Engagement Ring Styles And Their Eras: 1930s-2000s

Engagement ring styles have evolved significantly over the past century, from the bold Art Deco rings of the 1920s to the minimalist designs of the 1990s. If you love a vintage aesthetic, let us guide you through each decade's signature styles for inspiration on stones, shapes, and metals.

The 1920s: The Art Deco Era

The 1920s were all about bold shapes and intricate details:

• Geometric designs.
• Filigree work and milgrain edges.
• Pairing coloured gemstones with diamonds.
• Popular cuts were Asscher, emerald, and old European.

A modern take: A toi et moi chocolate Asscher cut moissanite with an ethical lab grown round diamond in a rose gold band.

The 1930s: The Era of Refinement and Elegance

The Great Depression influenced engagement ring styles in the 1930s, resulting in refined yet simpler designs compared to the previous decade:

• Art Deco styles with softer designs.
• Platinum was a common choice.
• The round brilliant cut became popular.
• Baguette-cut diamonds were often used as accents.

Celebrity Example: In 1936, Wallis Simpson, wife of former King Edward VIII received an iconic emerald and diamond ring from King Edward VIII, epitomising the elegance of the era.

A modern take: A 1.5 carat emerald cut blue sapphire engagement ring with pave diamonds in a platinum band, with a complementary wedding ring

The 1940s: The Hollywood Glamour Era

World War II led to more restrained designs, but post-war rings embraced Hollywood glamour:

• Yellow gold was very popular.
• More people opted for wide, ‘cocktail ring’ sculpted bands with textured details.
• Marquise and pear diamond shapes become very popular.

Celebrity Example: Lucille Ball was initially given a brass ring by Desi Arnaz, later upgraded to a whopping 40 carat emerald-cut aquamarine ring with a bold band in the 1940s.

A modern take: A 1.5 carat pear cut diamond engagement ring in a yellow gold band.

The 1950s: The Timelessness Era

The 1950s saw a return to classic, understated elegance:

• Less is more when it came to design.
• A return to platinum.
• Classic round diamonds or three-stone designs.
• Simple settings that let the diamond shine.

Celebrity Example: Grace Kelly (1955) was given a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Prince Rainier III, a classic example of 1950s elegance.

A modern take:  A 3 stone engagement ring featuring an emerald centre stone and two accenting trapezoid diamonds.

The 1960s: The Modern and Bold Era

The 1960s saw a wave of creativity with nature-inspired and unique designs:

• Textured gold and floral patterns.
• Coloured gemstones as centre stones became popular.
• Some Art Deco influences made a comeback.

Celebrity Example: Jacqueline Kennedy famous multi-stone engagement ring from John F. Kennedy, featuring a diamond and an emerald, reflected the decade's distinctive style.

A modern take:  A toi et moi sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

The 1970s: The Unconventional Era

Engagement rings of the 1970s were often unconventional, embracing individuality:

• Bohemian designs with asymmetrical settings
• Cluster settings with multiple stones
• Yellow gold remained popular

Celebrity Example: Mia Farrow's 9-carat pear-shaped diamond from Frank Sinatra in 1966 mirrored the decade's free-spirited style

A modern take: Champagne oval moissanite in a yellow gold band.

The 1980s: The Bigger and Bolder Era

The 1980s embraced excess and glamour, and engagement rings followed suit:

• Large, statement stones were in
• Elaborate designs with multiple diamonds
• Yellow gold and thick bands

Celebrity Example: Princess Diana's iconic 12-carat oval sapphire ring, surrounded by diamonds, captured the decade's love for opulence and was then replicated by Kate Middleton.

A modern take: A large oval sapphire engagement ring with accenting diamonds in a platinum band.

The 1990s: The Minimalist and Simple Era

In the 1990s, less was more. Engagement rings reflected this minimalist trend:

• Solitaire diamonds became the go-to style.
• Platinum was the metal of choice.
• The focus was on the quality of the diamond, not the size.

Celebrity Example: Jennifer Lopez’s platinum ring with a 6.1-carat pink radiant-cut diamond (2002) was substantial yet understated.

A modern take: An elegant solitaire radiant cut diamond engagement ring with accenting pear diamonds.

The 2000s to Present: Personal and Vintage-Inspired

The 2000s brought a mix of modern and vintage styles, with more personal touches:

• Halo settings became popular
• A return to rose gold
• Vintage-inspired designs with modern twists

Celebrity Example: Amal Clooney’s 7-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from George Clooney (2014) combines classic elegance with contemporary style.

A modern take: A vintage-inspired halo ring with a cushion-cut diamond in rose gold for a perfect blend of old and new.

Design your Vintage Inspired Ring with Four Words

Four Words is a New Zealand-based jeweller specialising in custom rings. Whether you're drawn to the bold Art Deco designs of the 1920s or the simple elegance of the 1990s, we can bring your vintage-inspired vision to life.

Our skilled jewellers will guide you through every step, from selecting the ideal metal to incorporating bespoke elements. We offer a range of ethically sourced stones, including lab-grown and natural diamonds and options for moissanite rings. Our prices are fair without compromising on quality, and we are dedicated to creating stunning, unique rings designed to last a lifetime.

Whether you choose a classic gold band or a modern platinum design, your engagement ring journey with Four Words will be truly personal. Book an appointment today to begin creating your perfect ring.