Why and When Men Started Wearing Rings: A Complete History
Last Updated: January 2026
Men have worn rings for over 5,000 years, evolving from symbols of power in ancient civilizations to today's expressions of personal style and commitment. Whether you're shopping for a wedding band, signet ring, or fashion accessory, understanding the rich history of men's rings helps you appreciate the significance of this timeless tradition.
Ancient Origins: When Did Men Start Wearing Rings?
Ancient Egypt (circa 3,000 BC)
The earliest documented men's rings appeared in Ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC. Egyptian noblemen wore rings as powerful status symbols, with priests favoring gold and copper rings adorned with precious stones. These weren't merely decorative—they signified authority, wealth, and divine connection.
Pharaohs wore special signet rings featuring hieroglyphs and royal seals, using them to stamp official documents and letters. This practice established rings as symbols of power that would influence cultures for millennia.
Ancient Rome and Greece
Ancient Romans wore rings as signs of authority and citizenship. Roman men distinguished themselves with iron rings, later upgrading to gold as their status increased. The Romans popularized the tradition of wearing rings on the fourth finger of the left hand, believing the "vena amoris" (vein of love) connected directly to the heart.
Greek men favored silver and copper rings, often engraved with images of gods, family crests, or philosophical symbols. These rings served both decorative and functional purposes as personal seals.
Medieval Symbolism: The Seal of Solomon
During the Middle Ages, rings took on mystical significance. Legend held that King Solomon controlled demons with his ring, known as "The Seal of Solomon." This story spawned widespread belief in magical rings and amulets, making ring-wearing deeply connected to superstition and spiritual protection.
Medieval monarchs and nobility wore elaborate signet rings to seal official documents with wax, making them essential tools of governance and legal authority.
Why Do Men Wear Rings? Cultural Significance Throughout History
Symbols of Power and Authority
From ancient Egyptian priests to medieval kings, men wore rings to demonstrate their position in society. Signet rings bearing family crests or official seals allowed men to authenticate documents and claim their heritage.
Religious and Spiritual Protection
Across cultures, men believed rings could ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, and provide divine protection. Religious orders still use rings today to signify commitment and spiritual authority.
Military and Brotherhood
During World War II, men's rings gained new significance. Soldiers received rings before deployment as reminders of home and loved ones. Military class rings and unit insignia rings continue this tradition, representing brotherhood and shared sacrifice.
Today, these WWII-era rings are considered rare historical artifacts, valued both monetarily and sentimentally.
Romantic Commitment
While engagement and wedding rings for men are relatively modern in Western culture, becoming widespread only in the mid-20th century, they've quickly become the most common type of men's ring. Wedding bands symbolize eternal love and lifelong commitment.
Evolution of Men's Rings Through the Ages
Pre-Historic Rings (Before 3,000 BC)
Early humans crafted rings from available materials: animal bones, mammoth tusks, wood, and shells. These primitive rings held religious significance and served as amulets for protection.
Medieval Period (5th-17th Century)
During medieval times, ornate rings were actually more popular among women, though nobility of both genders wore elaborate pieces. Materials included pearls, silver, and gold, with precious stones like rubies, sapphires, and diamonds becoming fashionable during Henry VIII's reign.
King Henry VIII famously gifted jeweled rings to his six wives on special occasions, cementing rings as romantic gifts.
Victorian Era (1837-1901)
The Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in men's rings. Wealthy gentlemen wore rings made from platinum or gold, topped with diamonds. Elaborate designs became popular, including:
- Signet rings with family crests
- Memorial rings honoring deceased loved ones (often featuring skulls or mourning imagery)
- Shield-shaped bands
- Gemstone rings for special occasions
Edwardian Period (1901-1910)
Edwardian gentlemen wore rings to dances and social gatherings, making them essential fashion accessories. Styles grew more refined and elegant, reflecting the era's sophistication.
Modern Era (1950s-Present)
Post-World War II, men's wedding rings became standard in Western culture. Today's men are increasingly discerning about ring choices, seeking:
- High-quality, durable materials (platinum, gold, titanium, tungsten)
- Personalized designs reflecting individual style
- Ethical sourcing and sustainable practices
- Versatility for everyday wear
Types of Men's Rings Today
1. Wedding Bands
Men's wedding bands are the most popular type of ring worn by men today. Modern wedding bands come in various styles:
- Classic bands: Simple, timeless designs in gold, platinum, or silver
- Contemporary bands: Featuring mixed metals, textures, or inlays
- Alternative materials: Titanium, tungsten carbide, or wood inlays
- Personalized bands: Custom engraving with dates, names, or meaningful phrases
Explore our collection of men's wedding bands to find the perfect symbol of commitment. Learn more about the history of men's wedding rings.
2. Signet Rings
Signet rings feature a flat surface or "seal" traditionally engraved with family crests, initials, or personal symbols. Once used to seal important documents with wax, signet rings today represent heritage and personal identity.
Modern signet rings range from traditional family crest designs to minimalist geometric patterns. They're typically worn on the pinky finger or ring finger of the non-dominant hand.
Browse our men's signet rings collection for timeless designs.
3. Fashion Rings and Statement Bands
Simple bands and fashion rings allow men to express personal style without symbolic commitment. These unadorned or subtly detailed rings in gold, silver, platinum, or titanium can be worn on any finger.
