Engagement Rings for Men: Everything You Need to Know

The launch of Tiffany & Co.’s first-ever line of engagement rings for men this year—a selection of heavy platinum and titanium designs with a solitaire diamond and a signet silhouette—was symptomatic of a key trend: an increasing number of men are opting for an engagement ring.

“We’ve witnessed an increase in engagement rings for guys,” says Jordan Yoder, co-founder of Jordan Jack, an online shop for men’s engagement and wedding bands. “This demand is expanding for all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.” “A ring is an essential component of this significant life event. It’s how we commemorate the event and inform people about the change in our relationship status in everyday life.”

The powerhouse behind Jared, Kay, and Zales, Tonia Zehrer of Signet Jewelers, agrees that the script has been reversed. “Recently, many couples have chosen a non-traditional approach to things, and guys, too, want bling!” she explains. “They’ve always shopped the classics, but now they want better diamonds, pearls, bolder chains, and more,” says the designer.

Rings, like every other component of the wedding, are becoming increasingly individualized; both men and women are seeking for something special. Darryl Moore, the creator and creative director of Houston-based D’Concierge Weddings & Events, proposed to his partner three years ago with a silver and diamond eternity band welded together. “There is no such thing as right or wrong.” Men aren’t hesitant to express their affection by wearing anything they choose.”

Continue reading for our in-depth look at the trend’s tips and methods.

Get Personal engagement Rings

The difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band is personality; this is where you can be creative and add meaning. So, as Moore advises, do your research. “Look up what [certain components] mean, such as why the diamond is circular,” he said. His own ring is a smudge of black stones in an uneven circle. “Because I’m not perfect, and marriage isn’t either, I didn’t want it to be flawless.” “I also wanted to include a tribute to Africa—if you look closely, you can see the form of Africa.” Skull-shaped rings, black diamonds, and other items have been presented by jewelers such as David Yurman. “We don’t feel obligated to follow any standards because each person’s love story is unique,” says Lee Tucker, David Yurman’s head of merchandising.

Know Your Metals

When selecting a metal, Yoder, co-founder of Jordan Jack, suggests thinking about your partner’s lifestyle. “If you work with your hands, you’ll want to choose an engagement ring made of tungsten or cobalt, which are both sturdy and resistant to scratches and corrosion,” he said. “A gold or silver engagement ring is the appropriate choice for you if you’re more concerned with a ring that will have generational worth and can be passed down in your family.” Modern metals provide even more customization: Titanium, for example, is hypoallergenic and pleasant on the skin, while stainless steel may be anodized in a variety of colours.

Add Some Sparkle

Why should all the fun remain reserved for women? Incorporating diamonds in men’s engagement rings might well be accomplished in a number of sleek, masculine ways. “Men are increasingly purchasing diamond-accented rings for that special engagement moment, whether it’s a single solitaire or a pavé of lesser stones,” Tucker explains, “Either a solitary solitaire or a pavé of smaller stones,” “Regardless of how fashions change, it appears that the attractiveness of a natural diamond, which has been 3 billion years in the making, has the capacity to record our most crucial life moments.” For diamond lovers, the Charles Tiffany setting at Tiffany & Co. is indeed a superb option: Brilliant round or emerald-cut gemstones up to 5 carats are featured in numerous styles.

Double Up

Can’t consider these things? Moore, who uses his formal one-of-a-kind ring out and about—”a conversation piece,” he says—and a rose-gold band at home, believes there’s nothing wanting to wear two rings. “You may not want to wear your diamond every day, like a lady would, but you still want something lovely and unique,” he says. When it’s time to add a band, have a few choices to change out depending on the day, and search for complimentary pieces to stack or even solder together. Another idea: In addition to more traditional bands, real-life couple Carter and Aaron exchanged “flair rings” from Gucci and The Great Frog.

Track Trends

We’re all for personalizing the ring, but if you’re confused, here are some recommendations from industry professionals. Rose gold and even bronze-colored rings are becoming more popular, according to Yoder, while black diamonds set in white gold are on the rise, according to Zehrer. “We’re also seeing a tremendous movement toward more decorated rings, with one, two, or three rows of diamond embellishments,” she explains.

Moore admits that the choices may be confusing, as he has experienced himself. “I honestly thought choosing a ring would be so simple when I proposed to my husband; as I went inside the jewelry store, I started sweating bullets,” he chuckles. “It took me eight months of monitoring my spouse and what he wears to figure out what he likes.” But, in the end, an engagement ring is a necessity. “It’s sexy to be married and have that ring on your finger!” he adds.

But before that, the first thing you should do is determine a budget. It will set you up for success if you have a budget in mind before you go shopping. You’ll be able to filter your search and see only what’s within your budget if you know what you can easily spend.

It’s a frequent fallacy that you “should” spend a specific amount on an engagement ring. You may have heard that saving the equivalent of two or three months’ pay is a good idea. However, there are no hard and fast laws; you should only spend what you can afford.

Engagement rings were originally used as emblems of ownership centuries ago. Whether you’re shopping alone or with your spouse, we’ve compiled some information that may be useful in finding the ideal engagement ring. Happy reading, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.