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Modern couples require modern solutions, which means that traditions of the past may not fit every partnership. That includes how we propose to our partners. When we picture marriage proposals, we often just picture a woman saying, “Yes!” but here’s why today’s men are wearing engagement rings with increasing popularity.
1. Showing Their Commitment — Why should it only be the woman who has to show she’s taken? Or why should only the woman get the joy of showing off that she’s happily engaged? Men can wear engagement rings as well if they want to show that they’re taken. Men should be able to show off photos on social media, too, when they want to flaunt their engagement ring. Besides showing the world that they’re no longer a single man, wearing an engagement ring is yet another way for someone to show their commitment.
2. Taking Charge — According to Chillisauce, an events planning company, back in 2010, only five percent of women in heterosexual relationships proposed. Just a few years later, in 2019, that number jumped to 16 percent of women, and that number will likely increase as the years go on. That means that more and more women are taking charge of the proposal process, which means that women are asking men now to say, “I do!” and to wear engagement rings as well. If you want to be part of the change, consider getting your partner a timeless diamond band.
3. LGBTQ+ Couples — If you’re a gay man getting married to another gay man, one of you or both of you can decide to wear engagement rings. It’s up to you depending on which traditions you do or don’t want to follow. Perhaps instead of you both wearing shiny diamond rings, you’ll decide to both wear men’s wedding bands. According to Brides.com, there are many different stories out there of LGBTQ+ couples who are redefining the traditional proposal. Whether you’re in a heteronormative relationship or queer partnership, it’s up to you and your partner whether you decide to wear engagement rings or not.
4. Spending on the Engagement Ring — Tradition called for men to propose and spend a certain amount of their annual salary on the engagement ring. That’s no longer the reality for many couples. Couples may decide to save up for rings together. They may also see that the other partner who isn’t going to propose makes more money than the proposer, so that person may chip in more money into the engagement ring fund. It’s ultimately up to each couple to decide how they want to pay for the rings.
5. Ways to Wear the Engagement Ring — In the United States and in many other parts of the world, many people wear the engagement ring on the ring finger of the left hand. However, you don’t have to wear the engagement ring on that finger. If you’re a man who wants to wear an engagement ring on a different finger, go ahead. There are no hard and fast rules, only traditions that may or may not apply to your style.
6. Egalitarian Partnership — Men can wear engagement rings if they want to symbolize the egalitarian partnership they have. They see their partner as a true equal. If their partner wears an engagement ring, then they’ll wear one, too. In sickness and health, for richer or poorer, you and your partner will be there for each other at every stage of life. Why not symbolize the process at the very start of your engagement by symbolizing your equitable relationship with dual engagement rings?
If you’re looking for a jewelry brand that will work with you however you picture your dream engagement ring, ask for a consultation today from any of our Verragio diamond experts. We’ll be there to guide you through every step of the process, from choosing your sparkly solitaire ring to the timeless wedding bands you and your partner will love for the rest of your lives.