Popular styles include:
- Minimalist thin bands
- Textured or hammered finishes
- Geometric designs
- Stacked ring combinations
4. Gemstone Rings
Men's gemstone rings feature precious or semi-precious stones, adding color and personality. Popular choices include:
- Birthstone rings: Representing birth month or personal significance
- Statement rings: Bold designs with large center stones
- Cocktail rings: Oversized, attention-grabbing pieces
- Class rings: Commemorating educational achievements
These rings typically feature stones on the middle or index finger for maximum visibility.
Popular Gemstones for Men's Rings
Black Onyx
Black onyx exudes masculine sophistication and pairs beautifully with silver or white gold. This stone symbolizes strength and protection, making it ideal for men's rings.
Sapphire
Beyond traditional blue, sapphires come in various colors including black, green, and yellow. This durable stone (second only to diamond in hardness) symbolizes wisdom and nobility.
Ruby
Ruby's deep red color represents passion, courage, and vitality. Rubies are extremely durable and resistant to scratches, making them perfect for everyday wear in white gold, yellow gold, or sterling silver settings.
Emerald
Emerald's intense green color symbolizes growth, renewal, and prosperity. Known as a "gift from nature," emeralds have mystical properties attributed to them across cultures. Their chromium content creates that signature green hue.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite, a rare blue-violet gemstone found only in Tanzania, symbolizes creativity, courage, and hope. This zoisite mineral undergoes a remarkable transformation to achieve its striking blue color through heat treatment.
Morganite
Morganite's subtle pink hue offers a unique alternative to traditional men's gemstones. This rare beryl mineral brings positive energy and works beautifully in various cuts and settings.
Opal
Opal's vivid play of colors creates unique, eye-catching rings. Each opal is one-of-a-kind, with colors varying based on trace elements like hydrogen, aluminum, silicon, copper, and iron in its composition.
Tiger's Eye
Tiger's eye features golden-brown bands that create a chatoyant (cat's eye) effect. This stone symbolizes confidence and personal power.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years across cultures. Its distinctive blue-green color and natural matrix patterns make each stone unique.
How Bloedstone Rings Are Made
Understanding our craftsmanship helps you appreciate the quality and care in every piece:
1. Design and Conceptualization
We begin with hand carving the wax model to perfect it's size, shape and texture.
2. Precise Sizing
Using professional calipers, we measure exact specifications.
3. Stone Setting (if applicable)
Stones are carefully secured using a 2-part epoxy. We always check for metal allergies before working with white gold or platinum to ensure your complete comfort.
4. Finishing and Polishing
The final stage involves expert polishing and size adjustments for a perfect fit. The entire creation process typically takes 2-6 weeks, depending on customization complexity.
Read our detailed blog post on how rings are made for an in-depth look at our process.
How to Choose the Perfect Men's Ring: A Buying Guide
Step 1: Determine Your Metal Preference
Different metals offer unique benefits:
- Gold (14k, 18k, 24k): Classic, warm tone; available in yellow, white, and rose
- Platinum: Extremely durable, hypoallergenic; natural white color never fades
- Sterling Silver: Affordable, versatile; requires occasional polishing
- Titanium: Lightweight, strong, scratch-resistant
- Tungsten: Extremely hard, maintains polish; limited sizing options
Step 2: Choose Your Style
Consider your lifestyle and personal aesthetic:
- Minimalist: Simple bands for understated elegance
- Traditional: Classic designs with timeless appeal
- Modern: Contemporary styles with unique textures or mixed metals
- Ornate: Detailed engravings, gemstones, or cultural symbols
Step 3: Select Gemstones (Optional)
If you want a gemstone ring, consider:
- Personal birthstone for significance
- Favorite colors that match your style
- Stone durability for daily wear
- Budget and stone rarity
Step 4: Get the Right Ring Size
Proper sizing ensures comfort and security. Professional jewelers recommend:
- Measuring at the end of the day when fingers are largest
- Accounting for knuckle size on wider bands
- Leaving room for temperature fluctuations
Read our comprehensive guide on how to measure ring size for accurate results.
Step 5: Consider Your Budget
Men's rings range from under $100 to several thousand dollars. Set a realistic budget considering:
- Metal type and weight
- Gemstone quality and size
- Customization complexity
- Brand reputation and craftsmanship
Step 6: Complete Your Purchase
At Bloedstone, we make purchasing easy:
- Select your ring style and customization options
- Add to cart and proceed to checkout
- Enter shipping and billing address
- Choose your payment method
- Review and confirm your order
We offer secure checkout and protect your information throughout the purchase process.
The Modern Significance of Men's Rings
Today, men wear rings for diverse reasons:
Personal Expression
Modern men use rings to showcase personality, interests, and values. From minimalist bands to bold statement pieces, rings offer versatile self-expression.
Cultural Heritage
Many men wear rings honoring cultural traditions, family heritage, or religious beliefs. These rings connect wearers to their roots and community.
Professional Identity
Class rings, fraternity rings, and professional organization rings demonstrate achievements and affiliations.
Relationship Status
Wedding bands and engagement rings signal romantic commitment, while promise rings represent developing relationships.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Men's Rings
The tradition of men wearing rings spans over 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern grooms. While meanings have evolved—from symbols of divine power to expressions of personal style—rings remain significant accessories in men's lives.
Today's men have unprecedented choice in ring styles, materials, and meanings. Whether you're seeking a wedding band to symbolize lifelong commitment, a signet ring honoring family heritage, or a fashion ring expressing personal taste, understanding this rich history enriches your selection.
The belief that the ring finger connects to the heart through the "vena amoris" may be anatomically unfounded, but the symbolic connection between rings and matters of the heart remains powerful. That's ultimately why men started wearing rings—and why they continue wearing them today.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Ring?
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