Should You Get An Engagement Ring For Your Man?

When Anahita Mehra Khetrapal was getting married earlier this year, she decided to do something that many would still consider radical. She decided to present her (then) fiancé Sahil Khetrapal with an engagement ring.

"I feel weddings are too centred around women. The gestures, quiet or grand are centred around making the bride feel special or spending on her, whether it's the ring, clothes, or the trousseau," says Anahita, "While the wedding planning was unfolding before us, I realised it mostly has to do with Sahil planning, Sahil gifting, and him making an effort to make me feel special." So even though her parents had gotten her fiancé a ring, as is the norm, she decided to buy an engagement ring for him by herself.

Over the years, we have seen manywedding rituals and traditions evolve to steer away from gendered norms,like the Kanyadaan ceremony or the pheras. One of the outcomes of this (much-needed) evolution is men being presented with rings, as we saw in Anahita's case.

When we think of engagement rings, the first thing that pops up in our head is a man presenting his to-be-fiancée with a diamond ring. The convention has now been turned on its head with men, too, sporting engagement rings given to them by their partners.

While this was commonplace in LGBTQ+ relationships where male-presenting people proudly wore rings to show off their betrothed status after getting engaged to their partners, the practice has now gone mainstream.

Guide To Engagement Rings For Men

If you want to hop on the trend yourself and buy one for your man (it's 2024 and there are no rules!), here’s a quick guide to all things engagement rings for men…

What are engagement rings for men?

Just like engagement rings for women have been a sign of their betrothed status for centuries, men are now opting to wear a ring as a symbol of their commitment. “Men’s engagement rings are gaining popularity in India, though they are still not as widespread as women’s rings,” says Mr Piyush Gupta, director at PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta, “The trend has been picking up due to the evolving preferences of modern couples who seek equality in traditions, including the exchange of rings.”

It's also a great way to mark and celebrate your union by getting your rings personalised, like how Anahita did for Sahil. The simple white gold band that she got for him featured a special detail. "It had a four-word message and our engagement date engraved and he wears it every day. It's just something that would remind him of us."

The spending ability of men and women in the country is (almost) at par with each other, and many women are now choosing to present their partners with an engagement ring of their own.

Michael Bublé was an early adopter of the trend. The singer got engaged to Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato and proudly flaunted an engagement ring on his finger on stage during a performance.

In 2018, Ed Sheeran wore one to the Brit Awards after getting engaged to Cherry Seaborn. Other celebrities who have worn engagement rings include Ryan Reynolds and Brooklyn Beckham who wore additional gold bands to highlight their engaged status.

What is the difference between engagement rings for men and wedding bands?

Traditionally, women wear a betrothal ring (the one they get at the time of the engagement) and a wedding band. In the case of men, especially in India, the convention dictated them to wear a simple wedding band after they get married. Now that engagement rings for men are gaining popularity, it’s important to know the difference between that and a wedding band.

“Engagement rings can be, typically, more elaborate, with design elements like stones or engravings, while wedding bands are often simpler and more understated, symbolizing eternity,” explains Piyush Gupta, “Engagement rings may include a personal touch such as a gemstone or intricate detailing, whereas wedding bands are usually plain or feature subtle textures, often reflecting timeless elegance.”

What is the history of engagement rings for men?

While these have been around for centuries for women, the concept of engagement rings for men is fairly recent in India. Like in the West, engagement rings were largely reserved for women. Over time, as the taboo around pre-marital relationships began to fade, men began to present their intended partner with a ring at the time of proposal (a practice that has blessed us withthese stunning celebrity engagement rings!).

In Latin American countries like Cuba, Chile and Argentina, it’s traditional for the bride and groom to gift each other an engagement ring. The men wear the engagement ring on their right hand before exchanging it for a traditional band during the couple’s wedding ceremony.

What are the different styles of engagement rings for men you can go for?

Harshad R. Ajoomal, Creative Director and Founder of House of Ajoomal, believes that a safe bet to make with engagement rings for men is to go for “clean and minimalistic designs, often with a single gemstone or diamond”. Some of the most popular engagement rings for men include designs in platinum and white gold with subtle inlay of diamond or other precious stones like sapphire.

“Textured rings, matte finishes, or engravings that symbolise personal meaning also make for great choices,” says Piyush Gupta, “For those looking to blend classic and contemporary styles, a two-tone metal ring can add a unique flair.” Luxury lab-grown diamonds label House of Quadri’s founder Vaibhav Karnavat says, “Lab-grown diamond rings are a great option, blending luxury with sustainability, which resonates with modern couples.”

What should you keep in mind before selecting an engagement ring for men?

Whether you’re planning to surprise your boo with an engagement ring or you want to shop for it together as a couple, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Timing is key

If you want the engagement ring to be personalised or match yours, you need to give yourself at least 2-3 months before the proposal to finalise the ring.

Personal style and lifestyle

“When shopping for men’s engagement rings, it’s important to consider both style and comfort,” advises Piyush Gupta. It’s important to consider his lifestyle. “Look for durable materials like platinum or gold that can withstand daily wear.”

Budget

Since you’re opting for an extra piece of jewellery, you must factor in the additional costs in your budget. Since your fiancé will be wearing the ring for a while, you’d want it to be durable and of good quality. Such rings can be expensive and you should consider this before going for it.