Engagement diamond rings are usually only bought once in a lifetime, so few people will notice that the style of the diamond ring is constantly evolving.
What is the difference between the diamond ring 100 years ago and the current diamond ring? What is the number of diamond ring styles that have been popular in the past century? Which diamond ring can stand the test of time?
Engagement rings in the 1930s were “trying to evolve” from the Art Deco period. Single diamonds were often used as the centerpiece on bands shaped like ribbons or bows.
Round stones rose in popularity in the ’40s thanks to famous “Diamonds Are Forever” commercial. Rose-gold and yellow-gold bands also became common choices as World War II limited access to platinum in the US.
Many couples opted for pear-shaped diamonds in the 1950s. Audrey Hepburn’s iconic engagement ring, which featured a trio of bands in three different types of gold, brought stackable bands into fashion in the ’50s.
Asscher-cut diamonds were all the rage in the 1960s. This decade saw the return of Art Deco, and with it, Asscher-cut and emerald-cut stones.
Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring from John F. Kennedy, which featured emeralds in addition to diamonds.
Emerald-cut diamonds continued to be popular in the ’70s. During this decade, brides also began to match their engagement rings to their wedding bands, many of which were yellow- and rose-gold.
Tiffany Soleste colorful diamond imitated ring
Colorful diamonds and gemstones were huge in the 1980s. Round-cut diamonds and yellow-gold bands were still extremely popular in the ’80s, but Princess Diana’s engagement ring from Prince Charles, which featured a sapphire gemstone, changed the nuptials industry. This royal ring was so popular that many replicas were made.
Engagement rings in the 1990s were greatly influenced by the rise of grunge. With the rise of grunge in the 1990s, rings became bolder and sharper. Marquise-cut diamonds were particularly fashionable, and yellow-gold bands took a backseat to bands made of white gold and platinum.
Princess-cut diamonds dominated engagement ring trends in the early 2000s. Many couples in the 2000s opted for engagement rings with large diamonds or stones.
Currently, oval diamonds are all the rage. Skinny bands and large oval diamonds are in style. Usually set vertically — or, on occasion, horizontally — oval diamonds.
Julianne Hough and Hailey Baldwin are also fans of oval engagement rings.
Another huge trend in 2019 is having a custom-designed ring, as brides aim to better showcase their individual personalities.
the most popular engagement ring style in the last 100 years is actually pretty simple: A “round solitaire diamond, around one carat, set on a simple yellow-gold band”. There will always be innovation in the diamond industry but trends often “revert to the classics.