Since ancient times, people have used rings as the quintessential symbol of love and commitment. Some engagement ring styles come and go, others remain timeless, and a few eventually come back in fashion again. Here’s a look at how engagement rings have changed over the years.

History of Engagement Ring Styles

Engagement Rings Pre-20th Century

As far back as ancient Egyptian times, people have been wearing metal rings on the third finger of the left hand. This was believed to directly connect the heart to a vein. The idea of giving a diamond ring to symbolize eternal love began around 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring with diamonds set in an “M” shape. However, until Victorian times, the dominant engagement ring style was a silver or gold band with a romantic message engraved inside. Diamond engagement rings didn’t catch on until the late Victorian era, when a large deposit of diamonds was found in South Africa. In 1886, Tiffany & Co. introduced the Tiffany setting, which was a raised stone set above the band for better visibility and brilliance.

20th Century Engagement Ring Trends

The early 1900s brought the rise of engagement rings with diamonds set in lacy platinum designs. In the 1920s and ‘30s, ornate styles gave way to geometric, Art Deco designs that often incorporated colored gemstones. Curved designs such as ribbons and flowers returned around World War II. Since platinum was scarce, gold became the metal of choice for precious jewelry. In the 1950s, stacked bands in different color gold became popular thanks to Audrey Hepburn’s engagement set. Emeralds rose in popularity in the 1960s because of Jacqueline Kennedy’s engagement ring, and Art Deco styles made a comeback with square Asscher-cut diamonds. The square and rectangle trend continued into the 1970s, with princess and radiant cuts in high demand. Princess Diana’s engagement ring sparked a sapphire trend in the 1980s, and bold shapes such as the Marquise cut dominated the 1990s.

Early 21st Century and Beyond

With the internet providing access to pages of information about jewelry styles from every era, no singular trend has dominated the early 21st century. Larger stones, cushion-cut, and oval diamonds have caught on, but many modern couples are choosing custom-designed rings. It’s hard to predict which styles may be popular going forward. As people become more socially and ecologically aware, couples may opt for antique engagement rings or new ones made from recycled precious metals. For a classic look that never goes out of style, it’s hard to go wrong with a round solitaire diamond on a simple gold band.

If you have a particular engagement ring style in mind, visit Coins & Carats, Inc. in Kalispell, MT. This family-owned-and-operated business has a wide selection of quality jewelry, and they also offer custom design services. Call 406-752-2646 to ask about their current inventory, or visit their website to learn more about the company.