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Engagement rings capture the style of a generation. Thus, over the last century, engagement ring styles have shifted with culture. Certain details rise, others fall away, but each decade leaves a clear imprint.
This is a decade-by-decade look at the styles that defined their time, and the ones still influencing choices today.
The 1920s marked a period of dramatic social and cultural change. Following the First World War, rising prosperity and a shift towards modern living influenced everything from architecture to fashion - and jewellery was no exception.
Engagement rings became a reflection of this new, confident era. Rather than purely traditional designs, there was a move towards bold, artistic expression, with couples embracing rings that felt distinctive, architectural, and forward-thinking. The influence of the Art Deco movement defined the decade, bringing structure, symmetry, and a sense of precision to engagement ring design.
Coloured gemstones also saw a notable rise in popularity, with sapphires, emeralds, and rubies adding contrast and personality alongside diamonds.
Overall, 1920s engagement rings are defined by their clean lines, architectural feel, and refined intricacy - a balance of bold design and delicate craftsmanship.
Vintage styles from this era continue to resonate today. Actress Norma Shearer received a marquise diamond engagement ring in 1927, perfectly reflecting the era’s love of elongated, elegant cuts.
More recently, Mary-Kate Olsen revived true 1920s design with her vintage-inspired ring - a European-cut diamond surrounded by calibre-cut sapphires and intricate detailing, echoing the bold yet refined aesthetic of the Art Deco period.
For those drawn to 1920s elegance, Art Deco-inspired rings offer a timeless way to capture this distinctive style:
Adeline – A refined four-claw solitaire elevated with subtle Art Deco-inspired diamond-set shoulders, blending classic simplicity with vintage detail.
Dahlila – A graceful halo design with a sweeping diamond-set shank, offering a softer, more contemporary interpretation of Art Deco symmetry.
Marigold – A true statement piece, featuring a sapphire centre stone framed by a rhombus-shaped diamond halo and intricate fan-like detailing - a direct nod to the architectural beauty of the era.
As the Art Deco movement continued into the 1930s, the global mood shifted dramatically with the onset of the Great Depression. Understandably, this had a direct impact on engagement ring styles.
Where the 1920s embraced boldness and extravagance, the 1930s leaned towards subtlety and refinement. Large, showy stones became less common, replaced by smaller diamonds, finer bands, and more considered design choices. However, rather than losing creativity, this constraint pushed jewellers to become more innovative.
The result was a decade defined by illusion and craftsmanship - rings designed to maximise sparkle and presence without the need for larger stones. White gold rose in popularity as a more accessible alternative to platinum, while intricate detailing maintained a sense of elegance and artistry.
Overall, 1930s engagement rings are characterised by their lightness, delicacy, and clever design - proving that elegance doesn’t rely on size, but on detail.
For those drawn to the understated beauty of the 1930s, these designs echo the era’s quiet sophistication:
Elm – A classic and delicate diamond solitaire, featuring a tapered band and open basket that draws the eye to the centre stone - perfectly in line with the decade’s refined simplicity.
Elowen – A micro-set diamond halo enhances the centre stone, capturing the 1930s approach of creating maximum brilliance through thoughtful design rather than size.
Fern – Inspired by Art Deco elegance, this cushion-shaped halo ring features intricate grain setting and a low-set centre stone, offering a beautifully streamlined and vintage-inspired silhouette.
The 1940s were shaped by the realities of the Second World War, and this had a direct influence on jewellery design. With platinum reserved for military use, jewellers turned to yellow and rose gold, giving engagement rings a warmer, softer appearance.
Despite material restrictions, this decade didn’t lose its sense of romance. Instead, designs became more expressive and symbolic, with motifs inspired by nature and emotion - think flowers, leaves, bows, and hearts. Bands also became slightly chunkier and more sculptural, marking a shift away from the fine delicacy of the 1930s.
This period also saw the rise of the round brilliant cut diamond, which would go on to define engagement rings for decades to come. For those who could still afford larger stones, cushion-cut solitaires remained a popular choice, offering a softer, more romantic alternative.
Overall, 1940s engagement rings balance practicality with sentiment, resulting in designs that feel both bold and deeply romantic.
Singer and actress Judy Garland received a square-shaped diamond engagement ring set on a slim band - a style that reflects the era’s blend of simplicity and softness, with a focus on the centre stone.
