Engagement Ring Trends: Then and Now

Engagement rings have been around since the Ancient Egyptians.  However, the styles of these rings vary from decade to decade. Here’s a look back at the engagement ring trends of the past hundred years:

**Thanks to Trumpet&Horn for this picture of one of their vintage rings

1900s: Due to the prosperity of Industrial Revolution, engagement rings became a social norm. During the Edwardian Era, platinum was the most common metal used. Some of the designs were so intricate, the diamonds give the appearance of being set in lace rather than metal.

 

**Thanks to everything-wedding-rings for this bold beauty

1920s/30s: The engagement rings of this time period were a lot less feminine than the Edwardian Era and a lot more geometric. Society experienced new technological advancements, never-before-seen artistic movements, and the victory of World War I. These bold rings with pops of sapphires and rubies mirrored the optimism of the society at this time.

 

**Thanks to 1stdibs for this vintage Tiffany&Co ring

1940s: Contrary to the vibe of theWWII society, engagement rings were big and bold, however, carried a more feminine feel than Art Deco rings. Platinum was scarce due to the war effort, so gold became the most common metal. Diamonds, although preferred, were considered a luxury. Synthetic rubies and sapphires replaced diamonds as the most commonly used gemstone.

**Photo of Ms. Hepburn’s rings courtesy of The Knot

1950s: Audrey Hepburn takes this decade! Husband, Mel Ferrer, gave his beloved three different stackable rings, rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold, so she could switch them out to match her outfit. Now that’s our kind of man!

**Photo courtesy of Buy Me A Rock

**Thanks to Anastaci for this pic

1960s: The 1960’s spotlight two famous females: Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy. Movie producer, Michael Todd, proposed to Taylor with a 30 carat engagement ring! Jackie O’s ring ushered in a new demand for the incorporation of emeralds into engagement rings.

**This pic was found on etsy

1970s: Cluster rings took center stage. The trends of the past were bid adieu as this new of an engagement ring was adopted by brides-to-be everywhere.

**Thanks to People for this side-by-side shot

1980s: Here it is, the first sighting of perhaps the most famous engagement ring in history: Princess Diana’s oval sapphire. Much like today, with its revival by daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, Princess Di’s ring set off a huge sapphire trend.

1990s-Present day: While halo settings and colored diamonds are certainly a crowd favorite, no one trend has ruled the engagement ring market. Due to better access to a wider selection of engagement rings (thanks to our friend, the Internet), each couple is able to find a ring that is unique to their tastes and preferences.

Future: As evident by walking through the last century of popular engagement rings, trends certainly repeat themselves. While trends continue to evolve, a ring given to you by the one you love never goes out of style!

What to do after you pick out the perfect ring? Visit our site to help you plan the perfect proposal!