When my partner and I decided to get engaged, I was so excited! But then a new challenge arose: the engagement ring for him. It felt like all the focus was on rings for women, and finding something that truly represented him and our commitment was a bit of a puzzle. I wanted something more than just a placeholder, something he’d genuinely love and wear.
I quickly realized that the options for men's engagement rings seemed limited. I noticed many guys either opted for a simple, inexpensive wedding band they’d eventually replace, or just waited for the actual wedding band. This made me wonder if there was a gap in the market – where were the thoughtfully designed, durable engagement rings for men that truly celebrated the commitment?
I started my search online and in jewelry stores. I found a lot of wedding bands, but not many rings specifically marketed as "engagement rings" for men. Many of the options were quite plain, almost an afterthought. I wanted something with a bit more personality, something that reflected his style and our story. This is when I started to consider other options. I wanted to find a ring that was right for him, something that he would cherish.
That's when I decided to explore Etsy. I found a shop with beautiful, handcrafted rings and ended up purchasing one for my fiancé! We knew we were going to have a longer engagement, and I wanted him to have something special to wear in the meantime. I found a ring for around $200, and he absolutely loves it. He plans to switch to his wedding band after the wedding so they won't stack, but he deserves something special now!
Before I even started browsing, I took some time to think about his style and lifestyle. Does he work with his hands? Does he have any hobbies where he'd need to remove the ring? Does he prefer classic or modern designs? Does he already wear other jewelry? I also considered the materials. Would he prefer gold, silver, tungsten, or something else entirely? All of these questions helped narrow down my search.
For example, if he works with his hands a lot, a silicone ring might be a more practical choice for everyday wear. It's comfortable, durable, and won't get in the way. He could then reserve a more formal ring for special occasions. I even considered getting him a simple silicone ring while we searched for something more permanent.
One thing I realized is the importance of deciding whether you want the engagement ring to stack with the wedding band, or if it should be a standalone piece that can be worn on a different finger or hand later. A signet-style ring with a gem or symbol could be a great option for a solo ring. If you are planning to stack, you need to consider the width and style of the wedding band you'll eventually choose.
While searching for rings, I also started thinking about other jewelry options. My fiancé isn't a huge ring person, but he does like necklaces. I started thinking about getting him a necklace with our initials, or a meaningful symbol. This led me to discover SumsFashion.com, which has a great selection of personalized jewelry.
I found a beautiful Customized Name With Initial Necklace for Women Mom, Charms Pave Letter Pendant, Stainless Steel Chain Link Adjustable at SumsFashion. It’s perfect for him, because it’s stainless steel, so it’s super durable, and I was able to get it with his initial. He wears it all the time now! It's a great alternative for someone who may not be comfortable wearing a ring, but still wants a symbol of commitment. The chain link is adjustable, and the pendant is just the right size.
Choosing the right material is a crucial step. Here's a quick overview of some popular options: