Choosing an engagement ring is an undoubtedly exciting part of marriage. However, the history is a bit less romantic. Traditionally, engagement rings have been targeted toward women, as they served as replacements for high-priced gifts, dowries, and physical representations that a woman was taken—a token of ownership, if you will. Things have come a long way since then, and many modern men are choosing to showcase their commitment by wearing one.
"We are finding this a more and more common practice," Liz Ferris a custom ring specialist at Seattle-based sustainable jewelry brand Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry. "Why should only one partner get to rock some bling in advance of the wedding date?"
While some men may not be interested in a huge, sparkling rock, there are certainly those who want in on the symbolic practice of giving or receiving a beautiful engagement ring. No matter your style, there are plenty of men's bands on the market, from popular brands synonymous with marriage, as well as lesser-known jewelry designers.
Ring shopping is a very personal experience. "It's easy to feel pressure to conform to tradition or stereotypes, but only you know your exact preferences, lifestyle, and taste," says Ferris. To help narrow down your options, we researched the best men's engagement rings, evaluating each based on metal, finish, stones, style, sizing, and price.
Read on for the best men's engagement rings.
Capucinne Men's Promise Ring With Black Spinel Inlay
We love the sharp contrast between the black spinel and gold on this eye-catching band. It comes in various metal options, including 14-karat or 18-karat solid yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum. Plus, sizes range from 2 to 13.
Price at time of publish: $1,390
Material: White gold, rose gold, yellow gold, champagne gold, or platinum | Size: 2–13
Brilliant Earth Everest Wedding Ring
Nature-lovers will fall for this mountain landscape ring. Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, this unconventional band features Mount Everest in a brushed matte finish. The ring is also available in 14-karat rose gold, 18-karat white gold, and platinum.
Price at time of publish: $1,490
Material: White gold, rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum | Size: 3–12
Piaget Possession 18-Karat White Gold Ring
This ring is the chicest of the bunch. As a part of Piaget's Possession collection, the brand writes that this ring represents "infinite play of love in motion." Two 18-karat white gold bands are bonded together in this ring, but they rotate separately to create an ultra-sleek look.
Price at time of publish: $2,210
Material: 18K white gold | Size: 8.75–9.5
Capucinne Dylan Wedding Band With Gemstone
This ring screams elegance. The Dylan band features a dual finish in solid 14-karat rose gold with a morganite baguette. Other stones are available per request, and the ring can also be made in 14-karat or 18-karat white or yellow gold or platinum.
Price at time of publish: $1,360
Material: White gold, rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum | Size: 2–12
Brilliant Earth Apollo Diamond Wedding Ring
This matte brushed band features a single baguette-cut diamond that's simple yet glamorous for the groom who's not afraid to sparkle. The ring is available in 18-karat white gold, 18-karat yellow gold, 14-karat rose gold, and platinum. There's truly an option for every style.
Price at time of publish: $1,750
Material: White gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum | Size: 3–12
Blue Nile Satin Finish Wedding Ring
This ring is sure to make your ring finger stand out in the best way possible. Sleek and polished, this stunning yellow gold ring from Blue Nile is inset with a band of lightweight titanium with a satin finish. It is also available in white 14-karat white gold.
Price at time of publish: $1,130
Material: Titanium, 14K yellow gold | Size: 6–14
Brilliant Earth Horizon Sapphire Wedding Ring
Looking for something a little different? The modern band has a softened edge for comfortable wear and features a matte brush finish in 18-karat white gold, 14-karat rose gold, or platinum. A thin vertical row of deep-blue sapphires sits in a single channel setting. This ring comes in any size, but it cannot be resized after it is made.
Price at time of publish: $1,490
Material: White gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum | Size: 3–12
Anna Sheffield Virtue Band
The 7-millimeter band is flanked on a single edge with treated black diamonds. The ring is available in recycled rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. A custom inner-band engraving and brushed or hammered side detailing can be added for a special touch, and white or champagne diamonds are also available.
Price at time of publish: $2,650
Material: Rose gold, white gold, or yellow gold | Size: 3–11
Mejuri Black Onyx Square Signet Ring
How can you go wrong with black onyx and gold? Edgy and modern grooms will love this pick from Mejuri. The pair come together in this square signet ring that is perfect for a timeless engagement ring with a bit of edge.
Price at time of publish: $598
Material: Yellow gold or silver, black onyx | Size: 7–12
Angara Comfort-Fit Arrow Pattern Men's Milgrain Wedding Band
For a twist on tradition, consider this arrow pattern ring from Angara. The band also features milgrain detailing for an elegant touch. The comfort-fit ring comes in your choice of yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.
Price at time of publish: $669
Material: White gold, rose gold, or platinum | Size: 4–14
Olive Ave Slate Ring
Chic, sleek, and perfect for the fashionable husband-to-be. The Slate ring is made from black immerse-plated tungsten in a comfort-fit band. It features contour edging with a satin finish and comes in 6- or 8-millimeter widths.
Price at time of publish: $220
Material: Tungsten | Size: 7–12
Olive Ave Cannon Ring
The Cannon Ring is hammered with a comfort-fit band. It's available in 6- and 8-millimeter widths and is made from tungsten with 18-karat rose gold PVD (aka the vacuum coating process known as "physical vapor deposition").
Price at time of publish: $220
Material: Tungsten | Size: 5–14
Leo Ingwer GX178 Diamond Wedding Band
Calling all grooms who love bling! Pictured in white gold, this band is available in several different metals and widths. The ring has a comfortable fit and details a channel-set diamond melee. We love how the bright finish step-edge contrasts the main piece's matte finish.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Material: White gold, diamond | Size: Custom
Bario Neal Milla Square Rims Band
This handmade square band has 14-karat gold rims with a platinum matte finish for an ultra-cool and bright look. Width options range from 4 to 8 millimeters and can be custom engraved. Bario Neal is a sustainable jewelry brand, making all rings from either 100 percent recycled metal or fair-mined gold. What more could a groom want?
