Posted on 8th Mar 2010 @ 11:47 PM

Traditionally, a man buys his girlfriend an engagement ring when he asks her to become his wife. Today it is becoming more popular for men to also wear an engagement ring.

The woman can either both purchase the men's engagement ring and initiate the proposal of marriage or more often the woman purchases the men's engagement ring shortly after he has proposed to her and gives it to the man as a symbol of their love and commitment.

It is best to discuss if the man is comfortable with the idea of a men's engagement ring before making a purchase. Because of the newness of the idea of men's engagement rings many men are initially resistant to wearing an engagement ring. If your man is comfortable with the idea you can select a men's engagement ring together purchasing a style of ring he is most comfortable wearing.

Most men wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand - and after the wedding either wears the men's engagement ring on the same finger above or below their wedding ring or switch the engagement ring to the ring finger of their right hand. Some men's engagement rings are available in sets with the wedding band. Some of the sets are made to be soldered together to form a single band. The trend of men wearing an engagement ring is so new there are really no customs as to where the ring should be worn so you can be creative and wear the ring wherever and however you are comfortable wearing it.

While men's rings are distinctively different than women's engagement rings they have the same symbolism; to serve as a public statement of the love the couple shares and their intent to share that love together for the rest of their lives.

Many men's engagement rings are simple bands some with two tones featuring two metals or rings with a diamond set flush into the ring or perhaps in a groove or worked into another design detail. Titanium and platinum are popular choices of metal for men's engagement rings although white gold is also a popular choice.  Simple and subtle rings are better for men who intend to wear the ring to work or while engaged in active leisure activities. Engraving on the inside of the ring with a phrase, date or other personal note adds a personal touch without being overt.

For those who prefer a more elaborate engagement ring design the mokume gane engagement rings which use different metals to create complicated patterns on the band are popular. Another popular style of men's engagement rings incorporates several diamonds in a channel setting or arranged along one edge of a square ring. These rings while unique and interesting are sturdy and can be worn by active men without much concern that the settings will be damaged.

The cost of men's engagement rings is similar to the cost for a woman's engagement ring. Rings without precious stones are generally less expensive although intricate patterns can get costly.