More men are joining the trend of wearing an engagement ring as society and the fashion industry are becoming increasingly open-minded about men’s accessories. If you’re jumping on the bandwagon, find inspiration in this list of unique engagement ring ideas.
The signet ring
Fromaristocratic accessory to pop culture-inspired style symbol, the signet ring might be a new craze in men’s jewelry but it’srooted in ancient history. Typically worn on the little finger, signet rings are traditionally imprinted with a family crest which was once used to mark wax seals and then to cement social status.
Repurposing this age-old tradition for your engagement ring will give you a regal feel while remaining on-trend. If your family doesn’t have a coat of arms, fear not: you can adorn your ring with any design personal to you and your relationship, and even add gemstones for flair.
Diamonds
Speaking of gemstones, another option is to adopt the engagement ring tradition of the last century and demonstrate your lasting love with diamonds. Ever since the De Beers aired their advertising campaign ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ in 1948, this hardwearing and dazzling jewel has been the preferred choice for most popping the question, and you’ll find plenty ofengagement rings for men crowned by diamondson the market.
Focus on the 4 Cs when shopping for diamonds: cut, carat, colorand clarity. The cut is by far the most important in influencing the look of the diamond: a round cut maximises the brilliance while the emerald cut exudes elegance. Choose between one larger stone or multiple diamonds, and consider colored options for a distinctive finish.
Textured metal
Don’t like the idea of gemstones? Textured metal is more subtle but will feel equally special.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or work with your hands, you might be concerned about damaging your ring. Consider opting for hammered metal which has a weathered look so accidental scratches are hard to spot. Titanium is a great choice of metal as it’s scratch-resistant, non-reactive and strong but also lightweight with an attractive dark silver finish.
Alternatively, you could carve a meaningful pattern into a stainless steel or platinum band.
Trending tungsten
In recent years, tungsten engagement and wedding bandshave become an increasingly popular choice for groomsin the US. They deliver the durability you need in dramatic white, grey or black finishes while saving you big bucks compared to traditional gold bands. Tungsten also has a heaviness that many find to be grounding and is hypoallergenic to suit all skin types.
Give your tungsten ring individuality with adornments that reflect your character and style. This might include a rose gold inlay, a slim central circle or light texturing.