Can Men Wear Engagement Rings? Breaking Traditions with Style

Can Men Wear Engagement Rings? Breaking Traditions with Style

For generations, engagement rings were seen as something only women wore — a sparkling sign of being spoken for, while men waited until the wedding band. But times are changing. Today, more men are embracing engagement rings of their own — not just as a trend, but as a meaningful symbol of commitment, identity, and shared values.

At Diamond Lab, we’ve seen a growing number of couples — both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ — choosing engagement rings for both partners. Whether it’s a bold design or a subtle piece of symbolism, men’s engagement rings are becoming a celebrated part of modern love stories in Australia.

Let’s explore where this tradition started, why it’s gaining momentum, and how to choose the perfect engagement ring for a man.

Where Did the Tradition Come From?

Historically, engagement rings have been linked to property and patriarchy — a way to “mark” a woman as promised. Thankfully, modern love has evolved.

The idea of men wearing engagement rings is not new, though. In South America, it's long been customary for both partners to wear rings before marriage. Even in the West, celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Michael Bublé helped bring visibility to the concept when they proudly wore engagement rings.

Now, with rising calls for equality in relationships and a shift away from outdated gender norms, many Australian couples are redefining what tradition looks like — and that includes engagement jewellery.

Why Men Are Choosing to Wear Engagement Rings

There are many reasons a man might want an engagement ring, and none of them are about following trends. Here are just a few:

• Mutual Commitment: For couples who believe in shared symbolism, it only makes sense for both people to wear a ring.

• Inclusivity in LGBTQ+ Relationships: Many same-sex couples have long embraced engagement rings for both partners — with personalised designs that reflect identity, style, and shared meaning.

• Modern Masculinity: Today’s man isn’t afraid to wear jewellery that carries emotion. A ring can be strong, subtle, bold, or sentimental.

• Milestone Marker: Some men wear engagement rings to mark a special moment — like a proposal, anniversary, or personal transformation.

Ultimately, wearing an engagement ring isn’t about proving anything. It’s about choosing what feels right.

What Do Men’s Engagement Rings Look Like?

There’s no one-size-fits-all design for men’s engagement rings — and that’s the beauty of it. At Diamond Lab, we’ve created custom rings that range from timeless to artistic, with features like:

• Wide bands in platinum, white, or yellow gold

• Hidden halo or single accent stones

• Moissanite or lab-grown diamond centres

• Black diamonds or coloured gemstones

• Sleek bezel or half-bezel settings for a modern finish

• Engraved personal messages on the inside band

Unlike women’s rings, men’s engagement rings often focus on texture, metalwork, and subtle sparkle rather than size or height.

Explore some sleek band styles and minimalist settings in our Men’s Rings Collection — many can double as wedding rings or be worn solo for engagement.

Should Men’s Engagement Rings Match Their Partner’s?

They can — but they don’t have to.

Some couples love the symmetry of matching rings. Others enjoy designing complementary rings that reflect each person’s personality. For instance, one ring might feature a solitaire lab diamond, while the other uses a brushed platinum band with a flush-set gemstone.

There’s no rule here. Just focus on what feels balanced between your aesthetics and values. If you want expert guidance, our team is always here for a virtual consultation.

Should You Propose to Him With a Ring?

Yes — if that’s your style! Whether you’re part of a same-sex couple or simply want to flip tradition, there’s no reason you can’t propose to your partner — and offer a ring.

We’ve worked with many women, non-binary clients, and men planning a proposal for their male partner. The key is finding a design that feels authentic — not just masculine, but meaningful.

Some choose a classic wide band with a hidden diamond. Others go bold with a textured or custom-engraved piece.

If you're planning a proposal soon, don’t miss our Design Your Own Ring experience.

Are There Engagement Rings for Gender-Neutral or Non-Binary Clients?

Absolutely. We proudly work with clients of all gender identities, and many designs can be tailored to suit a more androgynous, fluid, or minimal aesthetic.

Whether you want something sleek, artistic, nature-inspired, or architectural — our custom design service allows for full personalisation.

Need help deciding? Let’s chat. Book a free consultation, or share your inspiration and we’ll help bring it to life.

FAQs: Men’s Engagement Rings

Q: Do many men actually wear engagement rings now?
A: Yes — more than ever. It's especially popular among younger generations and LGBTQ+ couples in Australia who want shared symbolism.

Q: Can I wear my engagement ring after the wedding too?
A: Definitely. Many men wear it on the opposite hand or stack it with a wedding band.

Q: Can I create a matching set for both of us?
A: Yes. We can design matching or complementary rings for couples, based on your personal style and story.

Q: Is it okay to wear diamonds or moissanite as a man?
A: 100%. Jewellery is for everyone. A diamond or moissanite ring can be masculine, bold, or understated depending on the design.

Q: How much should I budget for a men’s engagement ring?
A: You can expect prices from $900 for moissanite band styles to $2,000+ for custom lab diamond designs, depending on your preferences.

Final Word: Wear What Matters to You

Wearing an engagement ring is a personal choice — and more men are proudly saying yes to it. Whether you’re marking a proposal, sharing a symbol of your bond, or simply expressing your love in a new way, there’s no wrong reason to wear one.

At Diamond Lab, we’re here to support every love story — with custom craftsmanship, ethical stones, and designs that speak to who you are.

Let’s create a ring that feels like you.