We’ve all seen the elaborate fuss, pomp, and excitement that goes into some marriage proposals. Essentially, he whips out a box, takes out a dazzling ring, and pops the question. She shrieks an “Oh!” feigning utter surprise (even if she’d been suspecting it for months), and the floodgates of joyous tears open. What’s more, nowadays, it needs to be caught on video and/or camera for all and sundry. Because, you know, “pics or it didn’t happen.”
So, now, the whole world and its wife knows that she’s getting hitched soon – after all, she’s proudly wearing the bling on her finger. But, hold on, where’s his engagement ring? He’s also engaged to be married, no? So then why is he still walking around like a “free man.”
Well, that’s about to change with Tiffany&Co’s latest offering; the engagement ring for men. Yep, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Tiffany&Co founder Charles Tiffany first marketed the diamond engagement ring in 1886, however, the trend didn’t really catch on. Many saw it as a historically feminine thing – in fact, the engagement ring is a product of ancient Rome – something a man gave to a damsel who was just about ripe for marriage. In order to claim ownership of her body, as well as to show that he won’t de-flower and leave her “tainted,” he would put a ring on her finger as a promise that they would marry. By the 1940s though, thanks to an aggressive marketing push, engagement rings – and specifically, diamonds – enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity. Today, the gesture is still seen as a symbol of commitment between a couple before they eventually make it official, for eternity (no pressure).
The promise of a ring
A lot has changed today, such that the resurrection of the engagement ring for men seemed all but inevitable:
There is no escaping the fact that LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriages are now (rightfully) recognized in over 30 countries worldwide. It makes sense that when a man proposes to another man, one of them will be wearing an engagement ring.
Likewise, it’s not just men proposing these days. In the name of equality and emancipation, women are increasingly going down on one knee to propose to their other halves. So, in this case, if she presents her man with a ring, it’s only fair that he wears it.
Lastly, conventional engagements are becoming so predictable and boring that many jewelers are rushing to cash in on this emerging trend. Men do wear rings. Nothing new about that. So, if she is taken and proudly showing it, he should too!
After all, if it’s good enough for Ed Sheeran and Michael Bublé, it should be good enough for you!
KEEP READING: Dowry and Bride Price: What Is Your Worth?
Images: Pexels, Giphy
