The History and Etiquette Behind Male Wedding Rings

The History and Etiquette Behind Male Wedding Rings are interesting and we explore it here.  Though the tradition of brides wearing engagement and wedding rings dates back to the Ancient Egyptians, men didn’t start canonically wearing a band until the mid 20th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe, men sometimes wore something called Gimmel rings, which consisted of two interlocking circles. The groom would wear one, and the bride would wear the other throughout the engagement, and the groom would put his band on the bride’s finger during the wedding ceremony.

The modern wedding ring, however, is a, well, modern concept. Men originally started to publicize their devotion to their betrothed through jewelry during World War II when American soldiers began sporting rings to remember their loved ones back home. This concept became even more normalized during the Korean war when men started to take on actual romantic and sentimental value.

Today, it’s quite odd for men not to sport wedding rings. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Jay-Z and Donald Trump, who are infamous for their infidelity.  Why they don’t wear a band on their ring finger. Prince William sharply contrasts with his wife Kate Middleton.  Her 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds is one of the world’s most famous engagement rings.  He does not wear a wedding band because “he’s not one for jewelry.”

Men are now less concerned with if they should wear a wedding ring than how to do so appropriately. Rings are generally always worn on the ring finger.  Which hand it’s supposed to be worn on depends on the cultural norms. The main question men get tripped up on is this one: What should my ring look like?

It’s very common for men to wear a dull gold or silver metal band with no ornamentation. Handcrafted wooden rings are also somewhat familiar. Some men like to be flashier than others and may prefer a ring that stands out a little more. At TwoBirch, we give the same advice to men and women.  Don’t worry about what you’re supposed to wear or even what your partner wants you to wear. Find something you like that fits your real personality and go with your gut. You’re the one who has to wear the thing for the rest of your life. Pick something that you’re totally in love with and wear it with confidence.




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