As the saying goes, diamonds are forever, and so is the tradition of engagement rings. The design and style of engagement rings have evolved through the years, reflecting changes in fashion, culture, and social norms. In this article, we will explore the top engagement ring styles by decade, from the 1920s to the present day.
The 1920s: Art Deco
The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a time of decadence and luxury. The Art Deco movement was in full swing, and this style heavily influenced engagement rings of the era. Art Deco engagement rings featured geometric shapes, bold lines, and intricate patterns. The most popular gemstones during this time were diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Engagement rings were often set in platinum or white gold, which complemented the cool tones of the era.
The 1930s: Hollywood Glam
The 1930s was the Golden Age of Hollywood, and this era’s engagement rings were inspired by the glamour and elegance of Hollywood stars. Engagement rings were characterized by larger, center stones and smaller accent stones surrounding them. Popular gemstones included diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The metal of choice during this era was yellow gold, which was often engraved with intricate designs.
The 1940s: The War Years
The 1940s were marked by World War II, and this had a significant impact on the style of engagement rings. With the war effort in full swing, many jewelry makers were forced to use alternative materials, such as platinum, which was needed for military purposes. Engagement rings during this time featured simple designs, with small, center stones and minimal embellishments. The most popular gemstones during this time were diamonds and sapphires.
The 1950s: The Rise of the Diamond
The 1950s marked the beginning of the diamond’s reign as the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. This era’s engagement rings featured large, round diamonds, often set in a simple, four-prong setting. The metal of choice during this era was white gold or platinum, which complemented the brilliance of the diamonds.
The 1960s: The Modern Era
The 1960s was a time of significant social and cultural change, and engagement ring styles reflected this shift. Engagement rings during this era featured unique, modern designs, with a focus on asymmetry and bold shapes. The most popular gemstones during this time were diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Platinum and white gold remained the most popular metals.
The 1970s: Bohemian Chic
The 1970s was a time of free-spirited expression, and engagement rings of the era reflected this. Engagement rings during this time featured unconventional designs, with organic shapes and natural, earthy materials such as wood and ivory. The most popular gemstones during this time were turquoise, opal, and onyx.
The 1980s: Big and Bold
The 1980s was a decade of excess, and engagement rings of the era reflected this trend. Engagement rings during this time featured large, center stones, often surrounded by smaller accent stones. The most popular gemstones during this time were diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Yellow gold remained the metal of choice during this era, which complemented the bold designs of the time.
The 1990s: Classic Simplicity
The 1990s marked a return to classic, timeless designs for engagement rings. Engagement rings during this era featured simple, elegant designs, with a focus on the beauty of the center stone. The most popular gemstones during this time were diamonds, but colored gemstones such as rubies and sapphires also gained popularity. Platinum and white gold remained popular metals, but yellow gold also saw a resurgence in popularity.
The 2000s: The Rise of the Halo
The 2000s saw the rise of the halo engagement ring, which features a center stone surrounded by smaller accent stones. This style gave the illusion of a larger center stone and added extra sparkle and brilliance to the ring. The most popular gemstones during this time were diamonds, but colored gemstones such as pink diamonds and morganite also gained popularity. White gold and platinum remained the most popular metals, but rose gold also became trendy.
The 2010s: Personalization and Unique Designs
The 2010s saw a rise in personalized and unique engagement ring designs. Many couples wanted to break away from traditional Engagement Ring styles and create something that reflected their individual tastes and personalities. Popular designs included vintage-inspired rings, non-traditional gemstones such as black diamonds and opals, and mixed metals. The most popular metal choices were white gold, platinum, and rose gold.
The Present: Sustainable and Ethical Rings
As environmental and ethical concerns become more prominent, many couples are opting for sustainable and ethical engagement rings. These rings use recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones to minimize the impact on the environment and ensure ethical sourcing. Popular designs include simple, minimalist Engagement Ring styles and unique, one-of-a-kind designs. The most popular metals are recycled gold and platinum, and ethical gemstones such as lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are gaining popularity.
Conclusion
The style of engagement rings has evolved through the years, reflecting changes in fashion, culture, and social norms. From the bold lines and intricate patterns of Art Deco to the sustainable and ethical designs of today, engagement rings have come a long way. No matter the style or era, the meaning behind the engagement ring remains the same – a symbol of love and commitment.
FAQs
- What is the most popular engagement ring style of all time?
- The most popular engagement ring style of all time is the solitaire diamond ring, which features a single diamond in a simple setting.
- What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
- White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals, such as silver and palladium, while platinum is a naturally white metal. Platinum is denser and more durable than white gold, but also more expensive.
- What are conflict-free diamonds?
- Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that have been ethically sourced and do not contribute to human rights abuses, environmental damage, or the funding of armed conflicts.
- What is a halo engagement ring?
- A halo engagement ring features a center stone surrounded by smaller accent stones, giving the illusion of a larger center stone and added sparkle.
- Can I customize my own engagement ring design?
- Yes, many jewelers offer custom engagement ring designs, allowing you to create a ring that reflects your individual tastes and preferences.