Engagement Ring Buying Guide for Men
Selecting the perfect engagement ring can often feel like navigating a journey filled with questions and choices at every turn. While engagement rings were historically worn by women, more men are choosing to wear engagement rings today. Men’s engagement rings reflect a more inclusive approach to relationships as engagement rings symbolize your commitment to a shared future.
VRAI is here to guide you through buying engagement rings for men, step by step. Our guide will provide the knowledge and confidence you need to select an engagement ring that embodies your love.
The Importance of Men’s Engagement Rings
An engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. Engagement rings symbolize a promise and a commitment. Wearing an engagement ring as a man is a meaningful way to represent and honor your unique love story.
What to Know Before Engagement Ring Shopping
There's a growing trend of men wearing engagement rings, as well as being actively involved in the selection process. Whether you’re shopping for your partner, or you’re shopping for yourself, consider the following before buying an engagement ring.
The Importance of Ring Style
The ring style should resonate with your partner's personality and your shared love story. From the timeless elegance of solitaire rings to the vintage charm of halo designs, each ring setting reflects a different style.
For classic and understated styles, a graceful, traditional Solitaire ring is perfect. Solitaire ring settings spotlight a single, stunning diamond for a simple, elegant style. On the other hand, Halo rings create a bolder style. Encircling the central diamond with a halo of smaller stones, this setting exudes a historic brilliance that’s perfect for shoppers who love vintage glamour.
VRAI offers an extensive collection of expertly crafted, customizable engagement ring settings for any style. With VRAI, you can mix different style elements or design something entirely new to create a ring that perfectly complements your loved one.
Diamond Shape and Quality
Diving into the world of diamonds is mesmerizing but it can get a bit overwhelming. Use the diamond 4C’s – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat – to guide you through selecting a diamond.
Understanding these will help you determine the quality of your diamond to choose the right shape and diamond grade for your ring.
Diamond cut: The cut determines the shape and how well the diamond interacts with light. A well-cut diamond means more brilliance and beauty.
Diamond color: This absence of color ensures the coveted bright white look of a diamond. The less color, the higher the color grade.
Diamond clarity: Clarity measures the tiny, natural imperfections, known as inclusions. The fewer there are, the more precious and stunning the diamond.
Diamond carat: Carat is the weight, not the size. While higher-carat weights can be bigger, they aren’t always better.
Lastly, we can’t forget about diamond shapes. From the classic Round to the modern Princess cut, each shape has its own vibe and value. Some shapes appear larger than they are, while other shapes have more brilliance. Choose the right shape for your partner’s style and preferences.
How Much to Spend: Understanding Value
- Shopping Tip: Forget the “three-month salary” rule.
Figuring out how much to spend on an engagement ring can be tricky, thanks to myths like the "three-month salary" rule, and high retailer markups. Thankfully, there are more options today to buy an engagement ring at a price that reflects its value and your budget.
Before you start ring shopping, take a good look at your finances and set a realistic budget. While we always recommend prioritizing the engagement ring design that you love most, we never recommend going into debt for a ring.
When shopping for an engagement ring, look for transparent pricing that reflects the true value of the ring. The diamond quality determines the diamond's value.
All VRAI created diamonds come with VRAI diamond certification and a warranty that guarantees the value of your diamond. With no middlemen markups and a vertically integrated supply chain, VRAI offers transparent pricing that reflects the value of our lab-grown diamonds.
How to Pick a Men’s Engagement Ring
Use the tips below to guide you through each step of buying an engagement ring.
Selecting the Perfect Diamond
Picking out the perfect diamond isn’t just about size or sparkle, it’s also about matching the diamond's personality with your partner's style. Each diamond shape tells a different story. A classic Round Brilliant represents timeless elegance, while a historic Emerald Cut exudes strength and sophistication.
When choosing the right diamond size, consider their lifestyle (and your budget). Do they think less is more when it comes to jewelry, or do they prefer designs that are as glamorous as they are? Higher carat weights may attract more attention, but if they work with their hands, this may not be practical for daily wear. Pick a carat weight that complements their daily life.
Choosing the Right Ring Setting and Metal Color
The setting and metal color determine the ring style and make the diamond shine bright. The ring setting should spotlight the shape and brilliance of the center diamond while complementing the wearer's style.
