Engagement rings have always been more than jewellery; they’re symbols of love, style, and the times in which they’re created. From vintage glamour to modern minimalism, the evolution of engagement ring design tells a fascinating story about shifting trends, craftsmanship, and culture.

Today’s engagement ring designs blend heritage with innovation, craftsmanship with conscience, and romance with realism. The evolution of engagement rings isn’t just about changing styles; it reflects how love, values, and creativity have evolved over the ages.



Here’s how the styles we adore today came to be, and why certain designs have stood the test of time.

The 1920s: Art Deco Glamour

The Roaring Twenties brought confidence, creativity, and a love of geometry to fashion and design. Engagement rings from this era were bold and architectural, with clean lines, angular settings, and symmetrical patterns inspired by art and architecture. Platinum became the metal of choice, often set with baguette-cut diamonds or coloured gemstones.

Art Deco rings perfectly reflected the energy of the age, a time of jazz, independence, and new beginnings. Their intricate detailing and timeless structure continue to influence jewellers nearly a century later.

The 1940s and 1950s: Hollywood Romance

After the Great Depression and wartime years, glamour made a dramatic comeback. The 1940s and ’50s celebrated opulence, optimism, and enduring romance. This was the era of Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, when diamonds became the ultimate symbol of commitment, helped, of course, by De Beers’ famous “A diamond is forever” campaign in 1947.

Rings became larger and more luxurious, with round and emerald cuts taking centre stage. Yellow and white gold replaced platinum due to wartime restrictions, giving pieces a warmer tone that felt both elegant and nostalgic.

The 1960s and 1970s: Individuality and Colour

The Swinging Sixties brought freedom and self-expression. Fashion was fun, and so were engagement rings. Bold coloured gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies made a comeback, often paired with yellow gold. Audrey Hepburn’s stackable wedding set and Princess Anne’s sapphire ring defined the decade’s effortless glamour.

By the 1970s, bohemian style reigned supreme. Rings became more fluid, organic, and personal, reflecting the free-spirited energy of the time. Statement pieces and non-traditional cuts like marquise and pear shapes became popular among those seeking individuality.

The 1980s: The Era of Excess

If the ’70s were about self-expression, the ’80s were all about extravagance. Big diamonds, bold designs, and striking settings dominated. When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 with a stunning 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, the world fell in love with halo rings.

This decade cemented the halo design as a timeless classic, while platinum re-emerged as a luxurious favourite. Engagement rings became aspirational status symbols, influenced by celebrity culture and the growing connection between fashion and fame.

The 1990s: Minimalist Chic

The 2000s: Bespoke Beauty

The turn of the millennium brought a new appreciation for individuality. With celebrities showcasing unique designs and social media making trends more visible than ever, couples wanted rings that told their story.

The bespoke movement gained momentum. Oval and cushion cuts became increasingly popular, and mixed metals made a comeback. Designers began blending vintage inspiration with modern precision, creating pieces that were personal yet timeless.

The 2010s to Today: Conscious Luxury

The last decade has seen perhaps the biggest transformation of all. Modern couples value sustainability, ethics, and craftsmanship just as much as sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals have become leading choices, as people seek to align love with responsibility.

Design-wise, simplicity and symbolism remain key. Oval, pear, and emerald cuts dominate social media feeds, often set in yellow gold for a warm, contemporary look. The rise of bespoke design means no two rings are quite the same, and that individuality is something to celebrate.

School days can be mentally and physically demanding for children. By the time they get home, they’re often brimming with energy, bubbling with stories, or sometimes feeling overwhelmed and in need of quiet. Understanding and managing these after-school emotions can help make evenings calmer and more enjoyable for the whole family.

During the school day, children are expected to concentrate, follow rules, interact socially, and perform academically, often without much downtime. By the time they walk through the front door, they’ve held it together for hours and may finally feel safe to let their emotions surface.

This release can look different for each child. Some may talk non-stop, others might be irritable, or a few may retreat into silence. All are valid responses and often just a sign they need to decompress.

Create a Calm Transition

This prep school in Bromley recommends having a predictable routine when your child gets home, as it can help them settle more easily. Try offering a small healthy snack, some water, and a bit of time without questions. Let them change out of their uniform, put their bag away, and do something soothing or familiar — whether it’s playing with toys, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly.

Avoid launching straight into homework or talking about the day unless they’re keen to share. Give them space to relax and regulate before moving on.

