Male engagement rings: Should I buy one?

Men draw the short straw when it comes to engagement jewellery as they traditionally remain bare-handed until the “I Dos” are exchanged. But, you might decide you would like to give your man an engagement ring to show off to all of his friends too.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not you should buy a ring for your man. The key is knowing what your soon-to-be fiance would like.

If you are in a same-sex relationship, or if you are a woman proposing to your man, you might like to have a ring at the ready when you pop the question. Or you could choose to make it a team affair and shop for one together.

You can get something with the aim of him wearing it on his right hand until the wedding, where he will swap the same ring to his left. Or you can get him something that will forever be his engagement ring and you can go shopping for a wedding band later on.

If you do decide to deck him out with a ring, there is no traditional look or feel, so you can really personalise it.

Alternatively, you can consider other options like a watch, bracelet or cufflinks.

If you are venturing into the realm of man engagement ring shopping, there are three key things to keep in mind:

Your budget

Like any major purchase, men’s rings can vary significantly in price. You can find a beautiful men’s engagement ring for as little as £100 or £200 if you choose a simple design.

But prices can skyrocket if you would like to go for a designer brand name or include precious gems.

There’s no right or wrong amount to spend on a ring as long as you don’t spend more than you can afford.

The old rule of “three month’s salary” isn’t practical for everyone. Set a budget that makes you comfortable, and you’ll find a ring you love that will signify your commitment to each other.

While you’re at it, click here to create and manage your wedding budget!

His tastes and lifestyle

Rings come in all shapes and styles, and chances are that some are more suited to your man than others.

Think about what he wears on a regular basis. If he’s a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy, a flashy diamond might not be his style.

Or if he wears a suit every day, an alternative patterned ring could clash with his personal taste.

If he works with his hands or is an active sportsman, you might opt for a simple band to avoid elaborate designs wearing down or stones catching on clothing or equipment.

Personality is everything

The perfect engagement ring will be different for every guy and the options are endless. You can go for a simple wedding band in gold, white gold, rose gold or titanium, or you can jazz it up with diamond or precious gem embellishments or engraved patterns.