Eras of Engagement Ring Styles

Over the decades, many engagement ring trends have come and gone, however, there are those timeless classics that will forever remain popular. With the growth of lab-grown diamonds and the change they’ve brought to the jewelry industry, we thought it'd be fun to travel back in time and explore the styles that have paved the foundation for today's trending designs.

1900s:

During this time, there was heavy influence from French fashion and trends which visibly influenced engagement ring design. Think: Edwardian-style rings, handmade filigree, lace-inspired details, and antique/vintage rings that are still in pristine condition now. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

Tory Solitaire Engagement Ring 

1920s:

This era brought in a lot of Art Deco designs with a focus on sharp lines and geometry within the ring. Think: An architectural style with multiple small, dainty diamonds making up the ring rather than one large center stone. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

1940s:

World War II affected the shift in ring designs and the introduction of De Beers marketing tactics in 1947 helped diamonds become mainstream and heavily desired. Think: Circular ring settings, a focus on femininity, floral-shaped or accented rings, a much softer era, and the introduction of different shaped diamonds such as marquise and teardrop shapes. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

1960s:

Hollywood starlets and big names such as Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy made a big impression throughout the 60s on engagement rings. Think: Massive diamonds and classic styles, more colored gemstones being used as center stones, floral ring trends still alive and well, people beginning to choose gold over platinum, simple and streamlined silhouettes, and ultra-modern, sleek styles. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

1980s:

Princess Diana was the major key in the 80s and caused an introduction of a lot of replica rings following her engagement ring, which was an enormous oval cut sapphire set in a diamond halo. Think: Yellow gold rings, fancy cut diamonds, following fashion trends and royalty, fancy shaped diamonds such as pears, emeralds, and cushion cut were also gaining popularity. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

2000s:

Bringing it back to the classics in the 2000s with a trend of classic Solitaire rings, though three stone rings began to get really big, too. Think: Classic ring styles, simplicity, three stone rings which are said to represent the past, present and future of a couple, less intricate/unembellished bands, halo settings and pave diamond-encrusted bands. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

2010s:

Royalty was a popular trend to follow in the 2010s and Kate Middleton’s engagement ring was the one to follow. Halo settings are still one of the hottest styles and that trend is continuing today. Think: Cushion cut stones in a halo setting, influence from royals and celebrities, mixing metals for subtle accents of different colors, more popular use of non-diamond stones like champagne sapphires, pink morganite and more popular use of rose gold settings. Here’s a MiaDonna style that would match this era:

Everyone’s style and taste is so different, but it’s very interesting to see the shifts in overall engagement ring styles based on different trends and influences within our culture. Interested in checking out some of MiaDonna’s Vintage and Antique styles or are you more into Modern-style rings? Browse our collection of Engagement Rings here!