Offer Ways to Release Energy

Some children need to burn off pent-up energy after a long day sitting still. Encourage movement with a quick trip to the park, a mini dance party in the living room, or a trampoline bounce in the garden. Physical activity helps release stress and can reset their mood for the evening ahead.

Alternatively, if they’ve already had a busy day, they might prefer more calming activities, like drawing, listening to music, or having a bath. Tune into what your child seems to need and offer options without pressure.

Encourage Emotional Expression

Children, especially younger ones, might not always have the words to explain how they’re feeling. Help them label their emotions by gently naming them: “You seem a bit frustrated” or “It sounds like you had a tricky day.”

Create regular opportunities for open conversation without prying. Simple habits like chatting over dinner or during bedtime routines can make it easier for children to open up over time.

Prioritise Downtime

We often feel pressure to fill afternoons with clubs, homework, and structure, but downtime is vital. It gives children a chance to process the day, recharge, and feel in control again.

Try not to overschedule every afternoon. A balance of activity and rest helps children build emotional resilience and reduces meltdowns later in the evening.

Every Child Is Different

Some children thrive on activity after school, while others need quiet. Pay attention to what works best for your child and adjust accordingly. Being flexible, empathetic, and patient can make all the difference.

By recognising their after-school needs and creating a nurturing space, you’re helping your child feel supported, not just academically, but emotionally too.

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Christmas is coming! Today on my blog, I am giving you a chance to win your first Christmas gift of the year. - chocolate!  You have the chance to win a delicious Lindt Advent calendar. So will you keep it for yourself or give it to a loved one?

Lindt has been making chocolate since 1845. They are expert chocolatiers. I know my mum loves the Lindt chocolate truffles, they are just so smooth, sweet and delicious.

Entry is via the Gleam app. You need to answer a question below, and entry is easy with a click of a button. If the chocolate is unavailable, I will send you a good-quality chocolate calendar of a similar value, e.g., other Lindt chocolate, Cadbury's, etc.

Open to those 18 and over in the UK only. Good luck!

 While the curtains in a room may seem like a simple enough part of it, they are often overlooked, and people don’t really give them much due care and attention. When you buy new curtains, you don’t want to have an issue with any of these common buying mistakes. 

Jewellery has always been popular when it comes to accessorising, and while people usually think of jewellery, as something for women to wear, guys have rocked jewellery too throughout the centuries. 

Historically men have worn jewellery going back centuries, If you think of the ancient Egyptians, all the Pharaohs wore neck collars adorned with precious stones. Roman generals wore rings as a symbol of their authority and Viking warriors wore amulets as protection.

I know someone who has been living in Milan for the last six years, and twice a year, the city goes absolutely crazy. Fashion Week turns every street corner into a runway, and come April, the Design Fair makes even my local coffee bar swap out its chairs for some avant-garde sculpture. If you're planning to visit during these events, you'll need to be smart about it – otherwise you'll end up paying €8 for a cappuccino and wondering why your hotel is suddenly three times the normal price.

Location is everything during Milan's major events. For Fashion Week, Brera and Porta Garibaldi put you within walking distance of most venues. The area around Centrale station offers excellent transport links and more reasonable prices.

During the Design Fair, staying near a metro stop is crucial. The Porta Romana and Navigli neighbourhoods offer easy access to Rho Fiera while preserving the authentic Milan atmosphere.

Prices can vary greatly depending on the area. For a detailed breakdown of Milan's neighbourhoods, check out this guide. Avoid Porta Nuova unless budget isn't a concern: it's convenient but comes with a premium price tag that locals would never pay.

The Neighbourhood Advantage

Each district has its own personality during events. Brera becomes an outdoor gallery during Fuorisalone, while Lambrate turns industrial spaces into design wonderlands. Tortona hosts some of the most innovative installations, though it requires more planning to reach.

Look, Milan during these events can be overwhelming, but that's exactly what makes it incredible. Last year, during Fuorisalone, I stumbled into a converted garage in Lambrate where they were serving prosecco in test tubes while designers explained their latest lighting concepts. You can't plan moments like that, but you can plan your budget and your neighbourhood strategy so you're free to discover them.

Family homes endure constant wear and tear. From muddy football boots trampling through hallways to juice spills in the kitchen, our floors bear the brunt of daily family life. Many homeowners in Manchester find themselves caught in a cycle of replacing damaged flooring, often wondering if there's a more sustainable solution.

