Engagement rings symbolize love and commitment between two people. Any time you see a lucky lady sporting one, you know that she’s the light of someone’s life. The question is- how long has this tradition been around? Were brides-to-be flaunting sumptuous sparklers in public long before Instagram was a thing? Or the Internet for that matter?
The answer is yes! If you want to get technical, it’s been happening since Ancient Rome. Now come discover how this coveted piece of jewelry came to be, how the styles have evolved over time, and what’s hot in 2023.
Why We Love the Diamond
We love engagement rings because they’re gorgeous, true. But so are statement rings, tennis bracelets, and other pieces of super-chic jewelry. No, what makes them so special is what they represent: your bae’s love for you. What better way to say it than with the nature-inspired splendor of The Textured Twig or the extravagant glory of The Kylie?
So what did your great-great-great grandmother’s engagement ring look like? And how about the one HER great-great-great grandmother wore? Read on!
The Textured Twig with a 1 carat Oval cut Diamond in White Gold
Good Old-Fashioned Love: Engagement Rings Through the Centuries
Like we said at the beginning, engagement rings are almost as old as civilization itself. However, the appearance and materials used varied from one culture to the next.
In Ancient Rome, grooms-to-be presented their beloved with a ring made of bone, flint, ivory, or metal (usually copper or iron) to seal the marriage contract. They were worn on a finger of the left hand that was believed to contain a vein running directly to the heart. You can thank this tradition for the modern practice of wearing engagement and wedding bands on the left hand.
Across the sea, the Egyptians formalized their unions with rings made from woven reeds and leather. These rings often featured intricate designs and hieroglyphics that conveyed messages of love and devotion. Today, you can see similar degrees of loving artistry in vintage engagement rings like The Catherine.
The Catherine with a 1 carat Oval cut Diamond in Rose Gold
Diamonds Are Now Forever
The first diamond ring appeared in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned one for his bride, Mary of Burgundy. By this point, engagement rings were made from metals like bronze, silver, and gold. Mary’s diamond triggered a demand for solitaire engagement rings that’s still alive and well over 500 years later!
Over time, diamond engagement rings became more elaborate, with engraved patterns and strategic stone placement. Take a look at the dainty and sophisticated design of The Elizabeth and you’ll get an idea of the luxurious turn that ring designs were taking.
The Elizabeth with a 2.5 carat Emerald cut Moissanite in White Gold
By the 1800s, diamond engagement rings had acquired an emotional and symbolic significance for EVERYONE, not just the nobility. Soon every groom-to-be was declaring their love with a diamond.
As time passed, diamond engagement rings went through certain variations, some of which you see today. For example:
The 1920s was all about angled lines and accent stones. These rings were the forerunner of bold and glamorous pieces like The Scarlett.
The Scarlett with a 2.5 carat Oval cut Diamond in White Gold
During the 1950s, every engagement ring HAD to be a solitaire with diamond baguettes on the sides. This timeless aesthetic is still visible in classic designs like The Liv. It was also around this time that colorful gemstones took off thanks to Jackie Kennedy’s ring, which featured an emerald-cut diamond and emerald stone embraced by a leaf-shaped set of diamonds.
During the '70s, rings with angular and geometric cuts gained popularity, with uniqueness being more important than size. The clean lines and flawless glitter of The Amber had its genesis during this fun and funky decade.
In 1983, Princess Diana’s choice of a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire engagement ring inspired a huge demand for natural gemstone center stones. When she debuted her sparkler in front of Buckingham Palace, stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies became absolute must-haves on engagement rings. For many of us, that hasn’t changed!
The Amber with a 2 carat Emerald cut Moissanite in Yellow Gold
What’s Hot in Engagement Rings Today?
What’s so fantastic about engagement rings today is that the only real limit is your imagination. You can have a pink diamond or a blue sapphire. A vintage setting or something really unique like east-west. It’s all up to you!
In terms of overall styles, these rings are the hottest choices today.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
Solitaire engagement rings feature a single diamond or gemstone mounted on a simple band. The stone is typically held in place by prongs, which allow maximum light to create a brilliant sparkle. If that’s your style, you’ll love The Twig, which incorporates the beauty of nature into the diamond-studded band, or The Razor Kamellie, whose hidden halo cradles the center stone above a sleek and sharp band.
The Razor Kamellie with a 1.5 carat Elongated Cushion cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
Pave Engagement Rings
In a pavé setting, small diamonds or gemstones are set closely together to create a continuous surface of sparkling gems. If you want to know what pure luxury looks like, check out The Pave Lexie, whose shimmering band, creates an unbroken line of sparkle, or The Pave Aline, a pave-set solitaire with a hidden halo that boosts the size and brilliance of the center stone.
The Pave Lexie with a 2 carat Elongated Cushion cut Diamond in White Gold
Halo Engagement Rings
This setting features a central sparkler surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones, creating a shimmering effect. Want some examples that will have you drooling? The Michelle is all brilliance, fire, and light with its pave-set diamond halo while The Miley features double diamond-set shoulders that elevate its opulent halo.
The Michelle with a 1 carat Round cut Moissanite in Yellow Gold
Side Stone Engagement Rings
Side stone engagement rings feature accent diamonds or gemstones on either side of the center stone. These stones, which are typically set in a row or cluster, enhance the brilliance and majesty of the centerpiece.
For some examples you’ll want on your wish list, take a look at The Penelope, whose rough-textured band and pave-set side stones create a unique backdrop for the center stone, and the The Khloe, which shimmers with exquisite round-cut diamonds on each shoulder.
The Khloe with a 2 carat Oval cut Diamond in White Gold
Natural Gemstone Engagement Rings
The gemstone mania inspired by Princess Diana’s ring is still alive and well, with many couples opting for colorful gemstones like emeralds and sapphire. With these engagement rings, you and your bae can choose a stone that matches your individual style and personality.
What makes natural gemstone engagement rings so special is the specific meanings and symbolism associated with them. For example, sapphires are often associated with wisdom and loyalty, while emeralds are associated with love and rebirth. Whether your bae is edgy and fierce or sweet and demure, The Twig with a sapphire will be the perfect match. Guaranteed.
The Twig with a 1 carat Round cut Lab Created Sapphire in Yellow Gold
Conclusion
From ancient times to the modern era, engagement rings have symbolized love and commitment. While styles and materials have changed over time, their meaning and significance have not. When you present her with an exquisite princess cut sparkler or sapphire framed by a perfect halo and she says YES, you know it’s for real
