Men’s ethical engagement rings: a guide for a leap year proposal or just doing it your way

Charlie

Are you considering a proposal for your male partner this year? Are you looking for men’s ethical engagement rings?

Well it’s a leap year and so the tradition goes this is the year that women can propose. My opinion is that it doesn’t need to be a leap year to propose to your partner, whether male or female. What has been interesting though is seeing options for men’s ethical engagement rings popping up on my Instagram feed.

I thought I’d invite the ethical wedding jewellers that I work with to share what they have in the way of men’s ethical engagement rings. Some of them have also shared their thoughts and tips if you are selecting an engagement ring for a man, or are perhaps looking for a more neutral and less ‘feminine’ engagement ring design.

My top tips for men’s ethical engagement rings

Firstly, I don’t think you should be restricted by a leap year for women to propose to men. It should be something women feel free to do at any time.

Secondly, for some people engagement rings may have negative connotations of a woman being passed from ownership of one man (her father) to another (her husband). So take a moment – do you even want engagement rings? What ways are there to get ‘engaged’ without exchanging or gifting a ring if that doesn’t feel right for you?

But if you do…

• Don’t be restricted by what you think an engagement ring should be!
• If your partner prefers a plain band or a real statement piece, why not just have the one ring, you don’t need to have an “engagement ring” and a wedding ring. (I only had one ring – the one my husband Nick proposed with – for our wedding exchange of rings. I do now have a wedding band, but this was gifted at a later stage in our relationship, and a number of years after being married.)
• That said, let’s remember the environmental impact of yet more “things”. Just because you are buying ethical rings it doesn’t need to be an excuse to buy more. If one ring suits you, great choice.
• But if it is something you feel called to, then there are all kinds of ways to do this using ethically sourced precious metals and gems. So get inspired by some of our ethical wedding jewellers…

This blog feature was inspired by an Instagram post by TNWC Recommended Supplier Jacqueline & Edward.