100 Years of Engagement Ring Trends — and the Celebs Who Rock Them

These celebrities rock vintage engagement rings (or at least vintage-inspired) that showcase 100 years of engagement ring trends. Check out Emily Blunt, Alexis Bledel and more vintage engagement rings.

By: Mara Betsch

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Some pieces of jewelry never go out of style — like the timeless diamonds and bands featured in this gallery. From simple diamond solitaires to colored gems and halo settings, see how each decade set its own style (and which celebrities have drawn inspiration from vintage styles), starting with the 1910s. No ring style is as timeless as a round cut solitaire stone on a prong setting with a plain gold band. A century ago the metal of choice was yellow gold, but it’s just as popular now in white gold or platinum. Just ask Emily Blunt, who pairs her Edwardian-inspired ring, popular from 1890-1915, with a wedding band of channel-set diamonds.

1920s

Diamond wedding jewelry took its inspiration from the geometric Art Deco style of this time period. Alexis Bledel’s octagonal sparkler’s shape is indicative of the trends of this time.

1930s & ‘40s

Intricate filigree mountings add even more sparkle to classic diamonds, while white gold and rose gold became more popular as platinum supplies were redirected for war use. A shining example: Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring from Romain Dauriac.

1950s

Round diamonds set in intricate gold bands were often paired with settings that included other side stones; Mary-Kate Olsen’s stunning vintage 1953 gold, diamond, and sapphire ring from Cartier is an especially breathtaking example.

1960s

As the memories of the war faded, brides and grooms turned to more eye-catching shapes — emerald, pear, marquise — in simple settings; they may have also been inspired by the 33.19 Asscher-cut stone Richard Burton bought for Elizabeth Taylor. Jessica Alba’s smaller, but no less sparkling, engagement ring is a gorgeous example of a modern take on this style.

1970s

That glitzy ‘70s style made its way to wedding jewelry, too, with gold bands, channel-set mountings, marquise and round diamonds, and matching sets increasing in popularity. Christina Milian’s marquise engagement ring from Jas Prince (the couple has since ended their relationship) was a beautiful throwback.

1980s

Engagement ring styles returned to a more traditional round solitaire diamond, but chic baguettes on the band gave the look a modern update that became an instant classic (see: Emmy Rossum’s chic sparkler from Sam Esmail).

1990s

Brides during this time were going for more classic styles. And, as weddings were getting bigger and more ornate, so did engagement rings — like the famous 6.1-carat pink radiant cut stunner Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez.

2000s

Princess-cut diamonds took center stage as an alternative to traditional round stones; Hilary Duff’s 14-karat gem was rumored to cost her now-ex-husband Mike Comrie $1 million.

2010

Today’s trend: Colored stones — like pink or yellow diamonds or, if you’re a royals fan, an eye-catching sapphire — surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds in a halo setting.

100 Years of Engagement Ring Trends — and the Celebs Who Rock Them

Related To:

Shop This Look

1920s

1930s & ‘40s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010

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