Why Aren't Couple Promise Rings Set more common?
We're so accustomed to seeing a bride-to be posting pictures of her engagement ring on Instagram and we don't notice that men don't own a ring of their own to display. What's the reason? As it turns out, there are many historical, social, and even legal reasons--some interesting and some that are quite problematic in the present-day world of Relationship Bracelets while their fiances don't. This article will look at the history of engagement ring and the current trends affecting how couples choose to propose. We'll also examine the reason why there aren't more "mangagement rings.
What You Should Know
Engagement rings have been historically used to reinforce the sexist notion that women "belonged" only to men after being engaged. Men didn't wear them because they were more free members of society.
In the 1900s, men offered engagement rings as "collateral" in the event that they had to break off the engagement, and ruined the reputation of the bride-to be.
Today, engagement rings for men are becoming more popular as gender norms change. Many prefer to wear rings as a symbol of their equality in their marriage.
Why Women Wear Engagement Rings (and Men Don't)
Men don't wear engagement rings due to gender stereotypes that are outdated.
In the past, men would give engagement rings to women to show that they were "taken" by them or that she "belonged" to him. This was often taken literally (in certain cultures, women are seen as submissive). Men were not seen as commodities, therefore they did not need engagement rings to signify their wedding. This custom has lasted for several centuries.
The rings also served as a type of security in the event that the husband-to-be backed out of his promise to marry the bride, as it would hurt her reputation and chances of getting married in the future.
The Romans were the first to present rings to their brides, to be a sign that they were "spoken-for" or "off-the-market" (terms are still used today in a metaphorical sense).
In the early 20th century women wore engagement rings to serve as "insurance."
In the early 1900s, the law in America codified the idea that women could keep her ring in case her husband to be broke the contract. The "Breach of Promise to Marry" Law of 1945 allowed women who "broke the agreement" to sue their husbands and keep the ring, which was expensive, as compensation. The law was not repealed in a formal way however, today the majority of states in the US have banned it or have not enforced it.
While this law may sound like something that is good but the reasoning behind it is one of misogyny. In the end, couples were permitted to engage in premarital sexual relations if they were engaged. If the man broke off the engagement after the woman had been engaged, she was socially considered unfit to marry.
Engagement rings were not popular among males in the era of the '60s, as women did not need "collateral". Men were able to marry later, regardless of whether they'd been engaged or been sexually active in the past.
The slogan "A diamond is forever" cemented rings as gifts for women.
De Beers used this slogan in 1947 to link diamonds and "foreverness" marriage. Diamonds became more sought-after and accessible to Americans after the company opened new mines, featured movie stars and advertised. The men began to select engagement rings made of diamonds as a way to show that they were serious about "forever".
De Beers' success in marketing as well as the social and legal views on engagement at the time have led to the classic engagement ring, which many people think of when they think of engagement rings.
Ironically, De Beers did run ads advertising diamond rings for men, too however, the idea never really took off.
De Beers didn't come up with diamond engagement rings. Archduke Maximillian of Austria sparked the trend among European nobility when he commissioned one for his wife Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
Popular Engagement Ring Styles for Men
Classic bands
A simple, sleek gold or silver band with any embellishments or stones is a classic, yet modern design. They are timeless and look similar to the majority of wedding bands worn by men. Bands are available in a variety of colors, metals, and thicknesses, to match the individual's preferences.
Simple bands can be adorned with an inside inscription or an inscribed stone or small stone on the outside or a flat, rectangular-cut side to add visual interest (similarly as a signet or a ring).
Minimalist designs
These simple designs are ideal for men who don't like to get bogged down. Lots of minimalist rings feature a metal band that has one small square or rectangular-cut stone (usually a diamond) that is usually embedded within the band (rather than being supported by prongs).
Certain designs don't feature stones, but instead utilize simple, clear lines and patterns around the band to create visual interest.
Statement rings
Who says that an engagement rings for men have to be elegant and unassuming? A flashy, statement piece of jewelry can feature any metal band in any color or thickness, according to the person wearing it's style. These rings come with more vibrant stones, including rubies and sapphires. Some even mix different cuts, colors, and types of gemstones.