Cultures around the world are familiar with engagement rings and have their own traditions surrounding this custom. 

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Men’s engagement rings have an interesting history, having entered the jewelry industry and been commonly used since the early 21st century.   To better understand this custom, we’ve put together a guide that answers the most important questions.

The Custom of Wearing an Engagement Ring

Traditionally, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. While this is still the most common practice among both women and men, it is not the only way or the only finger on which engagement rings are worn and may depend on other factors as well. For example, in Chile, it is common for men to wear their engagement ring on their right ring finger rather than their left hand.

Many men choose to wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their right hand. Others even choose to wear it as a necklace on a simple chain. No matter how you choose to wear it, there are no rules – you can be as traditional or as unique as you like.

The History of Engagement Rings for Men

In other countries, notably Chile and Sweden, it has long been common for men to wear engagement rings. In the United States, the department store Macy’s launched an advertising campaign for men’s engagement rings in the 1920s, but the concept did not catch on.

In the past decade, however, wearing an engagement ring for men has become more important in the United States. For many, it is a sign of a more equal partnership between two people. Others may have received a proposal from their partner, or simply want to wear a symbol of their commitment. Many celebrities have also raised awareness of this custom by wearing their own engagement rings.

Why Don’t Men Traditionally Wear Engagement Rings?

Throughout history, giving a woman an engagement ring was a symbol of paying a dowry for her marriage. The ancient Romans seem to have introduced the custom of giving an engagement ring as a high-priced gift. It symbolized the physical manifestation of a woman being “taken” or “wooed” as a means of possession.

This is no longer the usual meaning of an engagement ring. Today, the ring symbolizes love and commitment, as well as the recipient’s freedom to choose to marry their partner.

Does an Engagement Ring Replace a Wedding Ring?

Today, engagement rings are a universal symbol of commitment and love. For example, the brand philosophy of the Darry Ring is that one person can only purchase one engagement ring for their loved one for the rest of their lives. DR diamond engagement rings emphasize a lifetime of commitment, loyalty and responsibility. A wedding ring is usually a symbol that marks the union of two people and their life together. In this sense, an engagement ring is not a substitute for a wedding ring.

 It also depends on whether each person wants to continue to wear the two rings together, separately, or even on different occasions. Some people choose to wear their engagement ring on a different finger so that they can wear their wedding band separately. This is a very personal choice.

Engagement Rings for Men

Engagement rings for men are just as much a reflection of personal taste and personality as engagement rings for women, and there are styles to match. Rings can be made of the same precious metals with details and design features ranging from unique to traditional. Men’s engagement rings can even be set with gemstones.

Regardless of the tradition of engagement rings, it is quite common in today’s world for men to receive and wear engagement rings that are as individual and personally meaningful as the engagement ring.