Every "new" ring trend has ancestors. Learn the great design periods and you gain a vocabulary for what you love — and a map for briefing a bespoke commission that feels like you.
Victorian (1837–1901): romance and symbolism
Snakes for eternity, hearts, stars, flowers; clusters and ornate yellow-gold work. Victorian style speaks in symbols — the era that made jewellery sentimental. Its cluster DNA lives on in every halo.
Edwardian (1901–1915): lace in platinum
Platinum's arrival let jewellers work like lacemakers: filigree, milgrain edges, garlands, impossible lightness. An Edwardian-style sapphire ring remains the most romantic thing a workshop can make.
Art Deco (1920s–30s): geometry takes command
Straight lines, bold symmetry, calibré-cut stones, strong colour contrast — the century's most influential jewellery style and it isn't close. The modern love of bezel settings, baguette shoulders and emerald cuts is Deco speaking. Sapphire-and-diamond contrast was its signature dish.
Retro & Mid-Century (1940s–60s): glamour and gold
Big, sculptural, optimistic: rose and yellow gold, cocktail rings, bold curves. The two-stone rings of the era seeded today's toi et moi revival.
Contemporary: minimalism and meaning
Clean bands, low profiles, unusual stones — teals and partis thrive here — and a renewed appetite for provenance: knowing where the stone was born. That last part, we can help with rather thoroughly.
See a period you love? Bring it to the workshop — reinterpreting an era around your stone is bespoke at its best.
Continue your gem education
Ring Settings Guide · Toi et Moi Rings · Men's Gemstone Rings · browse all Gem Guides — or explore fine jewellery.