Family changes can be some of the most challenging transitions for children to understand and process. Children often feel sad, confused, angry or worried about what will happen to them. Many children struggle with difficult emotions they may not have the vocabulary to express, especially younger ones who often show distress through behaviour rather than words.

Addressing Common Mistakes and Corrective Strategies

Avoiding open conversation can cause children to withdraw or develop self-blame. Regular, truthful talks form a protective foundation for wellbeing. Ignoring questions, using vague statements, or blaming the other parent might create loyalty conflicts.

Helpful strategies include offering regular opportunities for questions and clarifying misunderstandings promptly. Always reinforce that children are loved and not responsible for changes. This honest approach helps reduce confusion and lowers the risk of emotional issues.

Creating a Safe Environment for Difficult Conversations

The setting for important talks has a major impact. The best outcomes occur when discussions take place at calm moments without distractions. Initial messages should be brief, and children need to know they can ask questions openly.

A neutral, familiar setting allows children to feel secure and relaxed. This encourages open communication and makes sharing emotions easier.

When parents plan key messages together, they provide a consistent story children can rely on. This minimises confusion and prevents mixed signals. Even when parents struggle to communicate, showing unity when talking with children signals commitment to the child's wellbeing.

Children notice when messages don't match. It's best for both parents to tell children together, being honest while considering children's ages. Joint messages focus attention on the child, not on disagreements.

Simple, non-blaming language prevents children from feeling responsible. Age-appropriate phrases like "Mum and Dad have grown apart" avoid naming specific faults or exposing children to adult conflicts.

Managing emotions during these conversations is challenging but important. It's okay for children to see parents feel sad, but staying calm and reassuring helps. Parents feeling overwhelmed should take breaks and continue when more composed.

Answering Common Questions Children Ask About Separation

Children frequently ask if they caused the separation. This needs immediate reassurance: "This is about grown-up problems between Mum and Dad. Nothing you did caused this." Parents should repeat this message whenever needed.

Many children hope their parents will reconcile. When they ask about getting back together, honesty works best. A response like: "We don't plan to live together again, but we'll always be your parents" acknowledges wishes while remaining truthful.

Practical concerns about living arrangements often worry children. They ask: "Where will I live? Will I change schools?" Parents should provide clear information as soon as decisions are made. For unsettled details, explain what is known and when other decisions will happen.

Children need reassurance about continued care. When asking who will take care of them, stress that both parents remain committed to their wellbeing. Explain specific arrangements simply, using calendars if helpful.

Many children worry about loyalty conflicts. Reassure them that loving both parents is expected: "Of course, you can love both of us. We both love you and want you to have good relationships with each of us."

Supporting Children Through Ongoing Changes

Consistency provides security during family transitions. Parents should maintain routines, keep regular rules, and offer extra affection. Regular mealtimes and bedtimes help children feel that some things remain stable even when others change.

For younger children, visual calendars showing when they'll be with each parent can lower anxiety. Simple symbols or colours can represent each home. Regular calendar reviews help children understand what happens next.

Children handle emotions in different ways. Some share feelings through art or play. Others talk directly about experiences. Options for drawing, journaling, or regular check-in talks help children work through emotions. They can choose methods that feel comfortable and proceed at their own pace.

Parents should watch for signs that children need additional support. Changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, school performance, or behaviour may indicate difficulty adjusting. Withdrawal from friends or regression to younger behaviours are also warning signs that professional help might be beneficial.

Spotting Signs a Child Needs Extra Help

Watch for signs that children might need extra support. Changes in sleeping, appetite, school performance, or behaviour may indicate difficulty adjusting. Withdrawal from friends or regression to younger behaviours are also warning signs.

Local resources offer support. School counsellors, family therapists, and support groups for children experiencing family transitions can help. Organisations like Childline provide information for children and families experiencing separation.

Children do better when excluded from parental disagreements. Direct involvement in adult disputes causes emotional conflict and stress. Clear boundaries between adult issues and children's lives reduce loyalty conflicts and support healthier adaptation.

Professional help can make a positive difference when family difficulties persist. Children who receive counselling during family splits may experience improvements in school attendance and fewer stress-related complaints. Parents can contact divorce lawyers or seek family therapists through their GP.

Even brief professional guidance can help parents develop good communication strategies and notice early warning signs. Acting early addresses problems before they become harder for children to handle.