Bridal jewelry has always been a time capsule, capturing each era's distinctive cultural and fashion trends. Wedding jewelry has changed to reflect societal shifts and individual preferences, ranging from elaborate vintage wedding ring sets to eye-grabbing engagement rings to minimal wedding bands. This piece offers a look into the future while taking you on a journey through the decades to examine how bridal jewelry styles have changed.
When we discuss bridal jewelry, we mean engagement rings, wedding bands, and wedding sets. The evolution of bridal jewelry, from the ostentatious styles of the 1980s to the eco-friendly options of the 2020s, tells us a lot about shifting trends and ideals.
Evolution of Bridal Jewelry: 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s
1980s:
Bold and Glamorous Bridal jewelry of the 1980s was no exception to the bright and opulent style that defined the decade. Large, striking objects that radiated grandeur and opulence were the 'it' thing for the decade. This era's vintage bridal ring sets frequently had intricate designs with several diamonds and colored gemstones. Due to the decade's preference for warm, rich tones, yellow gold was trendy. Solitaires in large yellow gold settings, gemstone center stones (like Princess Diana’s stunning blue sapphire ring), and haloes were commonly found in bridal jewelry in the 1980s. BridalsBrides chose eye-catching elements that would leave an impression, contributing to the grandiose overall style.
Here are some of our favorite engagement rings that evoke the styles of the 80s.
1990s:
Sleek and Modern While the 1980s were known for their flamboyance, the 1990s brought a more sober and contemporary style for bridal jewelry. As the minimalist style gained traction, engagement ring designs became more streamlined and sleek, making solitaire diamond rings popular. The preferred metals at the time were platinum and white gold because of their cool, modern feel. Marquise and round were popular center stone shapes. Simple, minimalist engagement gemstones and diamond rings were considered incredibly fashionable. Personalized jewelry became more popular as brides sought unique pieces that complemented their tastes.
Inspired by the 1990s? Us too! Check out these rings that give that end-of-a-millennium feel.
Ambrose Solitaire Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
Karina Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
Tracie Solitaire Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
2000s:
Adara Accented Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
2010s:
Customization and Ethical Choices Bridal jewelry saw a dramatic movement in the 2010s toward personalization and a focus on ethical issues. More brides wanted custom jewelry that reflected their unique love stories. Options for customization included creating completely novel rings and selecting unusual gemstone cuts. Three stone rings rose in prominence and yellow gold was becoming popular again. Moreso, trend-forward brides were wearing mixed metals, combing yellow and white gold or platinum for an eclectic look. As the ecological-friendly and ethical jewelry market expanded, lab-grown diamond jewelry gained popularity. These diamonds made in the lab have less environmental impact while still having the same durability and brilliance as those mined. The minimalist trend persisted, with many brides choosing simple yet exquisite ensembles. Our stylists picked their favorite rings that best represent the eco-conscious styles of the 2010s.
Flourish Three Stone Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
2020s:
Minimalist and Sustainable The themes from the 2010s have continued and become more prominent in the current decade, focusing on simplicity and sustainability. Minimalist, simple engagement rings are still in great demand, indicative of a more significant cultural trend toward mindfulness and minimalism. Environmentally concerned couples find lab-grown diamond and gemstone jewelry alluring, and they have become a significant percentage of bridal market. This has also fueled a trend toward bigger center stones, as they’ve become much more affordable thanks to the increasing availability of lab-grown diamonds. A big trend during this time has been thin, simple bands (plain or diamond accented) with as big of a diamond as possible. The thin band really emphasizes the size of the center stone. In addition, as contemporary brides search for items with historical value and timeless appeal, there has been a resurgence of vintage bridal ring sets. Yellow gold is still well-loved, but as the decade continues, white gold and platinum are regaining their popularity. These are our current top selling engagement rings, which reflect these trends.
Idyllic Stackable Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
Millie Hidden Halo Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
Paris Stackable Engagement Ring (Shop this style)
Future Trends in Bridal Jewelry
As we look ahead, several emerging trends and innovations are poised to shape the future of bridal jewelry.
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Technological Integration: Technology will significantly impact how bridal jewelry develops in the future. Innovations like 3D printing and AI-driven design tools will make it possible to produce even more customization and accuracy in one-of-a-kind objects.
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Sustainable and Ethical Practices: The need for sustainability will only increase, fueling the desire for eco-friendly products like lab-grown diamond jewelry. Businesses will place increasing emphasis on ethical production methods and open sourcing.
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Inclusivity and Diversity: Bridal jewelry of the future will be inclusive and diverse, accommodating a more comprehensive range of tastes, sizes, and price points. This change will guarantee that every person can discover items that align with their preferences and principles.
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Vintage Revival and Modern Twist: Vintage bridal ring sets will influence modern designs that combine traditional components with contemporary styles. Brides who love the vintage charm of things but still want modern conveniences may find this trend appealing.
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Mixing Metals and Gemstones: Future trends in bridal jewelry will call for more imaginative pairings of metals and gemstones. Brides can add a plethora of personal touches by combining various metal tones, like rose and white gold, and colorful gemstones with diamonds.
Bridal jewelry has changed, mirroring broader societal changes and evolving fashion trends. It has evolved to suit the tastes and ideals of successive generations, from the glitzy and audacious looks of the 1980s to the understated and environmentally friendly designs of the 2020s. The bridal jewelry market will continue to evolve if customization, sustainability, and inclusion are prioritized.
Understanding the dynamic growth and rich history of bridal jewelry helps us to grasp better how previous trends shaped current fashions and serve as inspiration for future wedding adornments.That said, the biggest thing to take away is that you find a style that speaks to your heart. No matter the current or future trend, what matters most is that you love your engagement ring or wedding set, because like your love for your partner, it will stand the test of time!
