Engagement Rings by Decade
Love Is Timeless — and So Are These Chic Engagement Ring Inspired by Each Decade
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While fashion trends are constantly changing, these engagement rings are always en vogue. Each decade has a unique history that inspired the craftsmanship of the engagement rings that were popular at the time. With some help from our friends at Be Inspired, we have compiled a list of some fabulous engagement rings that are reminiscent of the rings popular through the decades. All of these rings have a timeless beauty so that you can carry a piece of the past into your happy future! We have included a variety of vintage and vintage-inspired rings including a range of diamond shapes, colours, and price points, so there is something there for everyone. Keep reading to shop these gorgeous rings!
1920s
"These three rings custom designed for our clients recall the distinct Art Deco styles of the 1920s that were characterized by sharp lines and geometric designs. In the 1920s, square diamond cuts, such as asscher, cushion, and emerald cuts were exceedingly popular, with many of the most fantastic styles featuring diamond halos." — Kelly Villarreal, Ada Diamonds
Get this ring: Ada Diamonds Top of the World Setting ($2,350, setting only)
1920s
1920s
1930s
Characteristics of Art Deco style lasted through the 1930s, but ring trends made a distinct shift from eccentric lines and obscure shapes to geometric simplicity. These rings often have one round stone in the centre surrounded by small gems or diamonds on the left and right, bringing attention to the main sparkle of the piece. The smaller gems come together in the platinum band, creating an effect of overall symmetry.
Get this ring: Brilliant Earth The Dengate Ring (price available on request)
1930
Get this ring: Vintage c. 1930s Engagement Ring with a GIA 1.22 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Centre ($8,900)
1930s
Get this ring: Victor Barbone Hexagon Art Deco Engagement Ring ($3,950)
1940s
Delicate, thin, refined, and timeless are just a few words used to describe engagement rings from this era. Round solitary stones and floral designs were widely used, which created a more feminine look. World War II is largely responsible for these changes, especially the dependency on yellow and rose gold, as platinum was largely used in war efforts. Coloured gems such as rubies and sapphires became more common because diamonds were too expensive for the majority of the country after the Great Depression. However, rings made solely out of diamonds became more prevalent in the late 1940s when designer De Beers opened mines in Africa which made the precious gems more accessible than ever before.
Get this ring: 1stdibs Victorian Diamond and Yellow Gold Cluster Ring ($3,900)
1940s
Get this ring: 1940s Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18-Carat White and Yellow Gold ($1,380)
1940s
1950s
Diamonds truly are forever, thanks to 1950s engagement ring trends. With exclusivity of diamonds being a thing of the past, this stone became the framework for the ring style that is still idolized today. Classic platinum made its way back into the game so band colours varied from silver to yellow and rose gold. Bands were not of importance when they were paired with a sparkling diamond. Round centre stones grew larger with time and were commonly accompanied by two symmetrical smaller cut diamonds or baguettes. When you hear "I said yes!" you probably picture this iconic ring.
Get this ring: Isadoras Midcentury Illusion-Set Diamond Ring ($4,300)
1950s
1950s
Get this ring: Robbins Brothers 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring Setting ($495, setting only)
1960s
After the diamond craze of the '50s, the classic, end-all-be-all engagement ring was established. Though plain platinum and yellow gold bands with large circular diamonds were all the rage for years to come, trendsetters looked for ways to add some spice to the already perfect ring. Hollywood glamour stars were a big inspiration for ring designers to create more individualistic pieces. People sought out classic rings with a quirky twist, such as emerald and coloured gemstones.
Get this ring: Erstwhile Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring ($10,000)
1960s
Get this ring: 1960s Diamond Emerald Cluster Halo Ring 18 Karat Gold Platinum ($6,800)
1960s
1970s
Like the fashion of the decade, jewellery trends also aimed for never before seen looks. Statement styles such as princess cuts, diamond clusters, and symmetrical baguettes were made for standing out. Sparkly, striking, and eye-catching designs were major inspiration for the disco era.
Get this ring: 1stdibs French 1970s Retro 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring ($17,817)
1970s
1970s
Get this ring: Ritani 2 Carat Cushio Diamond French-Set Diamond Band Engagement Ring ($12,106)
1980s
"The most famous ring of the decade, Princess Diana's famous oval sapphire and diamond ring inspired the look of fancy-coloured lab-diamond centre stones seen in our Three Stone Round Setting and inspired the design of ourClassic Royal Setting, which features 12-14 lab grown diamonds surrounding a basket-set centre stone." — Kelly Villarreal, Ada Diamonds
Get this ring: Ada Diamonds
1980s
1980s
"There's nothing like a royal wedding to spark some serious trends — and nothing like a royal engagement to influence ring styles! The 1980s boasts one of the most famous engagement rings of all time: Princess Diana's oval blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds. Three of our very favourite wedding ring trends were inspired by this royal stunner: oval-cut centre stones, coloured non-diamond gemstones, and halo settings. In fact, this ring was so iconic that Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with it — causing another resurgence in the popularity of colourful centre stones. The styles in this ring, from the unique elongated oval-shaped stone to the brilliant colour, are as timeless as they are modern and stand out in a sea of "typical" diamond engagement rings. But perhaps our favourite "trend" here is that this ring is a treasured family heirloom that's been passed down from one generation to the next. Talk about priceless!" — Jenna Miller, creative director at Here Comes the Guide
Get this ring: Diamond Nexus Lady Of Kensington Oval Cut Engagement Ring, Sapphire ($1,154)
1990s
"The 1990s saw a surge of popularity for fancy diamond shapes, with marquise-cut diamonds becoming extremely popular. Our Marquise Solitaire Setting was designed to recall the bold look that defined the decade. The 1990s also saw increasingly diverse ring designs, such as our Fancy Top of the World Setting featuring a lab-grown marquise diamond." — Kelly Villarreal, Ada Diamonds
Get the ring: Ada Diamonds Marquise Solitaire ($950, setting only)
1990s
1990s
Get the ring: Jared Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct tw Marquise 14K White Gold ($5,500)
2000s
What do Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, J Lo, and Paris Hilton all have in common? They rocked 2000s pop culture with rhinestones and bling. Glitz and glam were essential elements in the era of bedazzle, which remained consistent in engagement rings. Unembellished platinum and white gold bands were often complemented by a single round, princess, or trilogy diamond centrepiece. These rings are guaranteed to make heads turn and are anything but minimalistic.
Get this ring: Blue Nile Truly Zac Posen Marquise Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,450, setting only)
2000s
Get this ring: Kay Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct tw Round-Cut 10K White Gold ($2,000)
2000s
Get this ring: Robbins Brothers Utwo 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring 1 1/2 cttw ($4,495)
2010s
One word: halo. Stones have gotten larger and bands thinner, putting the "ring" in "put a ring on it." The classic rock style created in the 1950s gets a revamp with these large centre stones, often in an oval shape. Large round stones surrounded by smaller sparkling stones serve as a major focal point of the newly engaged hand. Millennials are known to break rules, including breaking style trends. Though the halo is treasured by millennials, vintage rings have been making a comeback. Past styles such as coloured gemstones and infinity bands are favoured by the generation, proving them to be timeless pieces.
Get this ring: Blue Nile 1.3ct Round Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum ($11,586)
2010s
Get this ring: 1.5 ctw Classic Oval Halo Man-Made Diamond Simulant Engagement Ring ($130)
2010s
Get this ring: James Allen 14K White Gold Pave Halo Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,215, originally $1,620)
