Exploring Men's Engagement Rings

Traditionally, engagement rings are bought for women by men who will then propose using that ring. However, in modern times, there has been a significant shift in social norms and expectations surrounding engagement traditions. While the classic practice of a man presenting a diamond engagement ring to propose remains prevalent, contemporary couples are redefining these customs. Women proposing to men, the rising popularity of men's engagement rings, and same-sex marriages becoming more widely accepted highlight a departure from traditional gender roles.

History of Engagement Rings

The first diamond engagement ring has been traced to when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary Burgundy in 1477 however, engagement rings have been used to propose a marriage for a long time dating back to before the Roman Times. The Romans believed that the ‘ring finger’ (fourth finger on the left hand) contained the Vena Amoris. This is a vein that became known as the ‘vein of love’ as it was thought to connect from the finger straight to the heart. Engagement rings and wedding rings were worn here to show that the couple's love would last a long time as their rings which were symbolic of their love were connected to their hearts. Later, this was found not to be true but engagement rings are still worn on this ‘ring finger’ continuing this tradition.

Mens Engagement Rings & Leap Year Proposals

Although used for centuries, engagement rings weren’t seen as the symbol of love that they are today and were used as a sign of ownership by men. In Ireland in the 5th century, St. Brigid of Kildare complained to St. Patrick that women were having to wait for too long for men to propose to them. St. Patrick then made it so that women were allowed to propose to a man only on the 29th of February which due to leap years only happens every 4 years. If the man said no it is said that he had to pay a fine which was typically a pair of gloves although this ranged from a kiss to a silk dress. This tradition became known as ‘leap year proposals’ and was followed for a very long time but it is no longer used.

Men’s Engagement Rings 

Breaking away from the traditional notion that engagement jewellery is exclusively for women, men's engagement rings have become a symbol of equality and shared commitment in modern relationships. These ‘mengagement’ rings are engagement rings for men that are worn during the period of the engagement just as a woman would. Why should only a woman get to display their love and show that they are soon to be married? Engagement rings for men are perfect at the moment with the long waits and amount of planning that a wedding takes, allowing for men to display their love for their fiancé even if the plan is to be engaged for a few years first. This has also grown in popularity with the rise in the number of same-sex marriages allowing all couples to display their commitment to each other. At JQ Diamonds, we have created many ‘mengagement’ rings for people from simple plain bands to diamond set bands and solitaire rings. Get in touch to discover choosing your own men’s engagement ring or explore our popular bespoke engagement rings.

Although men's engagement rings has been a trend in England for a while it is not very common and most people haven’t heard of it before however, in many parts of the world, it is normalised for both men and women to wear an engagement ring to symbolise their engagement. This is normal for places such as Iceland where engagement rings are mainly sold as a set of 2 and the majority of men will wear an engagement ring.

Men’s engagement rings are typically worn on the left ring finger just like a woman’s engagement ring although, many cultures have different customs related to this with some wearing it on the right ring finger, some wearing engagement rings on the left but transferring it to the right once they are married or taking it off all together, and some wearing the engagement ring on a chain. Men’s engagement rings are often very similar in style to men’s wedding rings, so some people will re-use the engagement ring as the wedding ring instead of getting a new one later on.

Final Thoughts 

Engagement ring traditions are very different from how they used to be. What once began as a symbol of ownership has transformed into an emblem of love and commitment, breaking away from gender stereotypes with many women now proposing to men and men wearing engagement rings as well as women. Now might be the time for you to propose to your partner or maybe you want to join the trend and get a men’s engagement ring. If so: 

Contact us or book an appointment in our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showroom and speak to one of our team to find your dream engagement ring and explore engagement rings for men.