Looking to mimic some of the best engagement rings from the 1960s? The post-war economic boom of the 1950s, as well as the rise of celebrity stardom into the 60s, catapulted so many trends across the globe–particularly new and now iconic engagement rings! Stars and fashion trendsetters like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Mia Farrow showed off their beautiful rings during this decade, inspiring envy and awe in all of us.
Bold Art Deco Style 1960s Engagement Rings
The Art Deco movement of the 20s-30s was all the rage in the 60s, Art Deco style engagement and wedding rings came back with a vengeance. Because of their geometric features and linear styles, they are artistic and unique: here are our favorite trends.
Asscher-Cut and Emerald-Cut Diamonds as Center Stones
In 1968, an asscher-cut diamond made headlines around the world when richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor a massive 33.19 carat diamond. In fact, it has a D color grade, and a clarity grade of VS1. These impressive grades made the price Burton paid for the stone just over $300,000. Following that expensive gift, extravagant gems became all the rage and simple, streamlined shapes were seen as contemporary and sophisticated.
1960s Engagement Rings and Colored Gems
Without a doubt, first lady Jackie Kennedy’s unique emerald and diamond engagement ring raised the demand for emeralds and other colored gems at the beginning of the decade. Though she married John F. Kennedy in 1953, her ring set the tone for the engagement ring trends of the 60s. She had a 2.84 carat emerald-cut emerald and 2.88 carat emerald-cut diamond with a diamond baguette band.
Years later, in 1961, she customized it by adding a laurel wreath of marquise-cut diamonds around the two emerald cuts. She also included round diamonds paved along the band.
Platinum and White Gold Were In, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold Out
At first, the main metal used to make Art Deco rings was platinum. But, white gold and sterling silver also became popular in the 60s. These metals were particularly used in simple silhouettes with beautiful lines to solidify a ring’s vintage elegance.
Try creating your own ring here with a platinum or white gold setting! Also be sure to check out our Classic Oval Solitaire Ring set in platinum, or even white gold.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds in 1960s engagement rings
The pear-shaped diamond was especially popular in this decade, too. In fact, it was worn by celebrities like Mia Farrow and again, Elizabeth Taylor (although this time as a necklace, not an engagement ring). It should also be noted that Mia Farrow received a gorgeously bold 9-carat pear-shaped diamond solitaire ring from Frank Sinatra in 1966. To recreate this style, try our Classic Pear Shaped Halo ring.
Richard Burton wowed the public again by purchasing a 69-carat pear-shaped diamond, later named the Taylor-Burton Diamond. At first, Taylor wore it as a ring but had it reset into a necklace due to its size.
1960s Engagement Rings and Clean Origin
If you’re looking at 1960s engagement rings inspiration for your own engagement ring, then look no further than Clean Origin. We offer a wide selection of vintage inspired jewelry at a price to match any budget. Lab grown diamonds are an affordable alternative to traditional mined diamonds. Be sure to browse our collection of beautifully crafted jewelry, today!
