What comes to mind when you think about the biggest, most romantic proposals in history? It’s usually a handsome prince, and of course, an absolutely dazzling ring. That whole tradition didn’t start with Hollywood. It started with European royalty, naturally.
Royals set the ultimate standard for bridal jewelry centuries ago. Their rings were never just ornaments. They were powerful jewels symbolizing unending commitment and family heritage. That unbroken band of metal has always represented eternity.
The practice of giving a diamond engagement ring started way back in 1477. Archduke Maximilian of Austria was the first person recorded to have proposed with a diamond ring. He presented it to Mary of Burgundy. This historic royal gesture instantly launched a noble tradition among Europe’s elite.
Despite the U.S. lacking a monarchy, Americans adopted their luxury cues, especially the engagement ring, from European royals. Their centuries of prestigious choices were cemented by smart marketing.
That said, let’s take a journey through history to see how royals shaped engagement ring trends through the centuries.
Edwardian and Early 20th-Century Royals Popularized Diamonds
Before the 20th century dawned, rings were generally pretty personal and sentimental. During the Victorian era, jewelry loved color and complex symbolism. Queen Victoria herself famously wore a serpent-shaped ring with emeralds gifted by Prince Albert.
But the Edwardian era, spanning 1900 to 1920, changed diamond rings forever. This time period made diamonds truly elegant and structural. Edwardian rings are known for their incredibly delicate designs. Jewelers utilized intricate filigree, milgrain, and lace-like patterns.
This high level of detail was possible thanks to platinum. Its strength allowed for airy, lace-like settings and complex craftsmanship. This delicate construction emphasized the diamond’s brilliance without adding bulk.
Queen Mary of Teck’s ring perfectly captured this new spirit. She wore an elongated oval diamond set in platinum. This established the standard for high-society style for decades.
Public access to diamonds grew with the opening of major African mines. However, severe economic times in the 1930s caused U.S. demand to drop. The De Beers Company reversed this trend by launching a massive marketing campaign featuring glamorous movie stars. This led to a 50 percent sales increase within 3 years.
Gemstone Engagement Rings Gained Favor Over Diamonds in France, Says Leibish
While the U.S. quickly embraced the diamond standard, some European cultures maintained a different preference. France offers a fascinating example of this elegant difference. French elegance often favored colorful gemstones over clear diamonds.
This love of color is rooted deeply in French history. Napoleon gave Empress Joséphine a “Toi et Moi,” which means “You and Me,” ring in 1796. This historical ring featured two pear-shaped stones: a diamond and a blue sapphire. This was one of history’s most iconic royal engagement rings.
This sentimental concept not only became a symbol of everlasting love, but also inspired some of the most popular setting styles we still see today. That includes three-stone rings, bypass settings, and mixed-stone combinations that balance meaning with artistry.
Modern Parisian ladies continue this tradition of prioritizing color. They choose sophisticated stones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. This preference for intense color demonstrates a different priority in investment.
French royal influence also brought about a taste for artistic flair and personalization, leading to rings that were less about conformity and more about creative self-expression. This tradition still thrives.
European Royals Kept Colored Stones at the Forefront of Fashion
Outside of France, British royals consistently championed colored stones too, especially the sapphire.
The modern sapphire standard began generations ago. Bertie, who became King George VI, first proposed to Lady Elizabeth in 1921. When she finally accepted in 1923, he proposed with a beautiful oval-cut sapphire. The stone was set in platinum and flanked by small diamonds.
Princess Diana’s 1981 engagement ring then changed everything. It featured a massive 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire. The sapphire was surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. The rich hue of the sapphire is immediately recognizable. It transformed from a controversial piece into a symbol of the monarchy’s future.
This was revolutionary for two reasons. First, it brought colored gemstone rings back into the limelight. Sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Second, the ring was controversial because it wasn’t custom-made. Anyone could theoretically buy it from the jeweler’s catalog. This openness made the style instantly popular globally.
The trend soared again in 2010. Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother’s iconic sapphire ring. This established a visual lineage that clear diamonds lacked. It cemented the sapphire halo as a classic, meaningful choice.
The Enduring Legacy of Royal Love
Royal families have certainly defined our tastes in rings across centuries. Their rings have influenced not just fashion, but culture itself, turning personal tokens into timeless global symbols of devotion.
Diamonds may have reigned supreme for centuries. But the royals have shown that there’s room for creativity, individuality, and color in every love story.
The greatest lesson you can take from centuries of royal choices is straightforward. Whether you love the icy brilliance of an Edwardian diamond or the rich hue of a royal sapphire, the most important trend is always personal. Your ring should perfectly tell your own magnificent, sparkling story.
