Fashion and design have always reflected the ever-evolving landscape of social norms and cultural shifts. Engagement ring trends are no exception. As society progresses, so does engagement ring design.

In this guide, we explore how the most popular engagement ring trends throughout history have mirrored social norms, and what that looks like today.

For further ring inspiration, explore our thoughtfully crafted timeless yet modern collection of engagement rings featuring VRAI created diamonds.

Evolution of Engagement Ring Styles

Popular engagement ring settings have changed throughout history. The biggest engagement ring trends of each era tend to reflect the current social and political climate.

Diamond engagement rings didn't become the norm until almost halfway through the twentieth century. Diamonds became more accessible and advertising took center stage, solidifying diamond engagement rings as the social norm.

Most people chose a traditional solitaire engagement ring with a Round Brilliant cut diamond. This classic style perfectly reflects the traditional values of the time. For years, the emphasis was on diamond size over eye-catching design. The bigger the diamond ring, the wealthier and more glamorous the wearer.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, however, engagement ring design evolved as rapidly as social change. People began to choose unique designs, unexpected stones, or multiple diamonds as engagement rings evolved into a symbol of personal expression.

Decade-by-Decade Ring Trends

Below, we break down a few of the top ring styles by decade, and how the social climate impacted design popularity.

1980s

In the 1980s, society entered an era of opulence, excess, and glamor. Bigger and bolder was considered better, and the engagement ring market was transformed.

Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring embodies this era, setting the trend of colored gems and halo settings for extra sparkle. Bigger diamonds, diamond accents, and bold gold reflected the flashy displays of wealth that defined the eighties.

1990s

The 1990s were a defining and innovative decade. Political change and uprisings, the start of the digital age, the end of the Cold War, and groundbreaking artistic progression that popularized rap, grunge, and electronic music. It’s no surprise that the top engagement ring trends of this progressive decade echo the similarly forward-thinking Art Deco era.

Princess cut diamonds, thin platinum and white gold bands, and sleek Solitaire settings were heavily favored. Engagement rings with a unique center stone and a simple yet sophisticated band remain popular today.

2000s

At the turn of the century, the world became set on technological advancement with palpable future optimism. Fashion began to reflect the playful, hopeful, technological attitude of the decade. Popular engagement ring styles fused modern with vintage, and bold with simple.

Pave set rings dominated the early 2000s, as did double bands, rose gold, and contemporary East-West and Two Tone settings.

2010s

Social media hit a new peak in the 2010s, fundamentally changing how people got information, shopped, and interacted with each other. Online shopping exploded. Social media and streaming services provided people with more access to global pop culture and media than ever before.

Fashion and jewelry trends inevitably began to shift, with a prominent vintage-inspired influence as interest in eras past increased. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s vintage engagement rings took center stage. Heirloom stones, halo settings, colored side stones, and Three Stone rings defined this decade. Double halo settings and the historic Cushion cut diamond were also very popular in the 2010s.

2020s

As the 2020s unfold, we're experiencing a social shift toward individualization like never before. Gone are the days where one trend or way of living dominates. Today, people are more focused on curating their own personal style. Engagement rings embody this. There's a newfound emphasis on custom designs and contemporary yet vintage-inspired settings for a one of a kind look.

People have simultaneously never been more environmentally conscious, which is causing consumers to choose the sustainable option over the brand name item.

Why Engagement Ring Preferences Are Changing

Below, we cover the key reasons why social norms have influenced engagement ring preferences, and what that looks like today.

Political Influence

Throughout history, politics have played a large role in fashion, which continues today. Religion, cultural customs, and political discourse often dictate what is considered socially acceptable to wear and how people choose to express themselves. This can influence what diamond shapes and styles are particularly meaningful at the time.

Politics also determine what materials are available. Economic crisis and war will impact what materials can be used for engagement rings, and therefore, what design options consumers have.

Economic Status

Economic fluctuations greatly influence engagement ring choices. How people represent their financial status, and the importance of this, will change depending on the current economic climate. For example, the 1980s was all about displaying your wealth, so the most popular engagement rings of that era were big and bold.