For those inspired by the warmth and romance of the 1940s, these designs capture the spirit of the era:
Forrest – A classic solitaire with a refined crossover setting, offering a slightly elevated profile that showcases the diamond while adding a subtle sculptural detail.
Oleander – Inspired by nature, this design features delicate leaf motifs framing the centre stone - a perfect nod to the organic, symbolic designs of the decade.
Flora – A feminine solitaire with floral-inspired shoulders and milgrain detailing, combining softness and elegance in a way that feels distinctly 1940s.
With the end of the Second World War came a renewed sense of optimism, prosperity, and celebration. The 1950s ushered in a return to opulence and refinement, and engagement rings reflected this shift beautifully.
This decade marked a pivotal moment in jewellery history, largely driven by De Beers and its now-iconic “A Diamond is Forever” campaign. Diamonds quickly became the definitive symbol of engagement, cementing their place at the centre of ring design.
At the same time, Hollywood played a powerful role in shaping taste. Glamorous actresses and public figures influenced a generation of brides, making elegant diamond solitaires the ultimate aspiration.
Overall, 1950s engagement rings are defined by their timeless simplicity and focus on the diamond itself - a style that remains just as relevant today.
Hollywood glamour heavily influenced engagement trends, with stars like Lana Turner showcasing the elegance of diamond solitaires. Her pear-shaped diamond ring, set in white gold, perfectly captured the decade’s refined yet striking aesthetic.
For those drawn to the enduring appeal of the 1950s, these designs embody classic solitaire perfection:
Tulip – A timeless six-claw diamond solitaire with a clean, understated band, designed to maximise brilliance and elegance - a true reflection of 1950s style.
Leilanie – Featuring a brilliant-cut diamond held in six claws, this design enhances light performance while maintaining a sleek, minimal silhouette.
Building on the elegance of the 1950s, the 1960s introduced a new sense of freedom and experimentation. While the decade is often associated with cultural change and bohemian style, engagement rings remained undeniably glamorous, with an increasing openness to more distinctive designs.
Rather than moving away from diamonds entirely, jewellers began to reinterpret classic styles - introducing cluster settings, incorporating coloured gemstones, and experimenting with a wider variety of cuts. The result was a decade that balanced tradition with individuality, offering more diverse choices for couples.
Overall, 1960s engagement rings feel glamorous yet expressive - a step towards more personalised design while still rooted in classic luxury.
Few engagement rings have defined a decade quite like that of Elizabeth Taylor, whose extraordinary 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring, flanked by tapered baguettes, became an icon of 1960s glamour.
Similarly, Mia Farrow embraced a more refined take on the trend with her elegant 9-carat pear-shaped diamond ring, also set with baguette side stones - a perfect example of the decade’s balance between simplicity and statement.
For those inspired by the 1960s, these designs reflect the decade’s blend of glamour and individuality:
Daisy – A classic halo design that echoes the popularity of cluster-style rings, with micro-set diamonds creating a soft, luminous frame around the centre stone.
Nova – Featuring sleek baguette-cut diamonds, this design captures the geometric precision and elegance that defined the era.
Coleus – A clean, modern setting that allows the centre stone - whether princess cut or step cut - to take full focus, reflecting the decade’s move towards refined simplicity.
By the 1970s, engagement rings began to reflect a broader cultural shift towards individuality and self-expression. Moving away from the polished uniformity of the 1950s and 60s, couples were increasingly drawn to designs that felt personal, distinctive, and unconventional.
Yellow gold made a strong return, replacing the cooler tones of platinum and white gold, while designs became more organic and freeform. Rather than focusing purely on size or tradition, the emphasis shifted towards character and uniqueness - a ring that felt like a true reflection of the wearer.
At the same time, advancements in diamond cutting introduced a wider variety of shapes, giving rise to more angular, geometric stones that complemented the bold aesthetic of the decade.
Overall, 1970s engagement rings are defined by their personality-led design - less about convention, more about individuality.
For those drawn to the expressive spirit of the 1970s, these designs capture the era’s distinctive charm:
Luna – A dazzling diamond cluster ring designed to catch the light from every angle, echoing the decade’s love of bold yet wearable statement pieces.
