Go to LYLIES.COM
Whilst men first began wearing wedding rings during the Second World War - to keep their partner close while apart - engagement rings have traditionally been reserved for women. Yet, as marital conventions continue to evolve, so too are traditions around ring giving. Increasingly, male same-sex couples are marking their engagements with rings, more women are proposing to men, and more couples are choosing to mutually exchange engagement rings.
At LYLIE, we believe every love story is equal, and that every partner, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation, deserves a special, sustainable engagement ring to mark such a meaningful milestone in their relationship. That’s why we are one of the few jewellers to craft ethical engagement rings for men, with the option to design a bespoke piece perfectly matched to your or your partner’s style and taste.
A New Era of Men’s Engagement Rings
In 2021, Tiffany & Co. launched its first collection of men’s engagement rings inspired by the classic signet ring design. Independent jewellers, meanwhile, are exploring bolder engagement ring styles for men such as wide bands, textured metals, coloured gemstones, or scatter-set diamonds. Whether a heritage house or an independent jewellers like ourselves, designers are being united by their rejection of a single ‘rule’ for what modern men’s engagement rings should look like. Instead, the emphasis is placed on expressing individuality and on crafting a ring that fits the wearers personality and desired style.
A LYLIE’s Love Story: Benji’s Proposal to Haz
For Benji and Haz, choosing an engagement ring was less about following tradition and more about making a meaningful gesture. As Haz put it, proposing with a ring “is a beautiful thing to do — it’s romantic, a symbol of commitment and promise.”
Benji initially proposed to Haz with a placeholder ring, before the couple came together to finalise a bespoke design with LYLIE. The finished piece was bold, distinct - a style which Haz hadn’t pictured himself wearing at first, but which soon became his favourite piece of jewellery.
The couple’s loving gesture has travelled far and wide. As Benji notes, “all of our friends have been inspired to do the same.” What began as a decision made between two people has sparked conversations among their circle, encouraging others to rethink what an engagement ring can mean and who it is for.
What Do Men’s Engagement Rings Look Like?
Just as women’s engagement rings range from classic solitaires to bespoke designs, men’s engagement rings have no single style. Some prefer plain gold or silver ring jewellery, whilst others opt for lab grown diamond rings, coloured gemstones, or even a textured metal finish.
What was once considered ‘masculine’ (heavier proportions and chunkier shapes) is now simply one option among many. As one London designer observed, the new rule is that there are no rules: the right engagement ring is the one that feels authentic to you.
Just as women’s engagement rings range from classic solitaires to bespoke designs, men’s engagement rings have no single style. Some prefer plain gold or silver ring jewellery, whilst others opt for lab grown diamond rings, coloured gemstones, or even a textured metal finish. What was once considered ‘masculine’ (heavier proportions and chunkier shapes) is now simply one option among many. As one London designer observed, the new rule is that there are no rules: the right engagement ring is the one that feels authentic to you.
At LYLIE, many of our male clients opt for understated bands or signet-inspired silhouettes, sometimes engraved with a meaningful date or symbol, whilst others prefer statement rings with diamonds or playful shapes. All of our silver rings for men and gold rings for men are fully customisable.
A Tradition Rewritten
So, do men wear engagement rings? Increasingly, yes. What was once considered unusual is now becoming a thoughtful and romantic choice for couples of all kinds. Whether inspired by heritage houses, by designers pushing boundaries, or by couples like Benji and Haz making their own rules, men’s engagement rings are redefining a once one-sided tradition.
At LYLIE, we believe every love story deserves to be celebrated equally. Whether chosen as an ethical wedding ring or an engagement ring, all our sustainable jewellery is handcrafted in the UK from recycled precious metals and set with lab-grown or antique gemstones, designed to last for a lifetime.
