When it comes to a wedding, pearl bridal jewellery is a classic choice. Pearls’ soft lustre will enhance your skin’s natural glow, and there are plenty of coordinating options for both the groom, the mother of the bride, and the bridesmaids too.

But before the big day, there’s the engagement ring – and pearl rings are a timeless option. Historically, pearls were amongst the most prized gems for engagement rings prior to the twentieth century, bringing vintage glamour to even the most contemporary bride.

We break down our top tips for choosing a pearl engagement ring below.

The history of pearl engagement rings

Emma Stone and Michelle Williams may have both recently got engaged with a pearl ring, but these distinctive gems have a much longer history.

Pearls have long been a classic, timeless choice, transcending particular fashion trends and enduring as a symbol of style and elegance.

Although diamond rings are now considered the emblematic engagement ring, they weren’t always the gem of choice. In fact, diamonds only became popular for engagement rings in the 1950’s.

In the mid-twentieth century, diamond jewellery house DeBeers paid a marketing agency to promote the jewels via the well-known phrase ‘diamonds are forever’, cementing diamonds as the engagement gem of choice.

Prior to this canny branding campaign, alternative stones and pearls were preferred for engagement rings.

The popularity of pearl engagement rings was such that fictional heroine Anne of Green Gables asked for a ‘circlet of pearls’ for her engagement ring. Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton also received a Cartier black pearl ring for her engagement to Prince Alexis Mdivani of Georgia.

More recently, searches for pearl engagement rings have surged by a reported 5000 percent since Bridgerton heroine Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) received a distinctive pearl design.

Get your own Bridgerton engagement ring

At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we have a collection of Bridgerton engagement rings that’ll have you feeling just like Penelope Featherington.

White natural pearl and diamond Georgian ring

Our white natural pearl and rose cut diamond cluster late Georgian ring is a perfect example of the skilled workmanship and grace of Georgian period jewellery.

A large rose cut diamond is framed by a cluster of six creamy white natural pearls, all set on a delicate yet ornate eighteen carat gold base. Smaller white natural pearls adorn the carved shoulders of the ring, complementing the tones of the central six pearls.

The ring size is O, but can be altered to fit the wearer – book into a personal consultation to adjust the design to your measurements.

White natural pearl and ruby cluster Georgian ring

Another late Georgian design, this rare white natural pearl and ruby cluster ring closely resembles Penelope’s design.

A faceted ruby stands at this ring’s centre, surrounded by a cluster of six creamy white natural pearls. An eighteen-carat yellow gold base resembles an ornate carved scroll, making for an exquisite and distinctive pearl engagement ring.

The ring size is G and can be adjusted to the measurements of the wearer through a personal consultation.

Rare white natural pearl and diamond Edwardian cluster ring

Featuring a rare white natural pearl as its central motif, this pearl and diamond Edwardian engagement ring is simple yet decadent.

The central button-shaped white natural pearl weighs around 2.2 carats and is surrounded by fourteen rose cut diamonds and set on a 9-carat gold mount.

Dating from circa 1900, this elegant design is the epitome of sophistication, with a fine and luminous natural pearl accentuated by the central cluster of diamonds.

Alternative pearl engagement rings

If you’re not looking for a Bridgerton-inspired pearl engagement ring, but are still looking for a timeless design, we have ideal alternatives.

Rare grey natural freshwater pearl and diamond halo ring

Our rare grey natural freshwater pearl, diamond and platinum halo ring perfectly highlights the feminine and exquisite styles of the Belle Époque (early twentieth century).

Surrounded by ten rose cut diamonds, a button-shaped natural saltwater grey pearl centres this ring, with the gems weighing a total of 0.85 carats in total. This pearl engagement ring is a classic Belle Époque French diamond design and is both exceptionally rare and totally unique.

Rare white natural pearl and diamond ‘you & I’ ring

Another Belle Époque design, this rare white natural pearl and diamond ‘you & I’ ring is set on fourteen carat yellow gold and platinum.

A rare white natural pearl twins with a 0.85 carat diamond ring, and is set with small rose cut diamonds, all of which have a lively sparkle.

Coined by Napoleon, the term and design of a ‘you & I’ was created by the French leader for his everlasting love Josephine. It’s a classic yet streamlined Belle Époque pearl engagement ring, that elevates any outfit with enduring elegance.

Diamond and emerald Art Deco marquise ring

Wear your very own Art Deco design with this emerald and diamond marquise plaque ring.

Geometric in design, this striking Navette-style ring features a square-cut emerald at its centre, with one larger brilliant-cut diamond on each side. A row of smaller brilliant diamonds surrounds the stones, all set in grain-set 18-carat yellow gold.

Bring the elegance of the Jazz Age to your everyday with this distinctive Art Deco design.

Find your perfect Bridgerton engagement ring with Coleman Douglas Pearls

At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we’ll help you find your very own Bridgerton engagement ring.

As pearl experts since 1989, you can invest with confidence as we help you find perfectly matched pearls. Discover our selection of Bridgerton engagement rings or design your own bespoke engagement pearls to create an heirloom piece.