Today's engagement rings have a rich history that stretches back through time to Ancient Rome and maybe even beyond. Understanding this history and the design trends intertwined with it will give you an appreciation for the rich meaning of your engagement ring.
The History of the Engagement Ring
The use of engagement rings has been traced back to Ancient Rome, though some evidence shows it may go back as far as Ancient Egypt. Church documents show that it remained a common custom in Western Europe through the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance, Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented the first known diamond engagement ring to his bride-to-be, Mary of Burgundy.
The Victorian age saw the rise of engagement rings among the working and middle classes. By the time King Edward ascended the throne in 1901, the trend had also become entrenched in the United States.
Diamonds rose in popularity as the gem of choice with the discovery and mining of diamonds in South Africa in the late 1860s.
Engagement Ring Trends Through the Past Century
The shape and cut of diamonds tends to follow style trends, as does the choice of metal and design. Some trends have remained popular, while others have faded.
In the 1920s and '30s, Art Deco design influenced rings with sharper angles and intricate ribbon bands. The emerald-cut was extremely popular, occasionally with a band of diamonds around the edge. Platinum and white gold topped the choice of metals.
With the outbreak of World War II, platinum became more scarce in the U.S. which allowed yellow gold and rose gold to rise in popularity. The round cut diamond became the cut of choice for those who could afford diamonds. Round cuts are still the most popular cut today, as you can see in our TACORI collection.
During the 1950s, wearing multiple bands came into fashion. Brides could have separate rings made from different materials for easy fashion coordination. The pear-cut diamond gained popularity with some brides, while the size of the stones also started to increase in most rings..
The 1960s brought a shift in engagement rings. Art Deco design began to regain popularity, which propelled the use of Asscher cut diamonds to the forefront. When the Kennedys entered the White House, Jacqueline's emerald engagement ring brought colored gemstones to the forefront of fashion.
Square was the gemstone shape of choice in the 1970s. Large emerald cut gems remained popular. With new technology and the demand for something different, both the princess cut and the radiant cut became popular choices for diamonds.
In 1981, Princess Diana's oval sapphire halo engagement ring became the trend-setter in the entire decade. Colorful gemstones, often surrounded by a band of diamonds, became the ring of choice for many, though a significant proportion still opted for the diamond engagement ring. Modern halo rings, like those from popular jewelry brand Hearts on Fire, take their inspiration from this iconic decade.
Since 1990, the design trends for engagement rings have become more varied due to the rise of the Internet and more shopping opportunities. The history of the engagement ring shows trends come and go. First and foremost, however, you should always select your ring from the finest jewelers. Contact Rumanoff's Jewelry today to find the perfect ring for you and your love story!
