Decades ago, the idea of a man wearing an engagement ring might have raised eyebrows. Today, it’s raising questions—and sparking conversations about equality, style, and personal expression in modern relationships. From celebrity trailblazers like Michael Bublé to queer couples looking to mark their love with intention, more men are choosing to wear engagement rings. In fact, BBC Worklife recently reported a notable rise in men proudly donning their own symbols of commitment.
At Alexis Gallery, we’ve seen firsthand how engagement traditions are evolving. Whether you’re planning a proposal, exploring engagement rings as a couple, or just curious—this guide is for you. Let’s unpack the why, the how, and the what of men wearing engagement rings.
The short answer is simply because they want to. The longer one is wrapped in a larger cultural shift toward equal partnership and breaking down outdated gender norms. Engagement, once symbolized almost exclusively by a ring on a woman’s hand, is now something many men want to experience just as tangibly.
Whether in a heterosexual relationship or a same sex marriage, the idea that only one person should wear an engagement ring is increasingly seen as outdated. Many men wear engagement rings because they view the moment of commitment as mutual and want a physical representation of that.
For same sex couples especially, male engagement ring trends feel more intuitive. If both partners are men, why wouldn’t both wear engagement rings? But even in heterosexual relationships, more guys wear engagement rings now as a reflection of their values: partnership, not patriarchy.
There’s no rulebook—only traditions. And traditions surrounding engagement are always shifting. While it has not been common practice for men to wear rings before the wedding ceremony, it’s never been about a lack of meaning. Rather, the engagement ring industry has long focused on women’s engagement rings as the point of focus, with little attention paid to their male counterparts.
But the jewelry industry is catching up. Men’s engagement rings are being designed with as much care as women’s. Think solid yellow gold or white gold bands, signet-style rings, or even diamond engagement rings tailored to a masculine aesthetic. Styles range from minimal to bold, subtle to statement-making.
If you’re wondering whether you’re “supposed to” get a male engagement ring, the better question is: Do you want to? The answer is purely about personal choice and personal preference.
Some men wear an engagement ring right after the proposal—just like many women do. Others wait until after a joint celebration or family announcement. There are no hard-and-fast engagement rings dates. The important thing is what the ring represents, not when it’s worn.
Typically worn on the left ring finger (also known as the fourth finger of the left hand), a male engagement ring can later be moved to the right ring finger or stacked with a wedding band post-ceremony. Some men keep wearing both. Others switch entirely to their wedding ring. Again, it’s about what feels most authentic.
Absolutely—and the trend is growing. While it’s still more common in other countries like Brazil or Sweden (where both partners traditionally wear betrothal rings), Canadians are increasingly embracing the symbolism of men’s engagement rings. Here in Toronto, we’re seeing more men choose to mark their commitment with a ring—especially when designing a custom Toronto ring through Alexis Gallery.
Engagement traditions in Canada are evolving, and wearing an engagement ring as a man is no longer an exception—it’s becoming part of the new norm.
There are still plenty of men who choose not to wear engagement rings, and that’s completely valid. Some may not feel comfortable wearing jewelry. Others may worry about questions like: Will it look too flashy? Will people assume I’m already married? or Isn’t that just for women?
Others see the wedding ring as the more appropriate symbol to start wearing on the wedding day itself. And for many, there’s still a lingering association between men’s rings and either promise rings or fashion statements—not commitments.
But those assumptions are changing, too. As more guys wear engagement rings, the perception shifts from novelty to norm.
Whether you’re proposing to your male partner or choosing your own engagement ring, start with lifestyle. Do you (or they) work with their hands? Do you want something simple, or are you drawn to precious metals and gemstones?
Some men choose a band-style design that echoes a wedding band, while others prefer a bold, statement-making ring that reflects their personality.
The truth is, engagement rings today are more about meaning than tradition. For queer couples, many women proposing to their girlfriends, and anyone else who doesn’t fit into a 1950s mold, choosing to wear an engagement ring is about reclaiming the narrative.
Wearing an engagement ring isn’t a statement of conformity—it’s a celebration of love, individuality, and choice.
And for many men, it just feels right. Whether it’s about equality or expression, the decision to wear rings during the engagement is one that feels more intentional than ever before.
As you dive into wedding planning and start dreaming up your perfect ring(s), remember: the most meaningful traditions are the ones you create together. A Toronto-made custom ring can reflect your story in a way that’s entirely your own.
Book a phone consultation with a designer at Alexis Gallery. We’ll help you create something that feels like you—whoever you are, and whoever you’re saying yes to.
