Masculine Engagement Rings
Engagement rings aren't just for one person in a relationship anymore. Whether you're a man, transmasculine, or anyone who wants a masculine-styled engagement ring, you have options. Since there isn't a long tradition of men's engagement rings in the US, you get to decide what works for you. Here are a few approaches we've seen work well.
Get a Silver Engagement Band
Sterling silver is the least expensive precious metal, making it an excellent option for a ring worn just during the engagement period. Since silver is a soft metal, it scratches and dings more quickly than other metals and is more prone to bending. That's why we offer silver rings as engagement bands with the idea that you'd replace them a year or two down the road with a wedding band in gold or platinum.
Silver engagement bands are also an excellent way to try out a style, width, and fit before committing to a more expensive ring. You can test whether you like wearing a ring at all, whether the width feels comfortable, and what profile works for your hands.
See our collection of masculine engagement rings.
Stack Two Rings
Wear one band ring during the engagement period, then add another band ring for the wedding. This creates a visual marker that distinguishes the engagement and wedding as two separate milestones.
If you like the idea of two rings but also prefer a wider overall look, start by determining your ultimate desired width, then decide how to split it between the two bands. For example, if you ultimately want a 6mm-wide band, you could start with a 4mm-wide engagement band, then add a 2mm wedding band. Your final stacked ring will be 6mm wide.
If you choose two flat bands in different metals (like yellow gold and white gold), the final stacked look will be cohesive with visual interest from the contrasting metals. Check out our post on ring width for more guidance on finding comfortable dimensions.
Wear It on a Chain
Get the ring that will ultimately be your wedding band, but wear it on a chain during the engagement period. This works especially well if you work with your hands, are in healthcare and wear gloves frequently, or aren't used to wearing rings yet.
A silver chain works great for this, since silver is softer than 10k, 14k, or 18k gold so it won't wear down your ring as much. Silver chains are also more affordable, so that you can get a thicker, more masculine chain.
Alter It Before the Wedding
Another approach is to get engagement rings that will also be your wedding bands, then alter them for the wedding to make them even more special. Ideas include:
- Engrave a surprise message into each other's rings right before the wedding
- Have a stone flush-set in them
- Add texture or change the finish
- Add additional metalwork or design elements
If you plan to have a stone flush-set in the band, make sure you start with a band thick enough to accommodate the stone (typically at least 1.5mm thick).
No Wrong Answers
The beauty of masculine engagement rings is that there's no established playbook. You get to decide what feels right, whether that's a simple silver band, a bold statement ring, something you'll wear temporarily, or your forever wedding band. The most important thing is that it feels like you.
Still Have Questions?
We work with lots of couples where both people want engagement rings, as well as individuals blazing their own trail with masculine engagement jewelry. Get in touch and we'll help you figure out what works for your relationship and style.
