A Look Back at Iconic Eras of Engagement Rings
The 1980s were a decade of design and elegance. As the transition began from the laid back vibes of the 70s, engagement rings from this era became bigger and flashier as they pushed boundaries and mixed tradition with trends. With geometric cuts to cluster settings, these pieces reflect a time where style was anything but simple. Let’s take a look throughout the years and explore the rings that presented us with unforgettable taste.
1980
In 1980, ring styles leaned more toward timeless, classic gold, with solitaire diamonds, for a simple yet elegant look. Influenced by the traditional values of the previous decade, many favored simpler designs like the round brilliant, which offered a sense of stability and familiarity. The style of this ring helped transition from the 1970s free-spirited style to a more polished, classier aesthetic.
1981
In 1981, engagement rings saw a major shift in style, influenced by Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring, which started a massive trend in non-diamond-centered rings. Deep blues, rich reds, and elegant greens started to appear everywhere, a big difference to the previous year’s simpler diamonds.
1982
In 1982, engagement rings started to become noticeably more extravagant, giving us a small reminder of Art Deco. Cluster settings gained a lot of popularity and added dimension to each design. At the same time, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds began to rise in popularity, giving us a unique cut, while still remaining elegant. This era marked the beginning of glamour in engagement rings as couples sought after more eye-catching settings and shapes.
1983
In 1983, engagement rings started to get bolder and more detailed. Wider bands and multiple stones began to gain popularity, and intricate settings became more common. Straying away from the traditional style at the beginning of the decade, the over-the-top fashion of the 80s started to rise, which influenced the “more is more” trend within diamonds.
1984
By 1984 things had slightly settled down from the flashier styles of the early 80s. High-set solitaire diamonds with visible prongs took over, offering a cleaner, more traditional look, while still being able to show off big stones. This was the year that your stone showed your status. The bigger the diamond, the wealthier you were. It was a refined kind of flash, that was less busy, but still stood out!
1985
1985 was all about coordination. Matching bridal sets became a must-have, with wedding bands shaped to hug the engagement ring. Marquise and oval cuts were popular, adding a graceful but dramatic touch. The real focus was on symmetry. Rings weren’t chosen for how they looked on their own anymore, but rather how perfectly they could fit together!
1986
Building on 1985’s cleaner, coordinated look, 1986 refined the structure even more. You’ll see channel-set diamonds neatly lined along the band. Channel-set became a huge favorite, giving us a sleek, mirrored look that coordinated with the 80s design trends. Angles and bold shapes were everywhere this decade, which influenced diamond decisions. While yellow gold has reigned the past 7 years, we start to see a metal shift for the next decade with platinum bands.
1987
By 1987, rings became more sophisticated. 3-stone designs with thicker bands started to gain popularity, and included engraved details and extra diamonds to make engagement rings feel more personalized. And those who still wanted something elegant yet different, emerald cuts started to become popular, which was influenced by sleek but bold styles of the year!
1988
In 1988, rings were noticeably more romantic and loud. More ornate settings, sometimes with heart shaped diamonds, led into the decade’s love of glamour. Engagement rings started to look more like cocktail rings, as they were designed to stand out. They weren’t just for the aisle anymore, they became fashion statements that showed us personality and drama!
1989
As the decade ends, 1989 leaned into bolder diamonds with domed gold bands. There was also a slight shift in metals too, as gold still remained the favorite, white gold started to make a comeback, especially in couples who wanted a more modern feel. The princess cut started trending, which offered an edgy alternative to the classic solitaire round stones. 1989’s style mixed classic with contemporary, setting us up for the more minimal styles of the 1990s!
This decade helped shape a bolder taste, and showed us how to express personality through engagement rings. Did any of these styles catch your eye or remind you of a ring you love? Whether you are drawn to the glamour of the early 80s or the sleekness of the late 80s, these styles proved that engagement rings are more than just a symbol, they’re personal statements! Is 2025 the year we bring back some of these iconic looks?
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