Do Men Wear Engagement Rings? A Look at History, Culture, and Changing

Do men wear engagement rings? It’s a question that might seem straightforward, but it opens the door to a much deeper story—one that spans centuries, cultures, and changing ideas about love. While Western traditions have long focused on engagement rings as a symbol for women, this hasn’t always been the global norm. And today, those old ideas are starting to shift.

From ancient customs to modern fashion, the story of men’s engagement rings is more surprising—and more romantic—than you might expect. Whether you're asking out of curiosity, tradition, or because you're thinking of proposing, there's a lot to uncover.

A Brief History of Engagement Rings

Engagement rings have been around for thousands of years. In Ancient Rome, women were given rings made of iron or gold as symbols of ownership or contract. During the Middle Ages, rings began to take on more romantic meaning, often engraved with poetic inscriptions. But it wasn’t until the 20th century—thanks largely to De Beers' now-famous “A diamond is forever” campaign—that diamond engagement rings became a widespread tradition for women.

Gold ring with a diamond on a soft surface with blurred flowers in the background

Men, on the other hand, were largely left out of the equation. Western societies traditionally viewed engagement as a promise from a man to a woman, often with legal or financial implications. As a result, the ring became a one-sided symbol—a marker of being “spoken for” that applied only to the bride-to-be.

A bride and groom in wedding attire sitting at a table with flowers and smiling

Do Men Wear Engagement Rings Today?

Yes—and more are starting to. While engagement rings for men aren't as widely expected in most Western countries, the tradition is growing. Same-sex couples have helped popularize the practice, as have couples who prefer to celebrate commitment in equal ways. Some men now wear engagement rings as a personal choice, a fashion statement, or a shared symbol with their partner.

Even some celebrities have embraced the tradition. Ed Sheeran wore one when he got engaged, explaining that he saw no reason women should wear one while men go without. Michael Bublé and Johnny Depp have also been seen sporting “man-gagement rings.”

Cross-Cultural Traditions That Include Men

While many Western traditions center engagement jewelry on women, several cultures have long embraced the idea of both partners wearing engagement rings—or at least some shared symbol of intent.

Santiago de Chile with the snowcapped Andes Mountains in the background

Chile

In Chile, it’s customary for both men and women to wear engagement rings, a tradition that dates back to at least the early 20th century and may have roots in European customs brought over during periods of immigration. The rings are typically plain gold bands worn on the right hand during the engagement. After the wedding ceremony, both partners move the ring to their left hand, symbolizing the shift from promise to marriage. This tradition reflects a strong cultural emphasis on mutual commitment and equality in relationships.

The Aurora Borealis over snowcapped mountains and town of Lofoten in Norway

Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Finland)

In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, it has been traditional since at least the late 19th or early 20th century for both partners to wear simple engagement bands—often plain gold or silver. Unlike Western norms where a woman might receive a diamond ring and the man nothing, Scandinavian couples often exchange matching or coordinating bands at the time of the proposal. These bands are later joined by a wedding ring, particularly for women, but not always for men. This custom aligns with the region's long-standing values of gender equality and mutual partnership.

Statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with mountains and water in the background.

Brazil & Argentina

In Brazil and Argentina, both partners traditionally wear rings during the engagement on their right hands, switching to the left hand upon marriage. This practice has been widespread since at least the mid-20th century, influenced by both Catholic customs and Iberian traditions. Rings are usually matching bands, and while diamonds are less common, gold and silver are favored. This shared symbol of engagement reflects cultural norms that emphasize shared responsibility and commitment.

The Taj Mahal, an iconic landmark in India, with a reflection in a pool of water

India

In India, engagement customs vary widely depending on region, religion, and community, but modern urban couples are increasingly adopting the practice of exchanging rings—for both partners. While traditional Indian engagement ceremonies (often called Roka or Sagai) might have included gifts, garlands, or gold jewelry, the practice of both the bride and groom wearing rings has become more common since the late 20th century, influenced by Bollywood films and global jewelry trends. These rings may be worn on different hands or fingers depending on personal or regional preference.

