Do Men Wear Engagement Rings? Traditions, Trends & What’s Right for You

June 26, 2026

“And…she said yes.”

We’ve all seen a lot of posts on Instagram about women getting proposed and announcing their engagement with pride. Afterall, it’s a milestone worth celebrating.

Today, more couples are choosing to celebrate engagement in different ways, such as deciding when both partners should wear a ring.

So where do men fit into the tradition of engagement rings? As it turns out, men wearing engagement rings isn’t as new, or unusual as many people think.

When Do Men Wear Engagement Rings
Are Wedding Rings and Engagement Bands Same
How Much Do Men’s Engagement Rings Cost in NZ
Find the Right Engagement Ring for Yourself or Your Partner

When Do Men Wear Engagement Rings

In some cultures, the couple exchanges rings in an engagement ceremony and keeps on wearing the rings until and after the wedding. When a woman is proposed first, she may purchase an engagement ring later or the couple may agree on getting a wedding band for the main ceremony, skipping the engagement ring altogether.

If the woman chooses to propose, she may get an engagement band for her partner which could be later used as the wedding band. In the case of LGBTQ couples, partners exchange each other’s engagement rings during the wedding ceremony.

Are Wedding Rings and Engagement Bands Same

Usually, women have bridal ring sets consisting of two rings, one of which is a standalone, fancier piece given during engagement and other is a plain band that is worn after the wedding.

For men, the engagement band can be used in the wedding by taking it off and wearing it in the main ceremony. For this reason, some couples either get a wedding band for the main occasion, or the groom re-wears the engagement ring while getting married.

Some men also choose to wear their wedding bands on the left hand ring finger and engagement ring on the right hand finger.

How Much Do Men’s Engagement Rings Cost in NZ

Engagement rings for men can start from $99 available in Sterling Silver and can go up to $3699 if it’s in gold with diamond settings. The quality of metal, or the weight, design, and gemstones decide the price of engagement and wedding rings for men.

For couples willing to invest in an heirloom wedding or engagement ring, the average premium price could range from $2499 to $3499.

And if the couple decides to go the affordable way, they can choose from good quality rings in chunkier designs or slim gold bands if the groom isn’t used to wearing heavy jewellery.

Find the Right Engagement Ring for Yourself or Your Partner

Getting engaged or planning to propose? You can get the right engagement ring ahead of your ceremony or to surprise your partner from Stonex Jewellers. We’re a trusted jewellery destination for Kiwis shopping their wedding and engagement rings across New Zealand.

We’ve got every ring for your preferences, whether you want it gold or 925 silver, set in diamonds or cubic zirconia. We also provide custom gift packing and express delivery if you need your engagement ring shipped faster.

Browse our engagement and wedding ring collection for men NZ and find the perfect ring for your divine union!

AUTHOR BIO

Parul Gupta

As a digital marketing leader with over 10 years of experience, I am passionate about leveraging data-driven strategies to achieve significant business growth. My expertise lies in crafting and executing comprehensive digital campaigns that drive measurable results across multiple channels, including SEO, PPC, social media, and content marketing. I have a proven track record of increasing website traffic, boosting lead generation, and optimizing conversion funnels for a diverse range of clients and organizations.

I thrive on turning complex data into actionable insights and enjoy leading cross-functional teams to exceed marketing objectives. My goal is to build powerful digital presences that not only reach the right audience but also generate a strong, sustainable return on investment.