According to WorldMetrics.org, a typical man in the United States spends around three months’ worth of their salary purchasing an engagement ring. The website also noted that the average spending on these betrothal rings is $6,351. It seems like a worthy expense, considering 85% of women who get them are happy. But what about the males? Do men wear engagement rings, and should you wear one (or give one to your soon-to-be spouse)? In this guide, the team at Facet, our pawn shop in Milford, Ohio, will answer all those questions (and more). Read on to discover facts and tips to help you learn more about men’s engagement rings.
Do Men Wear Engagement Rings?
Yes, they do, and they certainly can. As HelloMagazine.com reported, Johnny Depp, Ryan Reynolds, Ed Sheeran, and Michael Bublé are just some male celebrities who wear men’s engagement rings (or at least wore them). Granted, the trend of men wearing rings as a sign of their engagement may have only recently picked up in America. However, several countries regard this as a culture or tradition. As a BBC article explains, countries like Brazil, Chile, and Sweden have a history of men wearing rings to symbolize their commitment to their soon-to-be spouses. Here, the jewelry traditionally doubles as the men’s wedding rings.
Should You Wear a Male Engagement Ring?
There’s no law saying men shouldn’t wear engagement rings. It’s certainly up to you (or your partner) to wear one, whether or not you live somewhere with cultural views on male rings symbolizing their engagement to their significant other. Wearing a male engagement ring today is a matter of personal preference or a decision you jointly make with your partner. The two of you can wear betrothal rings; if you choose not to, that’s fine, too.
Why Should You Consider Wearing a Male Engagement Ring?
Again, wearing a male engagement ring is a personal or joint decision, but for those who wear one, it’s because they want something to symbolize their commitment to their significant other. They also consider donning the jewelry a sign of respect for their loving relationship and devotion to their partner.
Where Do Men Wear Their Engagement Rings?
Just as the decision to wear an engagement ring is personal, so can your choice of where to wear it. However, the traditional way is for folks to wear their engagement rings on their left hand’s fourth finger, also called the “ring finger.” Such a tradition comes from the ancient Egyptians’ belief that the ring finger has the “Vena Amoris” or “vein of love.” They thought this vein ran directly to the heart, hence the name. To them, placing wedding rings on this finger signified the romance they shared and the connection between their hearts. However, as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) points out, that ancient belief isn’t anatomically correct. Still, because people have believed it for thousands of years, the long-standing tradition of wearing engagement and wedding rings on the left finger stands.
Can You Wear Both Your Engagement and Wedding Rings?
Absolutely! You can stack your engagement and wedding rings on your left hand’s ring finger. Many folks who follow this tradition wear their wedding ring first (at the bottom of the stack) because it’s “closer” to their heart. You can also follow the practice of people in countries like Colombia, Greece, and Russia: To wear engagement and wedding rings on the right hand. Alternatively, you can wear your engagement ring on your right hand and your wedding ring on the left. The above are just some examples of how you can wear your engagement ring, but again, you should base the final decision on your personal preference.
How Do You Choose a Male Engagement Ring?
If your soon-to-be spouse wants a male engagement ring, consider the following factors:
- The ring’s primary metal
- Your partner’s personality
- Your partner’s lifestyle
The Ring’s Primary Metal
Just like with wedding rings, the metals in engagement rings hold different symbolizations. For example, gold symbolizes eternity, prosperity, and wealth, while platinum signifies purity, strength, and rarity. Rose gold symbolizes romance, love, and warmth, while white gold signifies commitment and unity. In addition to symbolic importance, another reason to consider an engagement ring’s metal is for health and safety reasons. Some people have allergies or adverse reactions to certain metals. So, if your partner is one of them, be sure to learn about their specific metal allergy and factor this into your engagement ring choice.
Your Partner’s Personality
Whether it’s an engagement or wedding ring, always consider your partner’s personality when you shop for jewelry to give them. For example, say your soon-to-be spouse is edgy and stylish. In that case, they may want a black engagement ring, a color available as a finish for some metals like gold and tungsten.
Your Partner’s Lifestyle
Does your partner’s job involve using their hands often for rough or laborious work? If so, consider this when deciding on an engagement ring. Some metals, like gold and silver, are softer the higher their purity. Their softness makes them more susceptible to damage, although it also makes them easier to patch up with high-quality jewelry repair. Platinum and tungsten are more durable and can withstand wear and tear better than gold. However, their hardness makes it more challenging for jewelers or repair experts to resize or fix them once they sustain damage.
Check out Engagement Rings in Our Pawn Shop in Milford, Ohio
So, do men wear engagement rings? Now you know they do, and it’s entirely up to you or your partner to wear one. If your partner wants to wear an engagement ring in addition to a wedding ring, Facet, our pawn shop in Milford, Ohio, has your back. Our history traces back to 1991 when we opened our doors to the public for the first time. We’ve grown considerably over the years and are proud to have two locations today: our 13,000-square-foot store in Milford and the 15,000-square-foot one in Amelia, OH. Contact us today to learn more about our engagement and wedding ring collections and to schedule a visit!