Popular Ring Settings
- Bezel: Modern and sleek.
- Solitaire: Timeless, elegant, and versatile.
- Halo: Luxurious shine with a vintage-inspired effect.
- Pavé: Adds subtle glamour and brilliance.
Metal Colors
- Yellow Gold: Traditional and warm.
- Platinum: Durable and modern.
- White Gold: Contemporary and cool.
- Rose Gold: Romantic and unique.
The metal color is what ties the design together. Some people prefer the warmth of yellow gold, while other people love the added durability and bright, lustrous look of platinum. Just make sure that the metal color you choose complements the center diamond’s color grade.
Getting the Size Right
- Sizing Tip: Order a complimentary VRAI ring sizer.
Finding the right ring size can be tricky, but it’s what ensures a perfect fit. Your engagement ring should feel comfortable to wear, but tight enough that it won’t fall off.
If you’re shopping for your partner, borrow a ring that they wear on their ring finger (each finger can be a different size). Order a complimentary ring sizer from VRAI to measure it. You can also trace the outline or bring it to a jeweler for sizing.
No rings to borrow? Ask a friend or family member to help figure out their ring size. Alternatively, if your partner is a sound sleeper, wrap a string around their finger and mark the size.
Customize Your Engagement Ring With VRAI
To create a truly one-of-a-kind design, consider a custom men’s engagement ring. All VRAI engagement rings are customizable, but you can also create a completely custom-designed ring through our white-glove service.
VRAI offers 31 diamond shapes with exclusive in-house cuts through our Cut for You™ process. Choose a custom diamond shape or setting by working directly with our master craftsman for an engagement ring as unique as your love story.
Making the Purchase: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know how to choose an engagement ring, it’s time to make the purchase. Use these steps to buy a men’s engagement ring from VRAI:
- Explore Settings: Visit VRAI’s website and browse our engagement ring settings.
- Customize Your Ring: Select the setting, diamond, metal color, and band details.
- Size It Right: Use the sizing guide or input the known ring size.
- Engrave: Add an optional personal engraving of up to 16 characters.
- Checkout: Add to cart to complete the purchase and choose shipping.
Your VRAI design will be made to order and shipped directly to you by the ship-by date.
Start Your Ring Shopping Journey With VRAI
You're now equipped with the knowledge and insight to select a men’s engagement ring that's as unique as your relationship. Dive into VRAI's collection of engagement rings featuring the world’s first Carbon Neutral Certified lab-grown diamonds. Choosing a VRAI created diamond means choosing an engagement ring that’s kind to the planet, without compromising on quality or beauty.
A VRAI diamond expert is available to help you every step of the way, from browsing to purchasing. Simply book a complimentary appointment to get started or visit our website.
Men’s Engagement Ring FAQs
Read on for more answers to buying men’s engagement rings.
Who Is Supposed to Buy the Man's Engagement Ring?
Who buys the man’s engagement ring depends on your relationship, preferences, and budget. Traditionally, the proposer buys the proposee’s ring, but if more than one person is wearing an engagement ring, this may vary.
How Much Money Should a Man Spend on an Engagement Ring?
There is no set amount of money that a man should spend on an engagement ring. Prioritize quality and craftsmanship while choosing an engagement ring that’s still within your budget.
Is There an Engagement Ring for a Man?
Yes, there are engagement rings for men. All VRAI engagement rings are unisex designs and can be worn by all.
Do Guys Wear Rings When Engaged?
More men are wearing engagement rings today than ever before.
Can You Get Men's Engagement Rings?
You can buy men’s engagement rings through a retailer like VRAI.
How Can I Determine My Partner's Ring Size Without Them Knowing?
The easiest way to find your partner’s ring size is to borrow one of their rings and measure it. You can also ask a close friend for help, or use a string to measure their finger while they’re asleep.
Why Should I Consider a Lab-grown Diamond?
VRAI Lab-grown diamonds provide ethical, sustainable, and affordable diamond engagement rings without compromising on quality.
Can I Design a Completely Unique Ring With VRAI?
Absolutely! VRAI offers extensive customization options so that you can create a completely unique ring that truly reflects your love story.