The Evolution of Engagement Ring Styles

Engagement rings hold a special place in our hearts and histories. They symbolize love, commitment, and—let’s face it—a sparkling and beautiful way to signal your personal commitment to the world at large. But have you ever wondered how engagement ring styles have evolved over the years? From the understated elegance of the 1800s to the eye‐catching designs of today, engagement ring styles tell a fascinating story.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to uncover the trends, traditions, and transformations that have defined engagement rings over time.

When Did Engagement Rings Become Fashionable?

The practice of giving engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome, where simple iron bands were exchanged as a sign of commitment. However, engagement rings as we know them today didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 15th century. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond engagement ring—marking the first recorded use of a diamond in an engagement ring. Talk about setting a trend!

Please note that during that era, it was truly only the aristocracy who could indulge in a precious metal engagement ring–much less one containing a gem! Aside from commoners not being able to afford such items, there were actually laws on the books that made it illegal for anyone but “blue bloods” to own or wear such precious objects.

Fast forward to the Georgian era, spanning roughly from 1714 to 1837, during the reigns of England's Kings George I through IV, which is renowned for its exquisite and rare jewelry designs. While decorative styles rarely adhere to strict timelines, Georgian jewels are among the earliest treasures we see today, prized for their rarity and collectibility. However, due to their age and delicate nature, these pieces are best suited for occasional wear rather than daily use.

Most Georgian jewelry available today originates from the early 1800s and is distinguished by intricate, dimensional repoussé work. Floral and scroll motifs were especially popular, and the era’s gemstones included semi‐precious stones, with garnets being a favorite, as well as rose‐cut and table‐cut diamonds. These stones often featured foil‐backed settings to enhance their brilliance, creating a mesmerizing sparkle best appreciated in the warm glow of candlelight. Georgian gold was typically of high purity, often 18 karats or more, lending the jewelry its signature rich, luxurious luster.

Jump ahead to the Victorian era (1837–1901), when engagement rings truly entered the realm of fashion. Again, most rings of the time were quite humble, and did not feature a gem or diamond–but the upper classes certainly were able to afford more luxurious expressions of their marital and socio‐economic status. This period saw an explosion of creativity, with colorful gemstones, intricate goldwork, and romantic motifs like hearts and flowers dominating the designs.

What Did Engagement Rings Look Like in the 1800s?

Engagement rings in the 1800s were all about intricate craftsmanship. Diamonds weren’t the primary focus—instead, rings often featured vibrant gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Popular styles included:

Cluster Rings: Multiple small stones arranged in floral patterns.
Victorian Romanticism: Rings adorned with hand‐carved gold, pearls, and enamel accents.
Snake Motifs: Believe it or not, snake designs were all the rage, symbolizing eternity and wisdom. That’s right–there have been “alternative engagement styles” as long as there have been traditional ones!

The craftsmanship of these antique style engagement rings continues to inspire modern designs, especially for those seeking unique, vintage‐style engagement rings.

Engagement Ring Trends in the Early 20th Century

The Art Nouveau period, though relatively brief (circa 1895 to 1915), gave rise to some of the most enchanting and imaginative jewelry designs in history. This era celebrated fantastical female forms such as dancers, nymphs, and mermaids, often intertwined with flowing, nature‐inspired motifs such as flowers, water lilies, dragonflies, and the iconic whiplash curve.

In Art Nouveau jewelry, artistry and creativity took precedence over the prominence of gemstones. Diamonds and other stones were used sparingly, serving as subtle accents rather than focal points. Instead, the era’s signature shimmer came from the masterful use of fired enamels, with techniques like plique-à-jour creating translucent effects reminiscent of stained glass windows.

The Edwardian era (1901–1910) ushered in a new wave of sophistication. Delicate, romantic, and intricately detailed, Edwardian jewelry captures the essence of femininity and elegance. Named for the brief reign of King Edward VII, this era’s designs are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, often rendered in platinum or platinum laminated over gold. These pieces stand out as some of the most finely detailed jewels in existence. Edwardian engagement ring designs feature delicate piercing techniques that create a light, airy aesthetic, with curvaceous, open patterns. Diamonds finally stole the spotlight with the engagement rings of this era. While today the shape of the diamonds most commonly used at the time are currently called Old Mine-cuts or cushion-cuts, at the time those were the closest to round that diamond cutters of the era could manage to execute using the tools available.

In France, this period is fittingly called La Belle Epoque (The Beautiful Era), a name that perfectly captures the timeless beauty of Edwardian jewelry.

The roaring twenties ushered in the iconic Art Deco design era, spanning the 1920s through the Depression-era 1930s. This period embraced modernity, with bold, streamlined geometric designs inspired by architectural marvels like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Golden Gate Bridge. These striking motifs translated seamlessly into sophisticated and visually arresting jewelry. If you’ve ever drooled over antique style engagement rings, you’ll likely recognize the geometric patterns, bold colors, and symmetrical designs that defined this era. Sapphire and onyx accents were popular, and step-cut diamonds like emerald and baguette cuts became staples.

Platinum dominated the era, providing the perfect backdrop for brilliant white diamonds, often enhanced by calibré-cut sapphires or sleek black onyx accents.

What is Considered a Vintage Engagement Ring?

