Famed American singer James Brown once sang “this is a man’s world.” If that’s the case, why haven’t there been men’s engagement rings from the beginning?
If you’re looking to learn more about men’s diamond engagement rings, read on!
Brief History of Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. Much like today, a circle symbolized eternity and a heart stood for love. To represent their relationship, couples would gift each other a ring that was to be worn on their left hand, which was said to contain a vein that connected directly to the heart.
Eventually, this custom made its way to Western Europe as it was passed down each generation. It was there that an engagement ring became a way for a man to pay a dowry for a woman’s hand, and ultimately became enshrined into tradition. One that dictates that only a woman can wear an engagement ring – and for what reason exactly?
Well, the idea was meant to symbolize a man’s ownership of a woman – a narrative that is now out of date. However, as with all things, the meaning of engagement rings has changed since then.
A New Perspective
Nowadays, an engagement ring represents the loving bond between two people and their desire to spend their lives together. Why then are engagement rings still believed to be exclusively for women? This long-standing belief is now openly challenged by Millennials and Gen-Z.
These are two generations that increasingly defy gender norms and seek to redefine relationship dynamics to be more equitable for both men and women. Naturally, they’ve also sought to normalize men’s engagement rings.
Men’s Rings and Their Meaning
Engagement rings for men represent progressive social norms and forward-thinking. When you consider that women are traditionally the primary receiver of engagement rings, then each time a man receives an engagement ring it represents another step forward toward empowerment and equality.
Many couples, notably those in their 20s and 30s, have a broader spectrum of what engagement looks like. For many of them, a ring symbolizes the bond between two people in love, rather than its traditional associations with the patriarchy.
This trend aims to break the norm of men always being the ones to give an engagement ring. They believe that men’s engagement rings celebrate love and promote inclusiveness, and for that reason, they too should be able to receive an engagement ring of their own.
Male Celebrities Who Have Taken the Lead
So, do men wear engagement rings today?
They do! Women today are extremely confident in themselves and want control of their destinies. Therefore, many of them choose to surprise their significant other whenever they feel that the time has come.
Such was the case of jazz sensationalist Michael Bublé, who proudly flaunted his own ring on stage during a concert in Toronto back in 2010. His fiancée at the time, actress Luisana Lopilato carried on the Argentine tradition by gifting him a ring before marriage. In Latin American countries such as Cuba, Chile, and Argentina, it is tradition for both the bride and groom to gift each other an engagement ring! The man then wears the ring on their right hand before exchanging it for a traditional wedding ring on the couple’s big day!
Another man who made headlines for wearing an engagement is music superstar Ed Sheeran. After announcing that he and Cherry Seaborn would be tying the knot, both fans and the media began to spot him wearing a shiny sterling silver engagement ring on his ring finger.
What Do Men’s Rings Look Like?
A men’s engagement ring, like any other engagement ring, has to reflect the personality of the person who will wear it. When choosing the distinctive features of the design, one must keep in mind the different aspects of the design that’ll make the ring more appealing to the wearer. Another thing to consider when designing a men’s engagement ring is whether it’ll be worn every day or occasionally.
Just because they are men’s engagement rings it doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be “manly”. They don’t need to have black diamonds or such on a wooden band to be considered appropriate for a man to wear.
The Best Engagement Rings for Men
At Clean Origin, we offer high-quality affordable engagement rings for men. Below you’ll find a curated list of some of our most sought-after men’s rings:
Serendipity Diamond Ring
Our Serendipity Diamond Ring is studded with 7 lab-created flush set diamonds. With its modern sparkle, this ring is sure to turn heads.
Matte Finish Nicky Solitaire Ring
A broad ring featuring a bezel set center stone surrounded by a muted brushed metal finish.
If you are looking for something more personalized, head to our online store and begin building an engagement ring that will match your personality – and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Complement your Engagement Ring with a Wedding Band
Usually, all married men wear a wedding band. Generally, a simple gold band suffices but many couples nowadays are looking to add some bling to their wedding band.
Edson Diamond Band
Striking and strong, the Edson Diamond Band features 4 lab-grown diamonds with a round shape, all placed along alternating bands of classic gold built in our metal shop.
Nico Diamond Band
The Nico Men’s Band perfectly displays 14 lab-grown diamonds in a white gold band.
Check out our definitive guide for more ideas for wedding rings and men’s wedding band!
Does It Matter What Kind of Diamond I Use?
When choosing a diamond for your engagement ring, you’ll have to choose between a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond. Mined diamonds, as the name implies, come from mining – the traditional method of producing diamonds. These diamonds are extracted harshly from the Earth using heavy machinery, explosives, and hydraulic equipment.
A lab created diamond replicates the natural diamond growing process inside a lab using cutting-edge technology. The result? A diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically the same as a mined diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are 20-40% less expensive than mined diamond jewelry. They are also the perfect choice for modern couples!
Shop Your Men’s Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands at Clean Origin
At Clean Origin, we commit to equality and inclusivity. We only produce eco-conscious rings with the finest lab-grown diamonds in the market. Our team of diamond experts is here to help you find your dream ring from our wide selection for all genders.
Schedule a virtual appointment with one of our jewelry experts, or find a showroom near you today!
