Women around the world are shopping a hot new jewelry trend – but they aren’t wearing the bling that they buy! Instead, they’re purchasing “mengagement rings” for their significant others. Mengagement rings might look like traditional men’s bands, but they’re worn before the wedding. A mengagement ring works just like a woman’s engagement ring – it symbolizes that the wearer is off the market! The majority of engaged men aren’t rocking a mengagement ring (also known as a “mangagement ring“) yet, but the trend is picking up speed. In the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, sales of men’s engagement rings have been slowly increasing. After generations of men keeping their ring finger free until the big day, many are wondering how this idea became so hot all of a sudden. Recent pop culture trends have brought the concept into the open, and now the gentlemen are enjoying having symbolic jewelry of their own.

Men’s jewelry tends to come in and out of style throughout the years, just like any other fashion. The past decade has contributed to the resurgence of men’s jewelry, and now we’re seeing men’s rings, men’s necklaces, and men’s earrings everywhere! The hip hop and rap industry has helped to fuel this men’s jewelry trend, by making big bling a big deal for men in the industry. Huge men’s chains, sparkling diamond stud earrings, medallions, and chunky men’s rings are all part of the musical culture, and loyal fans accessorize in similar ways. Rappers such as Lil’ Jon, Nelly, Diddy, and Jay Z have all referenced ice, grills, and bling in their songs. Most men don’t have access to a hip-hop mogul’s budget, though, so CZ men’s jewelry is the perfect alternative!

There was also a big surge in men’s jewelry when the concept of “metrosexuals” became a pop culture phenomenon. Metrosexual men are defined as being heterosexual men who care about their appearance, and who enjoy grooming, dressing, and accessorizing. Men who consider themselves to be metrosexuals are often expected to get “man”icures, have a well kept home, and perhaps even pluck their eyebrows. Our favorite feature, though, is the men’s jewelry! Metrosexual men are comfortable with their sense of style, and have few qualms about wearing men’s rings, men’s earrings, and men’s necklaces. They appreciate that a well placed piece of men’s jewelry can complete an outfit, and as such have increased spending on men’s bling.

Men’s jewelry items – and mengagement rings/mangagement rings in particular – aren’t selling well just because of pop culture influences. Increasing equality between men and women has called some marriage practices into question, and modern couples are tailoring the traditions to suit their own values. When engagement rings first emerged, they were a symbolic representation of a contract between a man and a woman. In some cultures and past generations, a woman wore her engagement ring to show that she was the property of her betrothed. Puzzle rings and literal ropes were also used in some cultures, as a way to ensure that the women did not cheat on her fiance and give up her virtue before the wedding. Engagement rings have a long history, going back to ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Many of these civilizations believed that the ring finger was a direct connection to the heart. This belief demonstrates that, even when worn as a symbolic chastity belt, the engagement ring has always had an element of romance to it.

 

In modern cultures, however, many women no longer feel comfortable being the only one to wear such a symbol. After all, if part of the purpose of the ring is to ward off would-be suitors, why shouldn’t the man wear one as well? Some women use mengagement rings to gauge the level of commitment that their partner is willing to demonstrate. Still others feel that the engagement ring has more meaning when worn by both parties. Evolving gender roles have created a society wherein men are more comfortable with expressing their emotions, and many enjoy the sentiment and romance behind a mangagement ring. Celebrities like David Beckham, Nick Cannon, Joel Madden, and  Tony Parker wore their men’s engagement rings proudly, setting the tone for other guys! Of course, we can’t forget about the men’s promise rings – Emitations has your own faux version of the Jonas Brother’s promise rings available now! It is also important to note that gay marriage and commitment ceremonies have broadened the market for mengagement rings. Male couples will often exchange mangagement rings and wear them as a powerful symbol of both their love, and their fight for equality.

No matter the reason for buying or wearing a mangagement ring/mengagement ring, it can be difficult to find the right one! Emitations is here to help, with a collection of stainless steel and sterling silver men’s wedding bands, men’s engagement rings, men’s promise rings, and men’s eternity bands. Some are simple, traditional men’s bands with no decorations or accents, like our Tony’s Stainless Steel Men’s Band. Our black rings are also popular, because many men want the most masculine ring possible. Our Shane’s Black Men’s Band and Calvin’s Black and Steel Men’s Ring are two best sellers that you should check out! If you want something more for your mengagement ring, check out a mangagement ring that is accented with Roman numerals, Greek designs, or tribal prints. For a fun twist – literally! – try our stainless steel rotating men’s bands. They’re perfect for anyone who wants an instant conversation starter. Many men also enjoy wearing a mengagement ring or men’s wedding ring that matches their fiance’s engagement ring, so keep that in mind when shopping!

Would you wear a mangagement ring, and/or buy one for your partner? Why or why not? Weigh in on this trend, and let us know if there are other designs that you would like to see!

Tags: David Beckham's ring, Joel Madden's ring, Jonas Brother's promise rings, Jonas Brother's purity rings, mangagement rings, men's engagement rings, men's eternity bands, men's jewelry, men's wedding bands, mengagement rings, Nick Cannon's ring, Tony Parker's ring

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 11:10 pm and is filed under Celebrity News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.