Marganita – A nature-inspired design featuring a central ruby, offering a unique and organic feel that perfectly reflects the era’s individuality.
Hedera – With its flowing, nature-led aesthetic, this design embraces the freeform styling of the 1970s while remaining elegant and wearable alongside a wedding band.
The 1980s were defined by confidence, opulence, and unapologetic glamour - and engagement rings followed suit. This was a decade where subtlety took a back seat, replaced by bold designs, larger stones, and intricate detailing.
With growing economic prosperity and a cultural shift towards visible luxury, engagement rings became true statement pieces. Designs featured everything from tapered shoulders to baguette side stones, all working to enhance the presence of the centre stone.
White gold and platinum made a strong comeback, reinforcing the clean, high-impact look of the era - particularly when paired with the ever-popular round brilliant diamond.
Overall, 1980s engagement rings are bold, confident, and designed to be seen - a true reflection of the decade’s love of statement style.
Few rings have had as lasting an impact as that of Princess Diana. Her iconic 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds, not only defined the 1980s but reshaped engagement ring trends for decades to come - sparking a renewed love for coloured gemstones, particularly sapphires.
For those inspired by the bold elegance of the 1980s, these designs capture the era’s statement aesthetic:
Sapphire Luna – A striking combination of a deep blue sapphire and a radiant diamond cluster, echoing the enduring influence of sapphire-centred designs.
Emerald Calendula – Featuring an octagonal silhouette with delicate grain detailing and a split band, this ring offers a strong yet refined vintage feel.
Nova – With its architectural lines and bold presence, Nova reflects the structured glamour that defined statement rings of the decade.
Following the bold, statement-driven styles of the 1980s, the 1990s marked a return to clean lines and understated elegance. Engagement rings became more refined, with a focus on simplicity, wearability, and timeless design.
Platinum re-emerged as the metal of choice, valued for its durability and naturally white finish, perfectly complementing the growing popularity of sleek solitaire settings. While larger diamonds were still desirable, the way they were presented became more restrained - allowing the stone itself to take centre stage without embellishment.
At the same time, there was a noticeable rise in fancy-shaped diamonds, offering a subtle way to stand out while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Overall, 1990s engagement rings are defined by their quiet confidence - elegant, timeless, and effortlessly wearable.
Style icons of the decade embraced this refined aesthetic. Victoria Beckham has a three-carat marquise-cut diamond solitaire set on a yellow gold band, perfectly capturing the era’s balance of simplicity and statement.
Similarly, Sarah Jessica Parker has an elongated cushion-cut diamond solitaire set on a double yellow gold band - a design that feels both minimal and distinctive.
For those drawn to the clean elegance of the 1990s, these designs reflect the decade’s refined simplicity:
Valli – A beautifully balanced solitaire with a slightly heavier band and delicate taper, finished with tulip-shaped claws that enhance the natural form of the diamond.
Astra – A modern bezel-set design that combines security with sleek styling, offering a contemporary take on 1990s minimalism.
Forrest – A classic solitaire with a subtle crossover detail, adding just enough interest while maintaining a clean, timeless silhouette.
As the new millennium began, engagement rings took on a more polished and high-impact aesthetic. The 2000s were defined by a desire for maximum sparkle, with designs that enhanced the size and brilliance of the centre stone.
The halo setting became the defining style of the decade - surrounding the centre diamond with a circle of smaller stones to create a larger, more radiant overall look. Alongside this, there was a growing appreciation for clean, structured diamond cuts, particularly square and rectangular shapes.
Among high-profile circles, coloured diamonds also rose in popularity, adding a sense of exclusivity and individuality to otherwise classic designs.
Overall, 2000s engagement rings are defined by their brilliance and presence - designed to stand out while still feeling refined.
The 2000s saw engagement rings become headline-making statements, with celebrities embracing bold diamonds and distinctive settings:
Jennifer Lopez had a 8.5 carat fancy light blue radiant-cut diamond, set with white diamond side accents - a ring that helped spark global interest in coloured diamonds.
Sarah Michelle Gellar has a more understated yet refined style, with a princess-cut diamond set on a channel-set diamond band, reflecting the era’s balance between sparkle and structure.
