Men’s Engagement Rings Are on the Rise: Here’s What to Know
Bold designs, shifting traditions, and a new era of self-expression are fueling the rise of men’s engagement rings. Here’s what’s behind the movement.
Published: December 17, 2025
Written by: Anouare Abdou
A few weeks after Ed Sheeran proposed to his now-wife, Cherry Seaborn, fans were convinced the pair had secretly wed—after all, he was suddenly sporting a band on that finger. The truth was far more interesting: Sheeran was wearing a men’s engagement ring. “I never saw why men didn’t wear engagement rings. It’s the same commitment either way,” he told ITV, sparking a fresh conversation about modern love and tradition.
Sheeran – along with celebrities like Brooklyn Beckham and Michael Bublé – is part of a growing number of men proudly wearing engagement rings.
“In the past few years, more couples have embraced men’s engagement rings as a natural expression of their love story,” said award-winning wedding planner and designer Jove Meyer. “LGBTQ+ couples have long been leaders here, but now straight couples, millennials, and especially Gen Z are embracing engagement rings for men. The trend is widely expanding.”
Meet the Experts
Jove Meyer is an award-winning interior designer and event planner who celebrates diversity and empowering marginalized communities. His work has been featured in Domino, Good Morning America, The Magnolia Network, The New York Times, Rachael Ray Magazine, and Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar and Martha Stewart named him one of the top wedding planners in the world.
Bernard James is the founder and creative director of Bernard James Fine Jewelry, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and modern approach. He was also a featured designer in the Natural Diamond Council’s Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI), which supports and elevates independent talent in the natural diamond space.
Major brands like Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman have rolled out men-centric ring designs – a sign that inclusive expressions of commitment are becoming more mainstream. From architectural bands to flush-set stones and bold signets, men’s engagement rings come in a variety of styles, allowing their wearers to boldly express their individuality.
Why Men’s Engagement Rings Are Gaining Popularity
$10,200, tiffany.com
$10,200, tiffany.com
From cultural shifts to fashion trends, there are different forces driving the popularity of engagement rings for men. First, modern couples are redefining tradition and embracing rituals that feel authentic to them when getting engaged.
“At its core, this shift is about equity and self-expression. Engagement no longer feels like a one-sided ritual. Couples are redefining what commitment looks like and how it’s marked, and jewelry is naturally part of that conversation,” said fine jewelry designer Bernard James, who has noticed an uptick in clients across demographics asking for engagement rings designed specifically for men.
In countries like Chile and Sweden, a man often wears an engagement ring as a symbol of his commitment, but the ring later doubles as a wedding band. However, the wave of men’s engagement rings taking over the Western world is distinct from this tradition – the rings are designed intentionally and not meant to replace wedding bands.
“Clients want a piece that carries meaning and permanence, not something symbolic by default,” added James.
The conversation is part of a broader phenomenon: As restrictive definitions of masculinity evolve, more men are wearing jewelry. According to Prophecy Market Insights, the global men’s jewelry market is expected to be worth $75.9 billion by 2034, versus $35.87 billion in 2024.
This growth is most notable in North America, where men are getting increasingly comfortable using jewelry as a vehicle for self-expression and are looking for unique, bespoke pieces that reflect their personality and tell a sentimental story.
What Does a Typical Men’s Engagement Ring Look Like?
Just like with women’s engagement rings, the possibilities are endless in terms of design. There’s no right and wrong when picking such a personal piece.
According to James, a men’s engagement ring sits somewhere between a wedding band and a classic engagement ring, but it isn’t a hybrid. “It’s its own category, and the distinction often comes from proportion, restraint, and intention,” he says.
While styles widely vary, there are a few common design elements that make modern men’s engagement rings stand out.
Bold Proportions
Bolder proportions, such as wider bands and strong silhouettes, are leading the charge, from statement signets to bands with textured details. “We’re seeing interest in substantial bands and architectural profiles,” noted James.
Understated Stones
Unlike a woman’s engagement ring, the center diamond isn’t always the star of the show, but there’s often a touch of sparkle. “The focus might be on structure, negative space, or a diamond that’s integrated into the form rather than elevated above it,” said James. “Low-profile stones, often flush-set or bezel-set, creating a modern, wearable look are popular,” added Meyer.
Classic Metals With a Twist
Men often go for timeless precious metals like yellow gold or platinum when choosing their engagement rings. But these classic choices meet unexpected touches to create unique pieces, from mixed metals to alternative materials. According to Meyer, blackened metals, meteorite, titanium and wood inlays are all making an appearance in men’s engagement rings.
Who Buys a Men’s Engagement Ring?
You may be wondering who buys the ring: Is it a surprise gift? Do couples shop together? Do men pick their own ring after proposing? Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. “It’s a mix, and that’s part of what makes this category exciting. Some men are very involved and come in knowing exactly what they want. Others are surprised with a ring by their partner,” said James.
As Meyer notes, the process is “more collaborative and conscious than ever,” regardless of what celebrating the shared milestone looks like. It’s about marking the occasion in a way that feels right to the couple and the wearer of the ring, whether that means mutually popping the question or thoughtfully picking a piece after the proposal.
As more couples prioritize authenticity and inclusivity over rigid traditions, men’s engagement rings may just become a natural part of the process of commemorating a love story.
What Hand Does a Man Wear His Engagement Ring On?
Just like their traditional counterparts, men’s engagement rings are typically worn on the left ring finger. In some countries, men wear their engagement rings on the right hand instead. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference—and there are a few common approaches once the wedding day arrives: some men let the engagement ring become their wedding ring, others stack a new wedding band with it, and some choose to move the engagement ring to the right hand and wear the wedding band on the left.
Shop Men’s Engagement Rings
Get inspired by men’s engagement ring styles from some of our favorite designers.
Todd Reed Rose Sparkle 6, $9,700, toddreed.com
BVLGARI Infinito Wedding Band, Price Upon Request, bulgari.com
Wempe Twist Signet Ring, $4,515, wempe.com
Messika Move Titanium Ring, $1,070, messika.com
Laurence Graff Signature Faceted Wedding Band, $6,200, graff.com
Ice Box Alternating Multi Shape Diamond Bezel Band Ring, $4,050, icebox.com
Piaget Possession Ring, $4,900, piaget.com
Bernard James Process Diamond Ring, $9,900, bernardjames.com
