Men wearing engagement rings may seem like a newer trend, but the idea has actually been around for centuries! The story of engagement rings goes back to Ancient Rome, and Fede rings, a historically rich piece of jewelry with two clasped hands representing trust and the union of marriage. "Fede" comes from the Italian phrase "mani in fede" (hands in faith), and these rings served as the original engagement rings, more commonly worn by women. But! Men did adorn them on occasion, as well. In 15th-century England, betrothed couples shared a romantic piece of jewelry known as a Gimmel ring. Made of two interlocking bands, one half was worn by each partner during their engagement. When the wedding day arrived, the groom would give his band to his bride, reuniting the two pieces so she could wear the complete puzzle. It was a highly meaningful showing of two people in love becoming ONE.
In the 1920’s there was a major push with brands to sell men’s engagement rings after the success and commercialization of women’s engagement rings. Campaigns attempted to brand these rings with masculine names like the “Stag”, the “Pilot”, or the “Master”. This marketing ultimately failed because diamonds were viewed as more feminine at the time, even when put in heavier more geometric settings. The Retro era was driven by war time metal restrictions. With platinum not being available for jewelry, designers leaned more towards precious gold metals. Soldiers that were overseas began wearing rings to remember their wives and sweethearts back home, which largely popularized the daily wear of wedding bands for men.
These days men are finding it important to also show their loyalty to their partners with engagement rings, and there are so many deeply symbolic and interesting choices in vintage jewelry. A belt buckle ring for example is a stunning option for a unisex engagement ring. These band designs serve as an emblem of an unending connection between loved ones, as well as safety and protection, just like a real belt! 
Cigar bands were created due to the cultural popularity of recreational tobacco smoking, and men frequently slid the ornate paper cigar bands onto their fingers, and jewelers took note. They used gold and enamel to translate the paper band designs into fine jewelry. Over the years, a variety of styles became accessible, some with intricate designs and others with a classic plain design, great for engraving important initials and dates.
Chunky signet rings are also perfect candidates for sweet engravings. Historically they were used as intaglios or engraved “fingerprints” per say, worn by nobility to press into wax to seal important letters. Later used by merchants in their shipments to prevent tampering, as time went on, signet rings became more of a decorative option. These beautiful shield rings were oftentimes engraved with family crests and sentiments.
Snake motif jewelry carries a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, where they represented healing and protection. Because snakes shed their skin, they have also become powerful emblems of renewal and personal growth. The circular form of a snake coiled around itself came to symbolize eternity and an unbreakable devotion, which would make it a meaningful choice as an engagement ring.
Colored gemstones are becoming more common for men these days and we love to see it! Sapphires and rubies are great options as they are the next hardest after diamonds on the Mohs' hardness scale. Sapphires also represent long lasting fidelity, while rubies represent passion and protection.
No matter what style you choose, it’s important to pick the ring that has the most meaning to you and your partner. Let us know in the comments below which vintage style you would choose!
