Engagement Rings & Wedding Dresses From the Last 100 Years


Bella Breakdown

Looking for wedding inspiration? Take a look back at some of the most popular bridal looks of the past 100 years—and the gorgeous rings that went with them!

A Brief History of Engagement Rings

Dating back to the early 1900s engagement rings, in the form of a simple gold bands, have been given to betrothed brides-to-be as a symbol of their beloved’s affections.

Typically worn on the left hand because the left ring finger is said to have the “vein of love” running through it, however others believe it’s because the left hand is closer to the heart.

Either way the choice of hand seems to have anatomically significance, although practically speaking most people are right-handed and the wearing of the ring on the left hand may just been a method to better preserving the jewelry itself. Decide for yourself 🙂

weddingdressesover100years1

By 1925 engagement rings had evolved to house beautiful gemstones like diamond, rubies, sapphires, etc, much to the delight of the gem mining industry and fashionable brides-to-be.

During the 1940s floral designs became all the rage, with a favoring towards yellow gold settings.

In the 1960s colored gems took centerstage, think Princess Diana’s stunning diamond-surround sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Duchess Kate.

In the 1970s the ever popular emerald cut diamond came into fashion, this look is still wildly popular today, Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé and Amal Clooney all rock (pun intend) this glamorous ring style.

By the 1990s the Marquise cut diamond gained popularity, this ultra-elegant cut is favored by Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The rings of the 2000s were all about symbolism, three-stone rings representing a couple’s past, present, and future came into fashion… awwwwww.

This year cushion cut diamonds in micro-pave halo settings are the top trend, Amy Adams and Jessica Alba both favor this engagement ring style.

Author: Amy

Share This Post On

Related Posts: