Choosing an engagement ring is a momentous occasion. It's a symbol of love, commitment, and the start of a new chapter. But with countless styles and trends to consider, navigating the world of engagement rings can feel overwhelming.
This blog post will guide you through a fascinating journey, exploring how engagement ring styles have evolved throughout the decades, helping you understand the factors that shape trends and ultimately, inspire you to find the perfect ring that reflects your unique story.
Engagement ring styles are a fascinating reflection of social, cultural, and economic trends. They can be influenced by everything from historical movements to popular culture and even technological advancements.
The roaring twenties brought in the Art Deco movement, characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and platinum settings. Engagement rings featured dazzling diamonds in unique cuts like emerald, asscher, and marquise.
Economic hardship during the Great Depression led to a shift towards simpler and more affordable engagement rings. Smaller diamonds and less ornate settings became the norm.
Wartime limitations on materials led to the use of alternative metals and gemstones. During this time, metals in the platinum family were in short supply because of their use in artillery. The limited availability of platinum for jewelry shifted demand to rose and yellow gold. Sentimental jewelry featuring inscriptions and birthstones gained popularity.
The post-war economic boom and the influence of Hollywood stars solidified the diamond solitaire as a symbol of eternal love. Yellow gold settings, pavé accent diamonds, and cluster rings also gained popularity.
The rebellious spirit of the 1960s “Rock n’ Roll” era extended to engagement rings. Non-traditional diamond cuts like marquise and pear, alongside colored gemstones, became popular.
The free-spirited 1970s saw a rise in bohemian and organic design elements. Engagement rings incorporated natural materials like sapphires, turquoise, and opals, set in yellow gold or silver.
The era of excess saw engagement rings grow larger and bolder. Cluster rings with multiple diamonds, extravagant halos, and platinum settings dominated the decade. The cushion cut diamond also made a bold return during this time.
The 1990s saw a return to minimalism. The solitaire diamond remained popular but with a focus on clean lines and simple elegance. Princess-cut diamonds emerged as a popular alternative to round cuts.
The rise of technology and mass customization allowed for a wider variety of engagement ring styles. Couples opted for unique settings, colored gemstones, and engravings to reflect their personalities.
The 2010s saw a resurgence of vintage styles like Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Ethical sourcing of diamonds became a growing concern, with couples seeking sustainable and conflict-free options.
The focus on sustainability continues in the 2020s, with lab-grown diamonds gaining popularity as an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative. Technology is pushing the boundaries of design with innovative cuts and settings.
Today's engagement ring trends are a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. Here are some of the most popular styles:
With so many styles to choose from, finding the perfect engagement ring can feel daunting. Here are some tips to guide you:
Finding the perfect engagement ring can be an exciting and memorable experience. At Faithful Platform, we are committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams at a fraction of the cost of big-box retailers. Our sales consultants lead with education first and can guide you through the selection process by answering any questions you may have. We want to make your dream ring a reality.
Request a free quote today and start your journey to happily ever after!
While the tradition of exchanging rings during wedding ceremonies can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, well-documented evidence of engagement rings dates back to the Roman Empire.
The influence of Hollywood glamour dominated the 1950s. Engagement rings typically featured solitaire diamonds in yellow gold settings, popularized by stars like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Cluster rings were also popular during this era.
The 1980s were all about excess. Engagement rings during this time were bigger and bolder, featuring cluster rings with multiple diamonds, extravagant halos, and platinum settings.
The Art Deco movement of the 1920s influenced engagement ring design. Geometric shapes, bold lines, and platinum settings characterized these rings. Diamonds were dazzling and came in unique cuts like emerald and marquise.
A vintage engagement ring is generally considered to be a ring that is at least 20-30 years old. However, some jewelers may use the term "vintage" to describe newly crafted styles that past eras have inspired.