Engagement rings have represented love and commitment for many years, but so too have their styles evolved through the decades with the changing trends of cultural mores and style.
During the 1920s and 1930s, strong and Geometric designs marked the Art Deco period. The rings of this era boasted minute details, symmetrical designs, and myriad colorful gemstones, thus deviating from simplicity in tradition. This period found platinum to be the preference in metal, mainly because of its sleek, modern appearance.
World War II brought back the classic elegance of the 1940s. The yellow and rose gold metals are due to resource scarcity. Timelessness was represented by the solitaire diamond in a prong setting, making it iconic with the classic phrase from De Beers, "A Diamond is Forever.".
In the 1950s and 1960s, Hollywood glamour dictated diamond engagement ring fashions. Larger and brighter diamonds were seen as the ultimate status symbols. Marquise and emerald cuts became favorites-set in platinum or white gold-to dramatically emphasize the sparkle of the diamond.
The period of the 1970s was open to originality, including pear and heart cuts. One saw the popularization of colored gemstones such as sapphires and emeralds, thanks to Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring in 1981.
The 1990s and 2000s came back to simplicity with princess-cut diamonds and clean lines in minimalism. Three-stone rings also trended for suggesting the past, present, and future.
More recently, engagement rings have taken on a more personalized approach. As seen in custom designs and unique settings, some couples prefer ethically sourced diamonds. Vintage-inspired styles are also highly featured, just as modern craftsmanship meets nostalgic elegance.
Engagement rings were a success in reflecting an ever-changing relationship of fashion, culture, and romance, yet timeless beauties. Whatever the decade, these rings will be speaking much more than a promise of forever.
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