Engagement And Wedding Ring Styles Change By The Decade

Years later, engagement and wedding rings are still the classic and most popular tradition associated with engagement and marriage. Although the tradition has stood the test of time, the styles of the rings has continued to change over the years.

1900s: The early 1900s was a time of expansion and affluence, thanks to the industrial revolution. Engagement and wedding rings reflected the newfound wealth, with ornate diamond rings in platinum.

1920s-30s-ArtDeco1920s and 1930s: Art Deco was the theme of the 1920s and 1930s. Styles were more geometric and accented with rubies and sapphires in a move toward something more modern than the more feminine styles of the prior decade.

1920s and 1930s: Art Deco was the theme of the 1920s and 1930s. Styles were more geometric and accented with rubies and sapphires in a move toward something more modern than the more feminine styles of the prior decade.

1940s: World War II brought many hardships, making platinum, the previous metal of choice for engagement rings, scarce. Even with financial difficulties, engagement ring designs were bold in size. Instead of the choice gemstone of a diamond, many couples used simulated sapphires and rubies for their engagement rings.

1950s: A popular movie star of the times, Audrey Hepburn, chose stackable diamond band rings. Each was in a different color of gold, and she could choose white gold, yellow gold or rose gold to match her outfit. This multicolor stackable ring design was popular during this decade.

1960s: Two popular women in the 1960s changed engagement ring styles. Elizabeth Taylor made headlines in 1963 with a 33-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring from Richard Burton. This was the biggest headline about a celebrity engagement since John F. Kennedy presented Jacqueline with a stunning emerald and diamond ring several years prior.

1970s: This generation of couples wanted something new and different, and the princess and radiant cuts were choice picks. The square shapes became and remained a popular selection for brides to be.

1980s: A celebrity in the world of royals, Princess Diana, set off a trend in engagement rings when Prince Charles gave her an oval sapphire surrounded by The sapphire and diamond setting was replicated and sold for years.

1990s and 2010s: During these two decades, no one style ruled. Year by year, new creations would rise and fall, but the most chosen engagement ring was the simple solitaire diamond ring. The cut, color, clarity and carat became key factors to consider, since the single stone was the focal point of the ring.

Today: The trend for today is all about unique custom designs that reflect the personal style of the couple. Couples are seeking an intimate journey designing and creating an engagement ring and wedding bands that are theirs alone.