Let’s clear up a common question: what exactly qualifies as a vintage engagement ring? Technically, a vintage ring is at least 20–30 years old but less than 100 years old (after which it’s considered an antique).

That means rings from the mid-20th century—like the glamorous cocktail-style rings of the 1950s or the minimalist designs of the 1980s—fall under the vintage umbrella. However, modern rings crafted to mimic older styles—like Art Deco or Edwardian designs—are often marketed as "vintage style engagement rings" or “vintage-inspired engagement rings.”

Engagement Ring Trends in the 2010s

Fast forward to the 2010s, where individuality became the name of the game. Millennials, notorious for disrupting industries, brought their penchant for personalization to engagement ring styles. Popular trends of the decade included:

Halo Settings: A central diamond encircled by smaller diamonds, creating a look that somewhat simulates one much larger diamond.
Rose Gold: This romantic metal became a go-to for couples looking for a softer, less common alternative to traditional yellow or white gold.
Vintage-Inspired Designs: From milgrain detailing to filigree patterns, many brides opted for rings that paid homage to past eras.
Unique Gemstones: Diamonds faced some competition from colorful stones like morganite and sapphire, appealing to those seeking different styles of engagement rings.

By the end of the decade, unconventional shapes (like pear and oval cuts) and stacked engagement ring band styles had gained significant traction.

Different Styles of Engagement Rings: A Modern Perspective

Today, engagement ring styles are as diverse as the love stories they represent. While diamonds remain the top choice, many couples are exploring alternative gemstones and settings. Let’s break down some of the most popular modern styles:

Solitaire: The classic single-stone ring never goes out of style. It’s timeless, elegant, and perfect for minimalists.
Three-Stone: Symbolizing the past, present, and future, this design often pairs a central diamond with complementary side stones. Often a mix of diamond and colored gems (with sapphires being the most popular) are incorporated into three-stone rings.
Vintage-Inspired: Whether it’s an Edwardian filigree band or Art Deco geometric accents, these rings are perfect for old-soul romantics.
Halo: Still a favorite for its ability to amplify the sparkle of the center stone. Today’s halos tend to be less predictable than the ones from the 2010s, using a mix of shapes for the halo stones or only going partially around the center stone.
Stackable Bands: Modern brides are mixing and matching engagement and wedding bands for a layered, personalized look. Adding bands to a stack has become a popular anniversary and personal or family milestone tradition.

How Have Engagement Ring Styles Changed Over Time?

The evolution of engagement rings reflects broader cultural shifts—from changing definitions of romance to advancements in jewelry-making techniques. Consider this timeline:

1800s: Ornate, handcrafted designs with colorful gemstones.
Early 1900s: Platinum and diamonds dominate; intricate filigree work takes center stage.
1920s-30s: Art Deco reigns with bold, geometric designs.
1940s: The Retro jewelry period, though brief, is unmistakably distinctive. With platinum reserved as a strategic metal during World War II, jewelry designs of the 1940s embraced rose and rosy-yellow gold. This shift marked the beginning of bold, dramatic styles that capture the glamour and allure of Golden Age Hollywood icons like Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Rita Hayworth. Anything but subtle, Retro jewelry is oversized and eye-catching. These designs often drew inspiration from Art Deco but with a playful twist, incorporating asymmetry and whimsical elements. The bold aesthetic of this era continues to evoke a sense of vintage sophistication and cinematic charm.
1950s: The Mid-Century Era of the 50s embodies the glamour and extravagance of icons like Mamie Eisenhower, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe. Platinum and diamonds made a dazzling comeback, but in stark contrast to the structured elegance of prewar Art Deco styles. This era embraced abstract, free-form, and floral motifs, often featuring overlapping designs encrusted with pavé diamonds. The jewelry of this period perfectly captured the optimism and opulence of post-war life.
1960s-70s: Modernist designs emerge, with clean lines and unique shapes–as well as crazily asymmetrical and curving designs inspired by the counter-culture movements.
1980s-90s: Yellow gold set with marquise-cut and princess-cut diamonds define the era.
2000s: Solitaire and halo settings become mainstream.
2010s: Customization and vintage-inspired styles gain popularity.
Today: A mix of tradition and innovation, with a focus on sustainability and individuality.

Why the Past Inspires the Present

As we’ve seen, antique style engagement rings continue to influence modern designs. Whether it’s the intricate details of a Victorian ring or the bold lines of an Art Deco piece, vintage elements add a touch of timeless charm.

At Alara Jewelry, we celebrate this connection by offering a curated selection of vintage style engagement rings that marry old-world craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Our collection features everything from classic solitaire rings to unique engagement ring band styles designed to stand the test of time.

Choosing the Right Engagement Ring Style for You

With so many different styles of engagement rings to choose from, finding “the one” can feel daunting. Here are a few tips to guide your decision:

Consider Your Partner’s Style: Do they gravitate toward classic, modern, or vintage aesthetics?
Think About Lifestyle: A low-profile setting may be more practical for someone with an active lifestyle. Also, prong-set stones are the least durable–so bear in mind that rings that look “princessy” shouldn’t be worn by those who aren’t prepared to delicately use their hands (like a princess–ahem!).
Set a Budget: Remember, beautiful doesn’t have to mean expensive. A good jeweler will always offer you options.
Explore Customization: Many jewelers, like Alara, offer bespoke designs to create something truly unique.