Price at time of publish: $330
Material: Yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, or sterling silver | Size: 2–16
Nora Kogan Ridgeback Ring
Perfect for classic and traditional tastes, this handcrafted ring comes in both 14-karat and 18-karat solid yellow gold. Ridged edges add interest and contrast to the high-shine finish of the classic and simple design. This sleek option is available in sizes eight to 10.
Price at time of publish: $1,700
Material: Yellow gold or white gold | Size: 8–10
Tiffany & Co. Double Milgrain Ring
The unisex ring is textured with a double milgrain motif. A .01-carat round brilliant-cut diamond sits centered on the platinum band. The ring is 4 millimeters wide and comes in sizes three to 13 with half sizes available. Plus, you can engrave it with something special to create a meaningful token of your love.
Price at time of publish: $2,400
Material: Platinum, diamond | Size: 3–13
Catbird Classic Wedding Band
Rose gold has risen in popularity over the past few years, and it's not hard to see why. The blush hue perfectly embodies the love between you and your partner and pairs well with both silver and gold jewelry. Engraving options are also available.
Price at time of publish: $550
Material: Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or platinum | Size: 4–14
Tiffany & Co. Men's Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Go bold with this platinum, emerald-cut diamond ring from Tiffany & Co. This crisp style is a unique twist on a traditional signet ring that's sure to stand out.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Material: Platinum, diamond | Size: Custom
Cartier Love Wedding Band
This cult-classic band from Cartier is truly the perfect engagement ring. According to Cartier's website, "the screw motifs, ideal oval shape and undeniable elegance establish the piece as a timeless tribute to passionate romance." The band is also available in yellow gold and rose gold.
Price at time of publish: $1,340
Material: Yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum | Size: 3–13.75
Miansai Duo Ring
If you're looking for a two-band ring—perhaps one to represent engagement and the other marriage—consider this duo ring from Miansai. One band is crafted in sterling silver and the other in gold vermeil for a stunning and eye-catching design.
Price at time of publish: $225
Material: Silver, gold | Size: 8–12
David Yurman Classic Band in Black Titanium
Sometimes less is more, which happens to be the case for this sleek black titanium ring from David Yurman. The ring features the iconic David Yurman rope design on the inside of the band, and it is available in sizes five to 13.
Price at time of publish: $425
Material: Titanium, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum | Size: 5–12.5
Blue Nile Men's Trio Diamond Band
This men's engagement ring has a bit more bling than most others on our list. Available in your choice of four metals, it features three round-cut diamonds front and center totaling nearly a carat.
Price at time of publish: $5,140
Material: White gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum, diamond | Size: 6–12
Eternate Beveled Edge Grooved and Flush Set Men's Diamond Wedding Band
Though this men's engagement band features a small diamond, the design is still understated and dapper. You can choose from yellow, white, or rose gold in 10 to 18 karats and even opt for a custom width if you prefer something wider or narrower than 6 millimeters.
Price at time of publish: $1,041
Material: Yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, diamond | Size: 2–14
David Yurman Streamline Two Row Band Ring With Pavé Black Diamonds
This men's ring has a perfect balance of clean lines and eye-catching appeal. Available in black titanium, sterling silver, or rose gold, it features two rows of pavé black diamonds for some subtle bling.
Price at time of publish: $1,950
Material: Titanium, sterling silver, or rose gold, black diamond | Size: 7–13
What to Look For When Purchasing a Men's Engagement Ring
- Metal: The type of metal you choose will help define your engagement ring's aesthetic, especially if you decide against diamonds or other gemstones. When it comes to metals, there is no shortage of options.Platinum has long been a popular choice for men's rings because it's a subtle and timeless look. On the other hand, gold is a popular choice that's eye-catching and elegant. For a more romantic look, you may also choose to go with a rose gold ring, which has increased in popularity over the past few years. Sterling silver is another option you might choose, which is crisp and a bit more cost-efficient. As with the Brilliant Earth Apollo Diamond Ring, many men's engagement rings are available in your choice of a few different metals.
- Diamonds or Gemstones: Diamonds and gemstones are popping up in many men's engagement rings. Traditionally, diamonds were not the center of attention in men's rings, but that's quickly changing. Now you may see rings with a large center stone or even a pavé band for all-around sparkle, like the David Yurman Streamline Two Row Ring.
- The 4Cs: If you decide to choose a diamond engagement ring, take into account the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. These four qualities in a diamond will guide you in the right direction when choosing your ring. For other stones, like black onyx, sapphire, or morganite, keep in mind that they are softer stones—meaning they could scratch easier—so they should be held in a safe setting, such as a bezel setting.
- Style: In the past, men's wedding rings were pretty standard—without many different options outside of simple metal bands. Now, men's engagement rings come in a wide range of styles, and they're more customizable than ever. For example, you may find that you prefer a thinner band compared to a thicker option. Signet rings like the Mejuri Black Onyx Square Signet Ring are also a popular option, especially since there's room for engraving. For the future groom who likes to keep it simple, you can't go wrong with the Catbird Classic Wedding Band. Want something a little different? We love the unique style of the Tiffany & Co. Men's Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Laura Lajines is a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work with Brides, she served as the senior fashion editor at the Zoe Report and PopSugar. Her work has also been featured in Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York. Additional product selections were chosen by Theresa Holland, a freelance commerce writer specializing in fashion, events, and lifestyle.