
- Home/
- Buyers Guide/
- wedding rings jewellery/
- Male Wedding Rings: When Did Men Start Wearing Wedding Rings?
Male Wedding Rings: When Did Men Start Wearing Wedding Rings?
The history of wedding rings spans thousands of years. Over those many thousands of years, humans have changed (and moved around) a lot. Once the tradition began to spread across the globe, different cultures adopted it in differing ways, based on their own beliefs and practices. For these reasons, it is both true that men have always worn wedding bands, and that in some cultures, male wedding rings are a more modern thing! Your decision to wear a wedding ring is totally up to you. All that matters is whether you like the idea of a wedding ring, and enjoy wearing it.
When Did Men Start Wearing Wedding Rings?
While we may not ever know the true origin of the wedding band, we can trace the concept back around 3000 years to Ancient Egypt. Egyptian Pharaohs were the first to use rings to represent eternity. This was partly because a circle has no beginning or end, and partly because their religion focused on a worship of the sun and moon, which are both circular in shape. The Egyptians also saw the empty space in the centre of the ring as a symbol of a gateway into the unknown. Super romantic, and a little bit of an existential crisis.
Pharaohs and other wealthy Egyptians wore Ouroboros rings. These were crafted in the shape of a snake swallowing it's own tail. The Ouroboros itself was symbolic of the infinite cycle of destruction and rebirth. Again with the existential crisis! Less affluent Egyptian men and women wore rings made from grass, hemp, bone, and other natural materials.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the fourth finger of the left hand contained a nerve which went all the way to the heart. This, while not anatomically correct, began the tradition of wearing wedding rings on that finger, which we still observe today.
When the Ancient Greeks conquered Egypt, they adopted the tradition of wedding bands. Men and women wore rings depicting Eros, the god of love. Following this, the Romans conquered the Greeks and also adopted the tradition. Early rings were often made from iron, but gold was soon popularised.
When Did the Modern Tradition of Men's Wedding Rings Begin?
Although men have been wearing some form of wedding band for thousands of years, the modern tradition of wedding rings for men really began during the 20th century. During WWI, men began wearing a wedding band to commemorate their loved ones back at home. This was a great comfort while fighting on the front lines and in the trenches.

This popularisation of male wedding rings became even more so during WWII. Both American and British men alike took to the tradition to honour their loved ones during a time of great tragedy and uncertainty. Due to rationing, wedding rings in the UK had to me made from 9ct gold as opposed to the traditional 22ct. These rings were standardised by the government, and known as "utility rings". The British Assay office even added a special hallmark for these rings. This was placed inside the band alongside the usual fineness and makers marks. This utility mark consisted of two curved lines, a bit like a capital U without the bottom curve.
Have Men Ever Worn Engagement Rings?
You might be surprised to learn that male engagement rings are not a modern idea. In the medieval times, betrothed couples wore gimmel rings; These consisted of two or sometimes three interwoven bands. Each member of the couple wore one half of the ring during their engagement. Finally the groom would place his ring onto the bride's finger during the wedding ceremony. The two halves of the ring came together to depict two right hands clasped together. Gimmel rings evolved into what is now known as the Claddagh ring, which you may associate with Irish culture.
Which Finger Do Men Wear Wedding Rings On?
In Western cultures all married people wear their wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand. This is known as "the ring finger". This tradition goes all the way back to Ancient Egypt and has been adopted by Western cultures.
Are There Modern Alternatives For Male Wedding Rings?
Some men aren't keen on wearing a wedding band, and that's okay! Traditions are lovely, but not requirements. Some alternatives to male wedding rings are watches, pendants, or even a wedding band worn on a chain around the neck. Remember that the most important thing about your wedding is the love story you share with your partner, and not the ring you wear.
Examples of Male Wedding Rings
Male wedding rings can be just as unique and ornate as women's rings, or as classic as you like. Our most popular men's styles are wide bands made from gold, platinum, tungsten, or titanium.

