Do Men Wear Engagement Rings?

For several hundred years, men have practiced the tradition of proposing to the love of their lives using an engagement ring. It is a common scene to see a man get on one knee, in a romantic or public setting, presenting his typically excited partner an engagement ring while popping the question, “Will you marry me?”

If the partner agrees, which is expected, he can then slip the ring on his new fiancée’s left hand ring finger, officially indicating your engagement. However, is it possible for it to be the other way round? Is it possible for men to wear engagement rings? But before we get right into it, let’s run through engagement rings.

History Of Engagement Rings

Some historians think that both the Egyptians and the Greeks may have worn some kind of engagement ring, but it is known that the ancient Egyptians were the first to utilize a wedding band to represent the union of two individuals.

But the earliest known usage of an engagement ring dates back to 1477, when Mary of Burgundy, the fiancée of Austria's Archduke Maximilian, received a ring as a token of their engagement.

The discovery and display of diamonds as a symbol of wealth and royalty did not occur until the mid-1800s. In order to personalize them, women's fashion added diamonds to rings, which became one of the most common ways to wear them. Diamond engagement rings were quite fashionable throughout the Victorian era. But during the early to mid-20th century, diamond purchases fell sharply, particularly during the Great Depression and World War I.

Engagement Rings In The Twenty-First Century

In the 15th century, modern civilization was still a long way off with what engagement rings were used for. During that era, engagement rings served the purpose of “ownership.” Now, engagement rings serve the function of commitment.

It is gradually becoming quite popular for women to propose to their partners, as well as same-sex couples getting engaged and married.

In addition to the Irish tradition of Bachelor's Day, it has long been customary for a woman to propose to a man on February 29th of each leap year. Strangely, at one point, this had legal status in both England and Scotland.

Today, anyone, regardless of gender, may propose to their lover. Despite this fact, many couples still adhere to the custom of awaiting the man to pop the question. But what about the man who receives the proposal? Is he expected to wear an engagement ring?

Can A Man Wear An Engagement Ring?

Absolutely! Any man can wear an engagement ring if they feel comfortable enough. Traditionally, it hasn’t always been a man’s thing; however, this is perfectly understandable, and there is no need to feel embarrassed about this display of love and commitment to your partner. As we continue to push the barriers of modern living. It has become more and more common for women to propose to men, and gay men to do the same to their partners. Engagement rings are becoming a thing with men, as more and more guys are snapping up rings to propose to their partners.

What Is A Male Engagement Ring?

Regardless of who is wearing it, an engagement ring will always be special. However, men have many engagement ring styles they can try out. An engagement ring for men could be anything, regardless of who is wearing it. Being conventional, the ring may likely contain diamonds but can also feature other gemstones. A male engagement ring would likely be a band-style design rather than a much smaller designed ring with a central stone.

In the end, it’s down to who is receiving it and what their preference might be. They may like a more masculine style ring or they even prefer a more feminine design. It's all down to preference.

Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber are two celebrities who have been known to have received and worn engagement rings. Because of their influence, there has been an increasing number of men who are now choosing to wear engagement rings.

Should Both Partners Wear Engagement Rings?

This again is down to personal preferences. With engagement rings no longer just a ring presented by men to women, there’s no reason why men or women can’t both wear an engagement ring. This is just like the promise ring couples wear. An engagement ring today basically means you are taken, so why wouldn’t the bride-to-be or the groom-to-be have one to prove their love and dedication? In places like South Africa, both partners wearing an engagement ring has long been a tradition. Only now are other countries starting to catch up.

What Hand Does A Man Wear An Engagement Ring On?

There’s really no straightforward answer for this. Engagement rings can be worn on any finger and on either hand. However, traditionally, there are preferred hands to wear it on, depending on what prevails where you live.

In the U.S, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, and across several western and Asian countries, traditionally, engagement and wedding rings are worn on the left hand. However, in places like Austria, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Russia, Poland, and several other European and South American countries, they are worn on the right hand.

Conclusion

Although men’s engagement rings aren’t the norm everywhere, they are rising in popularity across the world. Men can now fully adopt this tradition without feeling something is wrong, and what’s more? They can choose a ring that matches their style and perfectly captures their commitment to their significant other.