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Glamour, royal influence, and a love for colour
The popularity of engagement rings in each decade dragged the tastes of the previous one until undergoing new changes and obtaining the identity of each time. If we talk about the 80´s, the extravagance of the 70´s went on with couples choosing big gemstones rather than small ones, something that lasted all through the decade. Anyhow, the design gradually became less dramatic and more simplistic throughout the late 1980s.
During the 80s there was a boom in technology and while computers were taking off, TV for example became one of the mail characters in every family. On July 29, 1981, there was a great celebration in the UK: Charles and Lady Diana Spencer got married and the ceremony was broadcast live on television and millions of people tuned in to witness the event. Once more, people got influenced by a star when Lady Di´s engagement ring came on scene. Hers oval shaped sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, is probably one of the most famous engagement rings of all time. And with this came the huge comeback of coloured gemstones.
The 80´s were all about yellow gold. The metal became the go-to setting for bands during the decade and also the favoured setting of the 1980s was bezel, which wrapped the setting with gold, rather than using prongs to hold the stone in place.
This is when Princess Diana´s blue sapphire engagement ring comes in. Couples started choosing not just diamonds but significantly larger and coloured gemstones for their engagement rings after hers. Of course, sapphire had a boom but rubies became super popular as well. Since Princess Diana’s ring had a halo setting, halo settings in all sizes became popular too.
Even with the rise of bold coloured gemstones, the round brilliant cut remained the most popular diamond shape of the decade. Brides loved its unmatched sparkle and timeless appeal, often set in yellow gold or framed with smaller accent stones. Its versatility meant it could shine in solitaires, halos, or cluster designs, making it a safe yet stylish choice throughout the 1980s.
Cluster diamonds became a trend in the 1980s and never quite left. Made with an assortment of stones in different cuts and sizes, these rings are interesting to look at and often feel unexpected.
Want to find your perfect vintage-inspired 80s ring?
Browse our collection online, get in touch with our friendly team, or come and visit us in person at Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery quarter. We’d love to help you discover (or design!) the perfect engagement ring.