The 1990s marked a significant time in engagement ring trends, as styles began to shift away from the flashy, over-the-top designs of the 1980s and towards more minimalist and timeless options. In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular engagement ring trends from the 1990s.

The Fine jewelry landscape of the 1990s

The fine jewelry style of the 1990s was characterized by a mix of bold and minimalist designs. While some jewelry pieces were still big and flashy, others became more delicate and subtle. The jewelry of the 1990s was heavily influenced by the grunge and minimalist movements that were popular at the time. This resulted in a blend of edgy and refined designs, creating a unique style that defined the decade. Yellow gold continued to be a popular choice, while white gold and platinum gained popularity as well. Diamonds and colored gemstones were also highly sought after, with a focus on unique cuts and shapes.

Top Celebrity Engagement Rings of the 1990s

The 1990s saw many celebrity engagements and weddings, with some of the most iconic engagement rings of all time. Here are some of the top celebrity engagement rings of the 1990s:

Mariah Carey's Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring: In 1993, Tommy Mottola proposed to Mariah Carey with a stunning emerald-cut diamond ring that weighed in at a whopping 10 carats.

Catherine Zeta-Jones' Antique Style Ring: When Michael Douglas proposed to Catherine Zeta-Jones in 1999, he gave her an antique-style ring featuring a 10-carat marquise-cut diamond.

Pamela Anderson's Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring: When Tommy Lee proposed to Pamela Anderson in 1995, he gave her a unique pear-shaped diamond ring that was estimated to be around 3.5 carats.

Princess Diana's Sapphire and Diamond Ring: Although Princess Diana's engagement ring was given to her in 1981, it remained an iconic ring throughout the 1990s. The ring featured a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds and was later passed down to Kate Middleton.

Demi Moore's Oval Diamond Ring: In 1998, Ashton Kutcher proposed to Demi Moore with a stunning oval-cut diamond ring that was estimated to be around 5 carats.

These celebrity engagement rings helped set the trends for the decade and continue to inspire engagement ring designs today.

Top Engagement Rings Designs of the 1990s

The top engagement ring designs of the 1990s included a mix of bold and minimalist styles, with an emphasis on unique cuts and shapes for diamonds and colored gemstones. Some popular designs included solitaire rings with pear or marquise-shaped diamonds, three-stone rings with emerald or princess-cut diamonds, and halo rings with round or cushion-cut diamonds. Yellow gold was still a popular choice, but white gold and platinum gained popularity as well. Some engagement rings featured intricate detailing or unique settings, while others were more simple and more elegant. Overall, the engagement ring designs of the 1990s were diverse and reflected the various trends of the decade.

Halo Settings

While halo engagement rings are certainly not a new trend, they first gained popularity in the 1990s. Halo settings feature a center stone surrounded by a circle of smaller stones, creating a halo effect that enhances the overall sparkle and brilliance of the ring. This style became particularly popular among brides-to-be who wanted a glamorous and eye-catching ring without the excessiveness of the 1980s.

Solitaire Rings

Solitaire engagement rings were also a popular choice in the 1990s, as many brides-to-be were drawn to their timeless and understated design. This classic style features a single diamond or gemstone set in a simple band, allowing the beauty of the stone to take center stage. Solitaire rings are still a popular choice today, and are often used as a symbol of a couple's commitment to one another without any excess.

Yellow Gold

While white gold and platinum have been the go-to metals for engagement rings in recent years, yellow gold was the preferred choice in the 1990s. This warm and inviting metal complements a variety of skin tones, and has a classic and timeless feel. Yellow gold engagement rings often feature traditional designs, such as solitaires or three-stone rings, that emphasize the beauty of the stone rather than the metal.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds were a popular choice for engagement rings in the 1990s, thanks in part to their elegant and sophisticated appearance. This diamond cut features a rectangular or square shape with stepped facets, giving it a unique and eye-catching look. Emerald cut diamonds are often set in simple solitaire or three-stone settings to highlight their beauty.

Three-Stone Rings

Three-stone engagement rings, featuring a center diamond or gemstone flanked by two smaller stones, were also popular in the 1990s. This style has a symbolic meaning, with the three stones representing the past, present, and future of a couple's relationship. Three-stone rings can be customized with different diamond shapes, such as round or princess cut, and different metal types, making them a versatile option for any bride-to-be.

In Conclusion

The 1990s brought about a shift in engagement ring trends, with a move towards more minimalist and timeless designs. Halo settings and solitaire rings were popular choices, while yellow gold was the preferred metal. Emerald cut diamonds and three-stone rings also gained popularity, emphasizing the beauty of the stones rather than the excessiveness of the design. Whether you're looking for a vintage-inspired engagement ring or a modern design with a nod to the past, the engagement ring trends from the 1990s offer plenty of inspiration.