Jewelry has been a part of our cultural identities and philosophies for millennia. Although men don’t wear jewelry as often as women in these modern times, men have been wearing jewelry since we first walked the earth. What was once feathers, bones, shells, or stones slowly transformed into more precious artifacts and expressions of taste. Many of our customers wonder what differences there are between engagement rings versus wedding rings for men. Join us as we explore the history behind men’s fashion jewelry, the different types of rings for men, and how to decide which type of ring is right for you, your groom, or your lifestyle.
History of Men’s Fashion Rings
In the last several centuries, only wealthy men could afford fashionable rings, and their choices were almost always meant to serve as symbols of status. These rings were regularly made of the finest precious metals, mainly gold and silver prior to the discovery of platinum. These rings also included jewels, engravings, or other intricate decorations. As with apparel and personal grooming, men’s jewelry has always been about making the ultimate fashion statement. Historically, men’s rings were always designed by the finest artisans, detailed with careful precision, and personalized to suit the man’s sense of style. After all, what good is a ring if it doesn’t draw any attention or spark interest?
Men’s Wedding Rings
Today, men have more fashion choices than ever before. When it comes to men’s rings, there are an array of styles, sizes, materials, and embellishments to choose from. Whether you prefer sturdy and tough rings or fine and delicate rings, there is a ring to suit every masculine taste imaginable.
In many societies, tradition calls for couples to exchange rings on their wedding days to symbolize their commitment to one another. For many men, their wedding bands are the only rings they will ever wear for the rest of their lives. For this reason, choosing the best wedding ring according to your preferences in style, comfort, and cost is essential.
Throughout history, wedding rings have been made from precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, the most recent innovation. They were usually simple bands without much decoration on the outside, but many wedding bands featured an engraved message along the interior. The width of a wedding band is chosen based on the size of the man’s finger. Sometimes, fashionable wedding rings would include a single diamond.
Modern Styles of Men’s Wedding Rings
Today, many men choose customized designs to show their love and commitment while expressing their style. Traditional wedding ring designs sometimes receive a modern update with subtle details, such as textured edges or eye-catching finishes to simple bands. Engravings have also grown in popularity, displaying personalized messages or symbols on the interior or exterior of the band.
Many men look at their hands throughout the day, and a fun or bold ring can be as much a statement to themselves as to others. Rings are also made from more materials today than in the past, allowing them to be lighter, stronger, and less expensive. Men have the option of many colors, designs, and sizes.
What Are Men’s Engagement Rings?
Unlike promise rings, engagement rings do typically precede marriage as well as spiritual or legal commitment in all instances. Partners who make formal proposals regularly marry or happily cohabit to enjoy a healthy and long-lasting relationship. However, modern couples are continuing to find smart and innovative ways to celebrate their love while being financially responsible and saving up for the weddings of their dreams.
Materials of Engagement Rings vs. Wedding Rings
While many masculine engagement rings and wedding rings are still made from precious metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, there are dozens of material options to choose from. Modern grooms are gravitating toward alternative metals, such as tungsten carbide, carbon fiber, stainless steel, or titanium. Each material has its own qualities and levels of resistance to wear and tear. Remember to perform thorough research before making your final decision. As a rule of thumb, precious metals tend to be more malleable and can be easier for jewelers to resize or customize.
The availability of more materials means that men’s rings have a lot more design choices because jewelers can combine these materials in so many ways. Men’s fashion rings are also available in many colors, ranging from polished silver to shining black. Today’s fine-tuned technology allows jewelers to make a range of finishes and detailed designs on a variety of materials.
Engagement Rings vs. Wedding Rings: Which is Right for You?
Now that you know more about the history, design, and options out there for men’s engagement or wedding rings, you might still feel unsure as to which ring would be best for you or your groom. JustMensRings.com advises customers to consider what matters most in the context of your relationship. Many modern couples choose to forego engagement rings for men while others have adapted the symbolism of engagement to extend to both parties.
If you’re looking for a man’s engagement ring, the rule is there are no rules! Engagement rings for men are somewhat of a recent innovation, which gives you plenty of creative freedom to go as bold or as traditional as you want. As long as he likes it and it feels comfortable, you know you’ve found the perfect engagement ring for him and his lifestyle.
Looking for the perfecting wedding ring for your groom? Just remember that men’s wedding rings should be fashionable, but their symbolism for commitment should prevail above all else. The right wedding ring is forever, and the perfect ring should show who he is and make a statement. There are many classic designs that are still popular today, but giving the ring you choose a modern twist is never a bad idea. If you have any questions about the men’s wedding rings or engagement rings, please contact a member of our team for further assistance.