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Bold gold, glitter, and individuality
Yellow gold made a triumphant return in the 1970s after a decade dominated by white metals. Thanks to fashion’s warm-toned palettes and the love of all things nostalgic, yellow gold became the go-to metal for engagement rings once more. It felt timeless yet totally on-trend.
Even celebrities were in on it—Julio Iglesias proposed to Isabel Preysler in 1977 with a bold solitaire ring set in yellow gold. The warm hue perfectly captured the spirit of the times: earthy, extravagant, and effortlessly cool.
🟡 Why it worked: Yellow gold matched perfectly with the brown, orange and mustard tones that defined 70s fashion and interior design.
While most couldn’t replicate Elizabeth Taylor’s jaw-dropping collection of diamonds, many took inspiration from her unapologetic glamour. Enter: channel-set rings, where smaller diamonds are securely nestled into grooves along the band, often flanking a larger centre stone.
This technique offered sparkle without the fuss, making it ideal for stylish brides who wanted both brilliance and durability. The structured setting was practical, yet totally glam—just right for a generation that wanted it all.
💎 Why it worked: It offered a balance between luxury and everyday wear, echoing the era’s blend of elegance and excess.
The marquise cut enjoyed a major moment in the 70s, partly thanks to Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Her marquise cut engagement ring from Aristotle Onassis turned heads and inspired countless copies. Hollywood glamour also played a role—Zsa Zsa Gabor, never one to shy away from sparkle, famously wore an oversized marquise diamond ring that embodied the decade’s love of luxury and drama.
With its elongated, pointed shape, the marquise cut added vintage flair to any hand. It looked particularly stunning in yellow gold settings, creating a bold silhouette that screamed 70s sophistication.
💍 Why it worked: The shape lengthened the finger and caught light beautifully—perfect for that touch of disco sparkle.
If the 60s were all about delicate elegance, the 70s swung in the opposite direction. Everything was bigger, bolder, and more dramatic—including engagement rings. Thick bands, oversized centre stones, and layered textures became the norm.
Designs played with volume and height, echoing the platform shoes and sky-high hair of the disco age. Think chunky settings, architectural lines, and rings that made a real statement—because subtlety was so last decade.
💫 Why it worked: It matched the era’s unapologetic energy and love for all things extravagant.
In the 1970s, couples started getting more hands-on with their wedding jewellery. It was the dawn of the custom-designed bridal set, where the engagement ring and both wedding bands were designed to match—sometimes even crafted together.
The idea of coordination spilled into wedding fashion too, with brides and grooms often choosing rings that complemented each other. It was romantic, thoughtful, and totally in line with the era’s growing interest in personalised jewellery.
💘 Why it worked: It felt meaningful and modern—allowing couples to create rings that told their story.
Searching for your perfect vintage-inspired engagement ring?
Look for yellow gold settings, marquise cuts, and bold bands—or better yet, create your own bespoke 70s-inspired design. After all, love (just like disco) never goes out of style.
Pop by our Hatton Garden showroom, browse our collection online, or simply get in touch with our friendly team—we’d love to help you find (or design) the ring that’s meant for you.