Interior view of the Ashkenazi Synagogue in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jewish Traditions

In traditional Ashkenazi Jewish weddings, only the groom gives a ring—typically a plain gold band—to the bride during the wedding ceremony. This act fulfills the legal requirement of the marriage contract (ketubah) and is central to the ceremony. Historically, men did not wear wedding rings, and engagement rings were not part of the tradition.However, in modern Jewish communities—especially Reform, Conservative, and egalitarian circles—it has become more common for couples to exchange engagement rings prior to the wedding. In some cases, the bride gives the groom an engagement ring, or both partners exchange rings as a symbol of mutual intent. This shift began gaining traction in the late 20th century and reflects evolving views on gender roles and shared commitment within Jewish life.

Other Notable Mentions

Germany & Austria: Engagement rings for both men and women are common. Couples often choose matching bands worn on the left hand during engagement, then moved to the right for marriage. This tradition can be traced back to 19th-century Central Europe, with regional variations.
South Korea & Japan: While traditionally only women received engagement rings, modern couples—especially younger generations—sometimes purchase matching couple rings to celebrate their commitment before the wedding. This trend, which gained momentum in the 1990s and 2000s, is more fashion-driven than ceremonial but still marks a mutual intent.

Engagement Rings Beyond Tradition:

LGBTQ+ and Nontraditional Partnerships

For many LGBTQ+ couples and those in nontraditional partnerships, engagement ring customs don’t follow a single script—which is part of what makes them so meaningful. Some relationships lean into long-standing roles of “masculine” and “feminine” symbolism; others reimagine or reverse them. Many simply create something new. The point is: there’s no one way to do it.

Happy couple laying in the grass and smiling

Some partners exchange matching bands, others choose completely different designs that reflect their individual styles. In some relationships, both partners propose to each other at different times, or opt for a ring-less proposal followed by mutual ring shopping. For transgender and nonbinary individuals, rings may carry added symbolism tied to visibility, affirmation, or personal identity.

While same-sex marriage has only recently been legalized in many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ couples have long created their own ways to mark commitment. And in doing so, they’ve helped expand what engagement can look like—not just for their own communities, but for everyone.

Why Don’t More Men Wear Engagement Rings?

The biggest reasons are tradition, marketing, and cultural expectations. For decades, engagement rings have been marketed almost exclusively to women, and jewelry in general has often been framed as feminine in Western advertising. Social norms around masculinity have also played a role—some men may avoid wearing rings simply because they don’t see it as “normal.”

There’s also the practical issue: until recently, few jewelers offered styles that appealed to men. That’s changing quickly, though, with more brands designing sleek, masculine, or gender-neutral engagement rings that feel stylish and wearable.

The Rise of Men’s Engagement Rings

As attitudes evolve, so does the jewelry industry. Today’s engagement rings for men often take cues from wedding bands—think sleek, durable materials like tungsten or titanium, or designs with black diamonds, meteorite inlays, or wood accents. These rings are typically worn on the left hand during the engagement and may double as the wedding band after the ceremony.

Some men prefer to keep just one meaningful ring that represents both engagement and marriage. Others choose to wear a separate engagement ring and switch to a different wedding band later—especially if they want a more personal or symbolic design to mark the proposal.

Whatever the choice, these rings reflect a growing trend: celebrating commitment in a way that feels authentic, stylish, and equal.

Should More Men Wear Engagement Rings?

There’s no rulebook for love. Engagement rings are personal symbols, and their meaning comes from the people who wear them. For some, a men’s engagement ring is a powerful way to say, “I’ve chosen someone—and I want the world to know.” For others, it’s simply a beautiful piece of jewelry with a story behind it.

Ultimately, whether or not men wear engagement rings is a matter of choice, not tradition. But as norms shift and couples continue to redefine what engagement looks like, we may just see a new standard emerge.

Rethinking Traditions: A New Chapter for Engagement Rings

The question isn't just “Do men wear engagement rings?”—it's becoming “What feels right for each couple?” Around the world, partners have long marked their engagements with shared symbols, and modern relationships continue to shape those traditions in personal and evolving ways. From matching bands to custom designs or simply reimagining what an engagement ring can be, today’s choices reflect the diversity of love itself.

Men’s engagement rings may not be the norm everywhere, but they’re becoming a meaningful option for those who want them. They’re part of a growing set of possibilities—one more way couples can choose to express their commitment in a way that feels meaningful to them.

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