Diamond engagement rings are more than just beautiful symbols of love—they also tell a fascinating story about changing tastes, styles, and societal influences. From the intricate designs of the early 1900s to the modern minimalist trends of today, diamond rings have evolved to reflect the spirit of their time. Whether you’re a vintage jewelry enthusiast or planning to buy a ring for your special someone, let's explore how engagement ring styles have transformed over the decades.

The Early 1900s: The Beginning of Diamond Engagement Rings

The Edwardian Era: Elegance and Detail

At the start of the 20th century, engagement rings were all about elegance and sophistication. The Edwardian era favored intricate, lace-like designs that often featured delicate filigree work. Platinum was a popular choice for settings, as it complemented the shimmering beauty of diamonds perfectly. Diamonds were often paired with pearls or set in bow-shaped or flowery patterns. This was the era of opulence, where every detail was meant to showcase the wealth and social status of the wearer.

Reve Diamonds

Genuine Story: One of the most famous rings from this era is the engagement ring King George V gave to Mary of Teck. The platinum ring with intricate details perfectly symbolized the elegance of the Edwardian period.

Art Deco Movement: Bold and Geometric

The 1920s brought about a drastic change in engagement ring styles. The Art Deco era was all about bold, geometric designs. Rings often featured sharp angles, symmetrical patterns, and vibrant gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies paired with diamonds. Square-shaped diamonds, like baguettes and emerald cuts, gained popularity. This era was heavily influenced by the roaring twenties, a time when fashion and jewelry were daring and bold.

If you love vintage styles, you may want to check out engagement rings inspired by timeless designs.

Genuine Story: Zelda Fitzgerald, known for her glamorous lifestyle, wore a unique engagement ring that epitomized the Art Deco spirit—bold and full of character.

The Mid-Century: Hollywood Glamour and Classic Cuts

Wartime Simplicity in the 1940s

During the 1940s, World War II had a significant impact on jewelry trends. Platinum became scarce, and many couples opted for more modest, simpler designs.
Solitaire diamond rings set in gold became popular during this time. These minimalist rings were a reflection of the hardships people were facing, with the focus being on the diamond itself rather than the elaborate setting.

Genuine Story: Lauren Bacall’s engagement ring from Humphrey Bogart featured a simple solitaire design, a beautiful symbol of love in a time of adversity.

Glamorous Extravagance in the 1950s

The post-war era of the 1950s ushered in a period of prosperity, and engagement rings became more extravagant again. Platinum made a comeback, and larger diamonds were set in more elaborate designs. The round brilliant cut was highly favored, and many rings began to incorporate additional diamond accents. Hollywood played a huge role in this trend, as glamorous stars like Marilyn Monroe set the standard for what engagement rings should look like.

For those who appreciate glamour, explore our large diamond rings, perfect for making a bold statement.

Genuine Story: Joe DiMaggio’s engagement ring to Marilyn Monroe was a 35-diamond eternity band, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the era.

The 1970s and 1980s: Bold Statements and Self-Expression

Yellow Gold and Bohemian Style in the 1970s

As the 1970s rolled in, the world of engagement rings saw a return to yellow gold. This era’s engagement rings were inspired by nature, with organic, flowing shapes and floral motifs.
The bohemian style influenced many couples to opt for non-traditional designs that reflected a more carefree, artistic spirit. If this speaks to your style, you might enjoy our eternity rings for their timeless beauty and symbolism of eternal love.

Genuine Story: Jane Fonda’s simple gold band from Tom Hayden epitomized the laid-back, nature-inspired style of the 1970s.

The Era of Excess in the 1980s

The 1980s were all about bigger and bolder. Rings from this era often featured large center stones with intricate halo designs or were adorned with colorful gemstones.
The mantra was “bigger is better,” and that philosophy extended to engagement rings. Rings were often flashy and attention-grabbing, making a bold statement of love.

Genuine Story: Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by diamonds, was one of the most iconic rings of the time. It also marked a shift towards more personalized engagement rings, as her ring was notably different from traditional diamond solitaires.

The 1990s and 2000s: Timeless and Personalized Designs

Minimalist Designs in the 1990s

The 1990s saw a return to classic and simple designs, much like the 1940s. Solitaire diamond rings were in style again, with platinum or white gold settings being particularly popular.
Princess cuts became the go-to choice for many brides, offering a modern twist on the classic round brilliant. This decade favored understated elegance, with many couples opting for rings that were timeless and sophisticated.

