The History of Cluster Rings

Cluster rings come in many different shapes and sizes and rank highly amongst couples when shopping for engagement rings - but what do we really know about their history?

Cluster rings established themselves in the jewellery world during the Georgian period. You will often find that Georgian cluster rings have a silver setting with a yellow or rose gold band. This is because the primary white metal used was silver as it had not yet been discovered how to heat platinum to a workable degree. Because of the limited skills at the time, these cluster rings proved very basic and metal-heavy, often with old cut diamonds and thick surround of metal around the stones - this is why most Georgian cluster rings look similar to roses.

It was not until the Victorian period when the industrial revolution was in full swing that metal work became more delicate; there was also a  move to including coloured stones in cluster rings and a move away from the heavy, diamond focused version from the previous century.

As with every industry, developments are made through time to improve upon it - and the jewellery industry is no different. Jewellery from the start of the 20th century during the Edwardian period is often classed as ‘pretty’ jewellery. Platinum came into fashion and jewellers and metalworkers were able to create openwork designs in their pieces, creating what is known as ‘platinum lace’. Cluster rings from this time included intricate and organic designs on the bands and in the cluster itself - particularly in the form of daisies, the most notable example belonging to Queen Alexandra. This ‘white on white’ trend of diamond-only-clusters followed right through to the art deco period when jewellery became more geometric and architectural.

Cluster rings can be worn in many different styles, from floral clusters of only diamonds like that of Queen Alexandra’s, or a coloured centre stone like Lady Diana’s 12ct Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds.

There is a cluster ring for everyone, whether you are looking for a Georgian rose-style piece, a 1970s chunky cluster, or a modern spin on the trend to make it your own - you are sure to find it at O’Reilly’s!