Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.
Fashion, technology and music have changed dramatically since the year 1900. But compare a 1900s engagement ring to one created today, and you might be hard-pressed to find a discernible difference.
It goes without saying that engagement ring styles have changed through the years, but they’ve also come full circle and shown that like diamonds, classic design is forever. Let’s take a look into how things have changed (or stayed the same).
Characterised by intricate, ornate and elegant designs, engagement rings in the 1900s had a distinct Edwardian flavour. Edwardian engagement rings most often featured yellow gold bands, however platinum started to become popular around this time.
Floral patterns including laurel leaves, ivy and oak leaves were the height of jewellery fashion in the 1900s, with most designs standing the test of time and inspiring modern creations.
1920s jewellery was all about Art Deco. Platinum, white metals and white golds were adorned with baguette stones, geometric designs and even coloured gems. One of the most distinguishable features in this period is the milgrain feature (those tiny lines you can see surrounding the stones).
Art Deco engagement rings remain highly collectible, and continue to inspire modern jewellers today.
Jewellers faced a shortage of platinum in the ‘40s, which was being used in many areas of WWII production, so most rings used gold during this time. Furthermore, a diamond scarcity contributed to a rising popularity of coloured gems. That was until the 1947 De Beers campaign ‘A Diamond is Forever’ launched and diamonds became the most in-demand stone on the market.
Many war-time engagement rings are more modest creations, however the Art Deco trend did persist well into the decade.
Square shapes and cluster settings were the styles of choice in the swinging ‘60s. Emeralds and asschers were cuts of choice during this time, as were coloured gems surrounded by a halo of accent stones.
The ‘60s also saw Hollywood fashion icons like Elizabeth Taylor and even First Lady Jackie Kennedy influence public demand for more adventurous engagement ring styles.
It’s difficult to talk ‘80s engagement rings without mentioning Princess Diana’s stunning oval cut sapphire halo affair. As one of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in history, the bold blue piece had a big impact on styles of the time, with fancy cuts becoming increasingly popular.
The 2000s showed that after over 100 years, classic cuts and traditional settings remain timeless. Platinum and white gold solitaires were the ring of choice for many, and three-stone designs also had a surge in popularity.
This era also signalled a greater focus on the quality of the stone, with more educated buyers seeking premium diamonds with exceptional clarity, colour and cut.
Today’s newlyweds have an incredibly diverse range of ring styles to choose from. Contemporary styles like tension settings are popular among more modern tastes, but classic round cut claw settings remain the go-to style for more traditional buyers.
It remains to be seen what style of engagement ring will come to define our decade, but it’s safe to say the focus on quality remains.
Whether you own some collective vintage pieces or are looking to buy your first engagement ring, it’s worth protecting your investment with specialised jewellery insurance like Q Report. To see how little it can cost to protect the thing you love, get an instant online quote today.
To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.
Don't have the receipt?
If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.