Genuine Story: Gwyneth Paltrow’s solitaire engagement ring from Brad Pitt is a perfect example of the minimalistic, classic designs that were popular in the 1990s.

The Rise of Customization in the 2000s

As the 2000s progressed, personalization became a key trend in engagement rings. Couples were looking for rings that reflected their individual styles and personalities.
Three-stone settings, colored diamonds, and custom designs became increasingly popular. Many brides began to seek out unique engagement rings that would stand out from the crowd.

Genuine Story: Jennifer Lopez’s engagement ring from Ben Affleck, a pink diamond set in a custom design, sparked a craze for colored diamonds and personalized rings.

If you’re looking for something unique and modern, take a look at our lab-grown diamonds, a popular choice for sustainability and personal flair.

The 2010s: Vintage Revivals and Ethical Choices

Vintage-Inspired Rings

The 2010s saw a revival of vintage engagement ring designs. Halo settings, pave bands, and antique diamond cuts made a big comeback. Many couples began opting for rings that had a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of early 20th-century styles. Vintage rings became desirable not only for their beauty but also for the unique craftsmanship they offered.

Genuine Story: Meghan Markle’s engagement ring from Prince Harry, featuring ethically sourced diamonds and a vintage-inspired design, set a trend for rings that are both stylish and socially conscious.

The Focus on Sustainability

The latter half of the 2010s also marked the beginning of a growing interest in ethical and sustainable jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, and couples became more conscientious about where their diamonds were sourced.

For those seeking both style and sustainability, lab-grown diamonds are an ethical and beautiful option.

Genuine Story: Millie Bobby Brown’s engagement ring features a lab-grown diamond, showing that sustainability and beauty can go hand-in-hand.

The 2020s: Minimalism and Sustainability

Minimalist and Sentimental Designs

In the 2020s, minimalist engagement rings with small diamonds and simple settings are becoming the go-to choice for many couples. Thin bands, bezel settings, and solitaire diamonds dominate the current trends, reflecting a desire for understated elegance and practicality. Sentimental touches, such as incorporating family heirlooms or adding birthstones, are also increasingly popular.

Genuine Story: Ariana Grande’s engagement ring, featuring a small pearl from her grandfather’s tie pin, is a perfect example of how modern rings blend personal meaning with minimalist style.

If you prefer a minimalistic look with a personal touch, explore our collection of diamond pendants and necklaces that offer both simplicity and elegance.

The Push for Ethical and Eco-Friendly Choices

Lab-grown diamonds have surged in popularity, as more couples prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Ethical sourcing, conflict-free diamonds, and eco-conscious designs are driving the future of engagement rings. Many brides are now opting for vintage rings, recycled materials, or lab-grown stones as a statement of their values.

What’s Next for Engagement Ring Trends?

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the demand for personalized, ethical, and meaningful engagement rings will continue to grow. Trends like 3D-printed jewelry, artificial intelligence in design, and even more advanced sustainable practices will likely shape the next generation of rings. The beauty of engagement rings lies in their ability to tell the unique story of the couple, and that trend is here to stay.

FAQs: Diamond Engagement Ring Trends

What are some popular diamond shapes over the decades?

Diamond shapes have evolved, with round brilliant, princess, emerald, and cushion cuts standing out. In the 1920s, geometric cuts like baguette and emerald were popular, while the 1950s favored the round brilliant. Today, many couples choose oval, cushion, or round cuts for their classic appeal.

Why are lab-grown diamonds becoming more popular?

Lab-grown diamonds are eco-friendly, ethical, and cost-effective compared to mined diamonds. They are chemically identical to natural diamonds but are created in controlled environments, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious couples.

Are vintage rings still in style?

Yes, vintage-inspired rings have made a huge comeback. Designs like halo settings, pave bands, and antique-style cuts are highly sought after for their timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
For more vintage-inspired options, check out eternity rings for their timeless beauty and symbolism. By exploring these timeless trends and fascinating stories, you can see how diamond engagement rings have evolved while remaining a symbol of eternal love.

Whether you prefer a vintage-inspired piece or a modern minimalist design, the beauty of an engagement ring lies in its ability to tell your personal story.

Reve Diamonds