selecting a ring simple, enjoyable and rewarding. If, for any reason you can't make your appointment, you can reschedule it or cancel at anytime.
