Engagement rings are nothing new. When you get to a certain age, your Instagram feed is bound to be full of girlfriends-turned-fiancés showing off their newly acquired diamonds.
But now, it seems the guys are starting to jump on board too – according to research company Dentsu, demand for male engagement rings has seen a 90 per cent surge since the beginning of February.
While this could be credited to the leap-year tradition of women getting down on one knee, it seems there’s a growing trend across the board - even with the A-Listers. Recently, the starry list of guys who are pro-band is on the rise: from Brooklyn Beckham’s diamond-encrusted hoop all the way through to Ryan Reynolds’ unmissable wedding band.
“I feel like there’s been a notable rise in interest for men's engagement rings in recent years,” says fine jewellery designer Lily Gabriella Elia. “I believe this shift may be attributed to evolving societal norms, where there's a growing emphasis on gender equality and a desire for more inclusive expressions of commitment and love.”
Whatever it’s down to, brands are seemingly leaning into a ‘genderless’ aesthetic with their engagement offering. Take Tiffany, for example, which recently released a chunky signet diamond ring or Bleue Burnham, the jewellery label which balances traditionally feminine stones like emerald and aquamarine with more masculine silhouettes for a distinctly unisex feel.
Hannah Martin is another designer who creates genderless jewellery, so she’s no stranger to engagement rings for guys: “All of our collections are created for everyone, regardless of gender. Either solid gold bands or more subtle stones like black diamonds and sapphires are more popular for men’s engagement rings. Our Vincent Signet with onyx and a white diamond is a good example.”
Our advice? As is the case with women’s engagement rings, it’s good to stick with precious metals, whether it’s silver, gold or platinum, and authentic gemstones – lab-grown or otherwise. Steer clear of delicate, dainty bands and look instead to the thicker styles which tend to look better on men’s hands. Then, think about his preferences. Take note of his metal go-to, whether it’s silver or gold, and choose the stone based on his usual favourites – or, if you can’t decide, diamonds are always a winner.
Keep scrolling for the best
Le Gramme 9g Ribbon diamond & 18kt gold ring
Instead of flaunting the diamond front and centre, French jeweller Le Gramme’s ring is much more understated. Instead, it’s bevelled on the inside to create settings for 29 white baguette-cut diamonds which can only subtly be seen when you’re wearing it. Perfect for guys who prefer a low-key – but by no means less sophisticated – look.
Buy now £11475.00, Matches
Bleue Burnham Window Box Eternity sapphire & 9kt gold ring
If he prefers gold to silver, stick to the same rule for the proposal. From the textured nine-karat band to the seven lab-grown rose red sapphires, Bleue Burnham’s eternity ring looks like it could have been plucked from an antique flea market. A ring fit for a king.
Buy now £2300.00, Matches
Tiffany The Charles Tiffany Setting Men's Engagement Ring
Realistically, just the sight of Tiffany’s duck egg blue packaging should be enough to secure a ‘yes’. Beyond that, though, the signet-shaped platinum band that’s inset with an emerald-cut diamond is the kind of ring all the guys should be wearing – it’s contemporary and effortlessly chic.
Buy now £0.00, Tiffany
Yvonne Léon Mini Damier 9-karat gold, onyx and diamond ring
Yvonne Léon’s checkerboard ring is a statement. Balancing the darkness of onyx with rows of sparkling grey diamonds in a bold checkerboard pattern, this is for guys who like their jewels to stand out. If your size isn’t available on Net-A-Porter, you can order directly from the brand’s website instead.
Buy now £1160.00, Net-A-Porter
Mejuri Toi et Moi Diamond and White Gold Ring
A classic white gold band that’s inset with asymmetric gemstones, Mejuri’s Toi and Moi ring is both simple and unusual – and the domed silhouette aptly ups the masculine ante. Double the diamonds, double the fun.
Buy now £2000.00, Mejuri
Fenton Signet Yellow Sapphire Ring
Entirely customisable, you can design Fenton’s signet ring just how you like it. It could be round, oval, emerald or cushion cut, with 18-karat white, yellow or rose gold, and there’s even a choice of seven precious stones. Our favourite option is the yellow sapphire paired with a yellow gold band for a tonal finish.
Buy now £2750.00, Fenton
Seb Brown 9 karat Gold Blue Neapolitan Multi-Stone Signet Ring
Australian jewellery label Seb Brown is known for its organic approach, with many of the rings featuring an array of nonchalantly scattered gemstones. This time, it’s a mixture of blue sapphire, topaz and aquamarine that’s set within 9-karat gold – there’s even one on the side. He’ll be covered from all angles.
Buy now £925.00, Liberty
Ellie Mercer Sterling Silver and Resin Signet Ring
What Ellie Mercer’s rings lack in precious gems, they certainly make up for in style. Swapping stones for hand-carved resin, the designer creates unique pieces which won’t break the bank. One-of-a-kind designs for a one-of-a-kind occasion.
Buy now £430.00, Mr. Porter
Kinn Natalie Dome Ring Diamond
Less is more with Kinn’s collections – including this domed design. From the understated baguette diamond to the recycled 14-karat solid gold band, there’s a reason it’s one of the brand’s best-selling styles.
Buy now £830.00, Kinn
Hannah Martin London Vincents Signet Facet Yellow Gold Ring
A ring that wouldn’t look out of place in The Godfather, any fans of Francis Ford Coppola’s blockbuster franchise would be enamoured with Hannah Martin’s signet. It’ll be an offer he can’t refuse (we’re sure that’s something we’ve heard before…).
Buy now £3950.00, Hannah Martin
