Mangagement rings – The biggest trend of 2018?

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The original 1920’s campaign to normalize men’s engagement rings was a huge failure. In modern times however, men’s engagement rings (also known as ‘mangagement rings’ in the media) are quickly becoming the latest trend in jewellery. If you’re left wondering where this trend originated from and if it’s here to stay in 2018, we’ve got you covered – join us as we investigate the topic with the help of Angelic Diamonds engagement rings:

Where did this trend originate?

Since 2011, when some of our favourite celebs were spotted sporting the trend on the internet, we’ve seen a significant rise in the popularity of men’s engagement rings. Looking back on past traditions gives us a good idea of just how far engagement ring trends have come, for example, men in the 1940’s and 50’s never even wore wedding rings. It’s believed that the second World War sparked men from this era to start wearing their wedding ring, as the ring served as a reminder of their loved ones at home. Wearing a ring is all up to the individual however – Prince Phillip and Prince William have never been seen wearing their wedding rings.

It’s thought that same-sex marriage has been a big influence on the mangagement rings rise in popularity. The UK finally legalised same-sex marriage in 2013, with the first gay wedding taking place the following year. Jewellers took note of this, with many releasing their own ranges of men’s engagement rings in a move which also appealed to women wanting to propose.

Google data also reflects this trend; in late 2014, the search volume for ‘male engagement rings’ reached a total of 54,00 searches. This figure had grown significantly by late 2017, rising to 12,100 total searches. The term hit its highest position yet on leap day in February 2016, when it is traditional for women to propose, with over 20,000 searches.

Will women embrace the trend?

Feminists all over the world have come out in praise of the idea. Some have claimed that when a woman wears an engagement ring, she brands herself with her ‘taken’ status, whereas men are free to go without a ring, incorrectly indicating that they are still single.

For others however, men’s engagement rings represent equality and mutual appreciation – after all, it’s nice to spend money on something special for a loved one to enjoy.

Some of our favourite celebrities have already shown their support; Jennifer Hudson proposed to her fiancé with a ring shortly after he proposed to her.

Will men embrace the trend?

More and more men are welcoming the trend, showing a desire to let the world know about their engaged status. Celebrity men have also embraced the trend with open arms; Michael Bublé was possibly the first to do so in 2010. Following this, Johnny Depp was spotted with a ring of his own in 2014, following his engagement to Amber Heard.

Some men however do not feel comfortable wearing an engagement ring of their own. Perhaps this is the reason behind the rise in men’s engagement watches alongside the trend for rings. H.Q Milton, the vintage watch retailer, recently commented that they had noticed a significant rise in the sales of engagement watches. Similarly, luxury watch retailer Christopher Ward noted that customers have been buying engagement watches with engraved messages for their partners.

So, what does this all mean for the future of men’s engagement rings and more importantly, is this trend here to stay? It appears that as times are changing, more men are taking an active interest in engagement jewellery. Perhaps the engagement watch will catch on and overtake rings as the next new trend, or perhaps the mangagement ring is here to stay in the long term – only time will tell. Whatever the outcome, it’s great to see couples showing equal appreciation with a symbol of their love for each other.