With rising costs of living and a current emphasis on supporting ethical brands or brand names, it’s no surprise that lab-grown diamonds have risen in popularity today. Their affordability makes sustainable luxury accessible to a wider audience.

Evolving Gender Norms

The traditional and conservative gender norms of eras past have evolved. There’s now a growing acceptance of gender-fluid and non-binary identities, with some people also choosing self-partnership or engagement rings for all partners.

This has directly impacted the diversity of engagement ring offerings. Unique design details, unisex styles, and more inclusive shopping experiences are rising in popularity.

Ethical Norms

From the social awareness of blood diamonds to a growing environmental consciousness, ethical norms have always influenced engagement rings.

Today, more retailers than ever are offering lab-grown diamonds as a conflict-free alternative. As consumers demand more transparency, jewelers are also incorporating recycled metals and implementing sustainable production methods.

Social Media

The introduction and evolution of social media has fundamentally changed how engagement ring styles trend. Throughout history, people were largely exposed to the same media, which would set the trend.

Now, social media platforms have become the new bridal magazines, with influencers and celebrities showcasing diverse and often unconventional ring styles. This visibility has played a crucial role in normalizing a broader range of unique choices, inspiring today’s emphasis on personalization.

Current Engagement Ring Trends

A few of the most popular engagement rings today are as follows:

1. Modern Minimalism: Today's rings often lean towards sleek, minimalist styles, reflecting the appreciation for simplicity and sustainability.
2. Custom Design: Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement rings did the trick. Today, couples are prioritizing personal significance and their unique look over traditional standards. Custom designs and custom diamond shapes are more popular than ever.
3. Sustainability: As environmental concerns become more pronounced, the demand for sustainable and ethically sourced rings and lab-created diamonds has skyrocketed.
4. Online Shopping: The digital revolution has transformed how couples shop for engagement rings, with more people choosing online shopping.
5. Unisex Designs: Non-gendered designs are becoming increasingly popular. Many couples are choosing to each wear an engagement ring, instead of just the woman.
6. Heirloom: With the focus on secondhand shopping and sustainability, heirloom and vintage engagement rings have taken center stage.
7. Multiple rings: In the interest of personalization, it’s becoming more popular for people to own multiple engagement rings to express their style and relationship evolution.
8. Colored Gemstones: There's a noticeable shift towards colored gemstones and colored diamonds like VRAI created pink diamonds, mirroring our current emphasis on celebrating uniqueness.

Find Your Perfect Diamond Ring at VRAI

Let your engagement ring reflect your values at VRAI. Unmatched origin and quality are what differentiates VRAI from the rest. At the heart of every VRAI engagement ring is a VRAI created diamond. Grown in the world’s first zero-emission foundry and powered by 100% renewable energy, our diamonds represent the innovation of today.

With cuts in the top 1% of the world, our fourth-generation master diamond cutters expertly craft every customizable diamond engagement ring according to your specifications. With an origin completely known from the very first atom, our lab-grown diamond rings will align with your values and your style.

Diamond Ring Changing Social Norms FAQ

Read on for further information about shifting engagement ring trends.

Can Engagement Ring Styles Really Indicate Social Changes?

Just like fashion, engagement ring styles directly reflect cultural trends, economic factors, and evolving values, marking significant shifts in society's priorities and norms.

Why Are Sustainable Rings Becoming More Popular?

Sustainable rings are becoming more popular due to increased awareness of environmental issues and ethical concerns around diamond mining. This has driven the demand for sustainable options like lab-grown diamonds.

Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Becoming Popular?

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular because they offer an ethical, sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. They are still real diamonds, but they align with modern values around environmental protection and social responsibility.

Can Engagement Rings Be Customized?

Engagement rings can be customized. You can work with a retailer to create a custom-designed engagement ring that reflects your unique story and preferences.

Are Expensive Rings Still in Demand?

Expensive rings are still popular, but shoppers today are prioritizing value and quality over a specific price.