From the 1920s to Today, Find a Vintage-Inspired Engagement Ring That Fits Your Style

"These three rings custom designed for our clients recall the distinct art deco styles of the 1920s that were characterized by sharp lines and geometric designs. In the 1920s, square diamond cuts, such as asscher, cushion, and emerald cuts, were exceedingly popular, with many of the most fantastic styles featuring diamond halos." — Kelly Villarreal, Ada Diamonds

Get this ring: Ada Diamonds Top of the World Setting ($2,350, setting only)

Get this ring: Ada Diamonds

Get this ring: Ada Diamonds

Characteristics of art deco style lasted through the 1930s, but ring trends made a distinct shift from eccentric lines and obscure shapes to geometric simplicity. These rings often have one round stone in the center surrounded by small gems or diamonds on the left and right, bringing attention to the main sparkle of the piece. The smaller gems come together in the platinum band, creating an effect of overall symmetry.

Get this ring: Brilliant Earth The Dengate Ring (price available on request)

Get this ring: Vintage c. 1930s Engagement Ring With a GIA 1.22 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Center ($8,900)

Get this ring: Victor Barbone Hexagon Art Deco Engagement Ring ($3,950)

Delicate, thin, refined, and timeless are just a few words used to describe engagement rings from this era. Round, solitary stones and floral designs were widely used, which created a more feminine look. World War II is largely responsible for these changes, especially the dependency on yellow and rose gold, as platinum was largely used in war efforts. Colored gems such as rubies and sapphires became more common because diamonds were too expensive for the majority of the country after the Great Depression. However, rings made solely out of diamonds became more prevalent in the late 1940s when designer De Beers opened mines in Africa which made the precious gems more accessible than ever before.

Get this ring: 1stdibs Victorian Diamond and Yellow Gold Cluster Ring ($3,900)

Get this ring: 1940s Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18-Karat White and Yellow Gold ($1,380)

Get this ring: Zales Oval Lab-Created Ceylon and White Sapphire Frame Five Stone Ring in Sterling Silver ($149)

Diamonds truly are forever, thanks to 1950s engagement ring trends. With exclusivity of diamonds being a thing of the past, this stone became the framework for the ring style that is still idolized today. Classic platinum made its way back into the game, so band colors varied from silver to yellow and rose gold. Bands were not of importance when they were paired with a sparkling diamond. Round center stones grew larger with time and were commonly accompanied by two symmetrical smaller cut diamonds or baguettes. When you hear "I said yes!" you probably picture this iconic ring.

Get this ring: Isadoras Midcentury Illusion-Set Diamond Ring ($4,300)

Get this ring: Ritani Solitaire Diamond Six-Prong Knife-Edge Engagement Ring With 2-Carat Round Diamond ($7,864)

Get this ring: Robbins Brothers 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring Setting ($495, setting only)

After the diamond craze of the '50s, the classic, end-all-be-all engagement ring was established. Though plain platinum and yellow gold bands with large circular diamonds were all the rage for years to come, trendsetters looked for ways to add some spice to the already-perfect ring. Hollywood glamour stars were a big inspiration for ring designers to create more individualistic pieces. People sought out classic rings with a quirky twist, such as emerald and colored gemstones.

Get this ring: Erstwhile Art Deco Tiffany & Co Sapphire and Diamond Ring ($10,000)

Get this ring: 1960s Diamond Emerald Cluster Halo Ring 18 Karat Gold Platinum ($6,800)

Get this ring: Helzberg Diamonds

Like the fashion of the decade, jewelry trends also aimed for never-before-seen looks. Statement styles such as princess cuts, diamond clusters, and symmetrical baguettes were made for standing out. Sparkly, striking, and eye-catching designs were major inspiration for the disco era.

Get this ring: 1stdibs French 1970s Retro 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring ($17,817)

Get this ring: Ben Bridge Bezel Set Diamond Ring 14K ($2,999)

Get this ring: Ritani French-Set Halo Diamond Band Engagement Ring With 2-Carat Cushion Diamond ($12,106)

"The most famous ring of the decade, Princess Diana's famous oval sapphire and diamond ring inspired the look of fancy-colored lab-diamond center stones seen in our Three Stone Round Setting and inspired the design of ourClassic Royal Setting, which features 12-14 lab-grown diamonds surrounding a basket-set center stone." — Kelly Villarreal, Ada Diamonds

Get this ring: Ada Diamonds

Get this ring: Charles & Colvard Forever One 2.10CTW Oval Colorless Moissanite East-West Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K Rose Gold ($1,849)

"There's nothing like a royal wedding to spark some serious trends — and nothing like a royal engagement to influence ring styles! The 1980s boasts one of the most famous engagement rings of all time: Princess Diana's oval blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds. Three of our very favorite wedding ring trends were inspired by this royal stunner: oval-cut center stones, colored non-diamond gemstones, and halo settings. In fact, this ring was so iconic that Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with it — causing another resurgence in the popularity of colorful center stones. The styles in this ring, from the unique elongated oval-shaped stone to the brilliant color, are as timeless as they are modern and stand out in a sea of "typical" diamond engagement rings. But perhaps our favorite "trend" here is that this ring is a treasured family heirloom that's been passed down from one generation to the next. Talk about priceless!" — Jenna Miller, creative director at Here Comes the Guide

Get this ring: Diamond Nexus Lady of Kensington Oval Cut Engagement Ring, Sapphire ($1,154)

"The 1990s saw a surge of popularity for fancy diamond shapes, with marquise-cut diamonds becoming extremely popular. Our Marquise Solitaire Setting was designed to recall the bold look that defined the decade. The 1990s also saw increasingly diverse ring designs, such as our Fancy Top of the World Setting featuring a lab-grown marquise diamond." — Kelly Villarreal, Ada Diamonds

Get the ring: Ada Diamonds Marquise Solitaire ($950, setting only)

Get the ring: Ada Diamonds

Get the ring: Jared Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct tw Marquise 14K White Gold ($5,500)

What do Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, J Lo, and Paris Hilton all have in common? They rocked 2000s pop culture with rhinestones and bling. Glitz and glam were essential elements in the era of bedazzle, which remained consistent in engagement rings. Unembellished platinum and white gold bands were often complemented by a single round, princess, or trilogy diamond centerpiece. These rings are guaranteed to make heads turn and are anything but minimalist.

Get this ring: Blue Nile Truly Zac Posen Marquise Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,450, setting only)

Get this ring: Kay Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct tw Round-Cut 10K White Gold ($2,000)

Get this ring: Robbins Brothers Utwo 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring 1 1/2 cttw ($4,495)

One word: halo. Stones have gotten larger and bands thinner, putting the "ring" in "put a ring on it." The classic rock style created in the 1950s gets a revamp with these large center stones, often in an oval shape. Large round stones surrounded by smaller sparkling stones serve as a major focal point of the newly engaged hand. Millennials are known to break rules, including breaking style trends. Though the halo is treasured by millennials, vintage rings have been making a comeback. Past styles such as colored gemstones and infinity bands are favored by the generation, proving them to be timeless pieces.

Get this ring: Blue Nile 1.3ct Round Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum ($11,586)

Get this ring: 1.5 ctw Classic Oval Halo Man-Made Diamond Simulant Engagement Ring ($130)

Get this ring: James Allen 14K White Gold Pave Halo Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,215, originally $1,620)