Why Aren't Matching Rings For Couples More Common?
It's so commonplace to see brides-to be flashing her new engagement ring on Instagram that we rarely wonder why men don't get the ring they want to show off, too. What's the reason? There are a variety of historical, social, and even legal reasons that women wear Partner Bracelets and their fiances don't. Some of these are fascinating while others are problematic according to today's standards. This article will look at the history of engagement ring as well as the current trends affecting how couples propose each other. We'll also explore why there aren’t more “mangagement” rings.
What You Should Be Educated About
Engagement rings have historically been used to reinforce the sexist notion that women "belonged" only to men after they were engaged. As the more affluent members of society males didn't have to wear them.
In the early 1900s, men gave engagement rings as "collateral" in case they had to break off the engagement, and damaged their bride-to-be's reputation.
Today, engagement rings for men are increasing in popularity as gender norms shift. Many prefer to wear them as a sign of equality in their relationships.
Why women wear engagement rings (and men don't)
Rings for engagements are not worn by men due to outdated gender roles.
In the past, men gave engagement rings to women to demonstrate that they were "taken" by them or that she "belonged" to him. This was sometimes taken literally (in some societies, women are seen as submissive). Since men weren't seen as a commodity, they didn't need rings to prove they were engaged and the custom lasted for centuries.
The rings were also used as a collateral in the event that the groom-to-be failed to keep his promise to marry the bride. This could have ruined her reputation as well as her chances of ever getting married again.
The Romans were the first to present rings to brides to represent that they were "spoken-for" or "off-the-market" (terms are still used today metaphorically).
Rings for engagement were a popular choice among women in the early 20th century as "insurance."
By the 1900s in America, the idea of keeping the ring as collateral in the event that the husband-to-be broke things off was made law. The "Breach Of Promise To Marry" Law of 1945 allowed women who "broke the agreement" to pursue their husbands and get an expensive diamond ring as compensation. The law was not repealed in a formal way however, today the majority of states in the US have banned it or do not enforce it.
This law might appear to be an excellent thing however, its logic is rooted in misogyny. Therefore, couples were permitted to have premarital sexual relations when they were engaged. If the man broke off the engagement and the woman resigned, she was socially considered unfit for marriage.
Engagement rings were not popular among males at this time, as women didn't require "collateral". Men could get married later on regardless of whether they'd been engaged or previously had a sexual relationship.
The slogan "A diamond is eternal" cemented rings as gifts for women.
In 1947, De Beers diamond company used this slogan to connect diamonds to the "foreverness" of marriage. Diamonds began to become more popular and affordable to Americans after the company opened new mines, showcased movie stars and promoted. The men began to select engagement rings with diamonds as a way to show that they were serious about "forever".
De Beers's marketing success and the social and legal attitudes toward engagement at the time led to the enduring diamond ring that people imagine when they think of engagement rings.
Ironically, De Beers did run ads for diamond rings for men, too however the idea never really took off.
De Beers made diamond engagement rings fashionable however they didn't create the idea. Archduke Maximillian of Austria set the trend in European nobility when he requested one for his wife Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
Popular Engagement Ring Styles for Men
Classic bands
A sleek, simple gold or silver band with any stones or decorations is a timeless but modern design. They are timeless and look just like many men's wedding bands. Bands come in a range of colors, metals and thicknesses that match the wearer's taste.
Simple rings may feature engravings on the inside or an inscription, or a small stone on the outside, or one rectangular-cut, flat side for visual interest (similar to a signet ring).
Minimalist designs
Minimalist jewelry is often characterized by more of a masculine look and feel, which makes these simple designs ideal for the minimalist guy. A lot of minimalist rings have a metal band that has one small, rectangular or square-cut gemstone (usually a stone). The stone is usually incorporated into the band rather than being supported by prongs.
Some designs do not feature stones, but instead employ simple, clean lines and patterns to create interest around the band.
Statement rings
Who says an engagement rings for men have to be elegant and unassuming? Flashy, statement jewelry can be adorned with any type of metal band in any color or thickness according to the person wearing it's style. These rings are adorned with more vibrant stones, including sapphires and rubies. Some even blend various cuts, colors and types of gemstones.