For those drawn to the high-impact elegance of the 2000s, halo designs remain a timeless choice:
Ivy – Featuring grain-set diamond shoulders, this design enhances the centre stone while maintaining a sleek, streamlined look - a modern interpretation of the halo-era aesthetic.
Bluebell – A true celebration of 2000s design, with a diamond centrepiece encircled by a halo of micro-set diamonds and a diamond-set band. Designed to maximise brilliance from every angle, it perfectly captures the decade’s love of sparkle and presence.
By the 2010s, engagement rings became less about tradition and more about personal meaning and individuality. Couples moved away from one-size-fits-all designs, instead choosing rings that reflected their story, style, and sentiment.
This decade saw the rise of fancy-shaped diamonds - particularly oval, pear, and cushion cuts - offering a softer, more distinctive alternative to the classic round brilliant. Alongside this, daintier bands gained popularity, creating a more delicate, refined look that placed full emphasis on the centre stone.
One of the most defining trends of the decade was the resurgence of rose gold. Loved for its warm, romantic tone, it offered a flattering and modern alternative to traditional metals, appealing to those seeking something subtly different.
Overall, 2010s engagement rings feel romantic, individual, and effortlessly modern - designed to reflect the wearer rather than just tradition.
Royal and modern love stories played a major role in shaping engagement ring trends during this decade:
Catherine, Princess of Wales received the iconic 12-carat oval blue sapphire, surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds - originally belonging to Princess Diana - bringing renewed global attention to coloured gemstone engagement rings.
Meghan Markle received a deeply personal design: a 3-carat cushion-cut diamond from Botswana, flanked by two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection - a ring that perfectly captured the decade’s emphasis on storytelling and sentiment.
For those inspired by the romantic individuality of the 2010s, these designs reflect the decade’s defining elements:
Sapphire Elowen – A delicate halo design where micro-set diamonds illuminate the centre stone, echoing the continued popularity of sapphire-centred rings.
Hazel – Featuring brilliant-cut shoulder stones and a striking centre diamond, this ring balances elegance with a more contemporary, eye-catching feel.
Ruby Forrest – A unique take on the classic solitaire, with a richly coloured centre stone and intricate crossover detailing - perfect for those drawn to meaningful, standout designs.
Still unfolding, the 2020s are already proving to be one of the most diverse and design-led decades in engagement ring history. Rather than a single defining style, this era is characterised by freedom of choice - where tradition is optional, and individuality leads.
There’s a noticeable balance between innovation and nostalgia. While modern techniques like lab-grown diamonds are reshaping accessibility - particularly when it comes to larger stones - there’s also a continued appreciation for vintage-inspired details.
Design trends move fluidly: from dainty bands to chunkier gold settings, from classic solitaires to more unconventional styles like Toi et Moi rings. It’s a decade defined not by rules, but by personal preference.
Overall, the 2020s are about redefining what an engagement ring looks like - blending innovation with personal style.
Modern icons continue to shape engagement ring trends in real time:
Hailey Bieber has a striking 11-carat moval (marquise + oval) diamond, set on a simple yellow gold band - a look that has driven the popularity of elongated solitaires and ultra-clean settings.
Sofia Richie has a refined 5–6 carat emerald-cut diamond solitaire, showcasing the continued appeal of sleek, elongated shapes with minimal embellishment.
For those drawn to the evolving style of the 2020s, these designs capture the balance between innovation and timelessness:
Rhea – A classic design with a modern twist, featuring a hidden halo that adds a subtle layer of brilliance beneath the centre stone.
Indigo – An elegant emerald-cut solitaire with a fine tapering band, perfect for those seeking clean lines and an elongated silhouette.
Zenia – A contemporary east-west setting that reimagines the traditional engagement ring, with sculptural lines and a bold, modern presence.
As the decade continues, engagement rings are likely to become even more design-focused and individual, with greater emphasis on how a ring is made, not just the stone itself.
Overall, the focus is shifting towards rings that feel intentional, expressive, and built to last.
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While engagement ring styles have evolved over the past century, the meaning behind them has remained constant. Each decade reflects a different approach to design, shaped by its time - yet many of these styles continue to resonate today, reappearing in both subtle and statement ways.
If you find yourself drawn to elements from different decades, bespoke design offers the freedom to combine them - resulting in a ring that feels both considered and completely personal.
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