This is probably one of the things we worry least about.
We all just fuss about the type and style of ring we love, but little do we know that the history of the wedding ring is actually a beautiful story worth knowing.
And here’s why…
Let’s start at the Victorian era, going back to England when queen Victoria was so deeply in love with her husband, Albert.
The popular ring back then was mostly gold, and towards the end of the era diamonds became very popular because of the huge discovery in South Africa.
Did you know?
The story of diamonds in South Africa begins between December 1866 and February 1867 when 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs found a transparent rock on his father’s farm, on the south bank of the Orange River.
Over the next few years, South Africa yielded more diamonds than India had in over 2,000 years.
1920-1930
This was less distinctively feminine and focused on being more geometric, with the theme of Art Deco, because of the era’s love for all things modern.
Diamonds would feature in platinum or white gold, and mostly they would be adorned with rubies and sapphires.
1940
Because of World War II, the rings were often big and bold.
With curving designs and feminine motifs…ribbons, bows and flowers.
Platinum was scarce because it was used for the war.
Gold was now the metal of choice.
Although diamonds remained the most desired gemstone for rings, people couldn’t always afford a diamond so they would turn to synthetic rubies and sapphires.
1950
Mel Ferrer ignited the trend of three rings stacked with different metals, a style that’s still going strong today.
He gave Audrey Hepburn, his wife, the ever so style-conscious star rings in both yellow and rose gold, so his wife could switch them to match her outfit.
1970
The princess cut was invented or perfected in the 70s and their square shapes became very popular.
Fitting for a generation that embraced the new and different and did away with many of the traditions of the past.
1980
The engagement and wedding of the decade was that of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and her oval sapphire engagement ring set off a major sapphire trend.
1990 to present day
Seems like rings went through the same things that phones went through; the slimmer, the better.
For now that is.
As we already know with clothes and cars etc. Nostalgia and antiquity is making its way back.
Vintage rings are already a new trend for newly wed’s.
– All photos sourced from Pinterest
Related article: Super secret celebrity marriages of 2016
