Engagement ring trends
Dec 5, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Engagement ring shopping in war time London
Circle. Unity. An engagement ring is a symbol of your new chapter. What did brides of the past say about engagement rings? Directly from “Manners, Culture, and Dress,” published in 1891:
“All lovers cannot afford to present their lady-loves with diamond rings, but all are able to give them some little token of their regard which will be cherished for their sakes, and which will serve as a memento of a very happy past to the end of life.”
Let’s take a stroll through engagement ring trends…
History of engagement ring design
Queen Victoria was not only a fashion trend setter and an admired leader, but her loving marriage to Albert set the tone for romance in this era. Their happiness inspired much of the romantic design motifs seen in the jewelry of the day. Engagement ring designs mirror that of everyday jewelry: hearts, bows, and flowers.
1886 was a big year for engagement rings – this is the year Tiffany & Company introduced their signature “Tiffany setting,” which raised the diamond up via a six prong setting. This focus on the stone, setting it apart, defines engagement ring style to this day.
The 1938 Associated Jewelers float
By the early 1900s, diamonds and other gemstones were surrounded by lace-like and ornate pattern work. The motifs shifted dramatically by the 20s and 30s with the debut of Art Deco. Rings transitioned from ultra-femininity toward geometric simplicity.
The war years saw potential grooms selecting synthetic stones, but the overall scale remained big and shifted back to feminism. By the 1960s, the world was introduced to the “designer” ring – celebrities were flashing unique and distinctive styles that were envied world over. A decade later, brides were influenced by something different: square shape stones. The 1970s marks the beginning of the princess cut look.
Now that you have a better understanding of styles, you are ready to start the search. But before you head out the door, be sure to check out our interview with Joseph’s Jewelers. Here you’ll find expert tips on what to look for as you shop and great ways to keep your ring shiny, bright, and fabulous.
Cause A Frockus would like to thank their resources: Tiffany’s and Brilliant Earth.
For our readers: Which era do you love best? Do you think Victoria and Albert were the great love story of their day?