Johnny Depp’s Diamond Engagement Ring

So apparently Johnny Depp is engaged. What’s more, he’s sporting a diamond engagement ring. The details are unclear, with reports that it is actually his fiancée’s ring and that he started wearing it because it was too big for her. Whether that is true or not, it does bring up the question of whether men can (or should wear) engagement rings. Internet reaction has varied from strong support to concern that it will start an unwanted trend.

Engagement rings have a long history, going back to Roman times. The specifics have changed over time and vary between cultures, but in the United States, it is traditional for only the woman to wear an engagement ring. But tradition isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. About 5% of U.S. men now choose to wear an engagement ring (sometimes dubbed a “man-gagement ring”), and polls have shown that about 17% would consider wearing one.

Equality

With equality being a major component of the modern marriage, extending gender equality in engagement rings is only logical. If a woman gets to/has to wear an engagement ring, shouldn’t a man share in that benefit/obligation? An engagement ring shouldn’t feel like a trap, but if a couple are excited about their impending nuptials, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t both wear rings.

Style

While Johnny’s ring appears to be a traditionally feminine style (he himself has called it a “chick’s ring”), most men wearing engagement rings choose a more simple band. While diamonds are an option, they are usually smaller and subtler than in women’s rings. Although, as Johnny Depp has proved time and again, a man need not limit himself to traditional conceptions of masculinity.

Skepticism

In the wake of Johnny Depp’s announcement, there has been some concern that he will start an unwanted trend. While some men truly want to wear an engagement ring (or are at least willing to wear one to please their partner), others have no interest or would prefer not to wear one because it doesn’t seem masculine. Some couples would simply rather not spend the extra money and see any push toward male engagement rings as serving only the jewelers.

Certainly Johnny Depp can pull off style choices that would be harder for other men, and as long as the choice remains rare, it will probably demand some explanation from surprised peers. But for a confident man, that shouldn’t be a problem, so if you decide this is the right choice for you, go for it.

Whether one, both, or neither of you decides to wear an engagement ring, Stonebrook Manor in north Denver can help you plan the perfect wedding for you. Contact us today.