Skip to content

Stroll Through Popular Engagement Ring Trends by Decade

Take a look at how engagement styles have changed over the years

You’ve probably hosted customers in search of the perfect vintage ring. The bride-to-be may have worn high-waist jeans while her beau sported a grizzly beard or high-top sneakers. It’s no secret that trends come and go, then come back again full circle.

As artisans, we are able to incorporate looks from the past in order to create meaningful and customized pieces, bringing a customer’s vision of the perfect engagement ring to life.

 

Take a step back in time with us as we examine popular engagement ring trends by decade.

 

1950s Engagement Ring Trends

Did you know that while Elvis was establishing himself as the king of Rock and Roll during the 50s, the Hope Diamond found a forever home in the Smithsonian (1958)?

When it came to engagement rings, there was a rise of single, fancy-shaped stones, particularly the marquise diamond. Stackable bands, which were also trending during this time (thanks Audrey Hepburn), are still popular styles today.

1960s Bridal Trends

The Beatles, Woodstock, and a man on the moon, the 1960s brought about the changing of culture.

Styles changed too. Linear geometric shapes resurged. Floral motifs and colored center stones were popular too. Pop icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly rocked emerald-cut stones, while emeralds themselves were a trend started by first lady Jackie Kennedy.

1970s Engagement Ring Trends

Not only did the Star Wars saga begin during the 70s but Stuller’s story also started in 1970. Toll-free phone ordering was introduced in 1972, and prime manufacturing ramped up in 1973.

In the bridal industry, statement pieces were all the rage. Cluster rings were popular, along with princess-cut diamonds, which were perfected during this time. These rings were typically set in yellow gold and accompanied by matching wedding bands.

1980s Engagement Trends

The 80s, particularly 1982, were a great time to be alive. Not only did Michael Jackson release his “Thriller album,” one of the best selling albums ever, Stuller also debuted its revolutionary next-day delivery that same year.

You may recall the Royal Wedding and Princess Diana’s beautiful sapphire ring. This iconic piece set off a firestorm for sapphire around the globe and created an instant trend. Bigger, flashier pieces seemed to be all the rage at the time as well, usually featuring round or oval center stones. Platinum was a popular metal, though white and yellow gold were chosen too.

1990s Bridal Trends

The days before the World Wide Web are hard to recall, despite it being around for only twenty-five years or so. Stuller.com was introduced in 1997, along with a customization program called Have It Your Way.

During this time, we saw a rise in popularity of radiant-cut diamonds with triangular stones on each side. There was also a surge in three-stone rings.

2000s Engagement Ring Trends

The turn of the century brought about a swift move into a new age of technology. Stuller partnered with Gemvision in 2009 to expand our design software, allowing for customization options such as CounterSketch® in 2010 and 3C in 2012.

Princess-cut center stones were popular, as well as, halo-style designs. However, due to the availability of numerous customization options for shoppers today, no particular trend has dominated in recent years.

Future Bridal and Engagement Rings 

The future is never certain. However, there are two things that can be assured: engagement ring styles will continue to change as trends evolve over time. And Stuller will be with you every step of the way to accommodate the progression of the industry.

As we look forward, customization reigns king, along with rose gold mountings and colored center stones.

Find more about beards, bench jewelers, and why millennials are obsessed with vintage jewelry here


Do you remember these popular engagement ring trends by decade? What other trends have you seen come and go over the years? Share with us in the comments below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Morgan Waters

I've been with Stuller since 2013 • Played violin since the age of three • Graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, MS & forever a Liberal Arts enthusiast • Managed in-store marketing & retail promotions at a local jewelry store while in college • Love hot yoga followed by lazy brunch on Saturday mornings.