Evolution of the Cluster Ring

Cluster rings have been worn at least as far back as the Georgian era beginning 1747 and have continued to be popular to this day.

There are many variations on a cluster. While there is a classic cluster which is simply round or oval in shape featuring a prong set round cut stone in a halo around a central gemstone. There are many varieties of cluster-like settings that have either evolved from or are simply cluster-like.

These can then be broken down further for example a target setting which has two rows of gems instead of one or a halo setting which is perfectly round and has channel set gems as the cluster. But these are all interchangeable. Sometimes a halo is called a cluster and visa-versa. As explained above we usually stick to those definitions but there are no set rules.

Georgian clusters tend be more heavy handed as the jewelry making techniques then were more crude. Settings were made in gold with blackened silver with heavier and more prominent prongs featuring rose and table cut diamonds. Victorian clusters clusters came into their own. They feature more delicate prongs. It was during this time that the classic cluster really developed, the one we continue to see even in modern jewelry. Edwardian clusters began to feature more streamlined but still delicate features. Art Deco clusters fully embraced the clean lines and geometric motifs popular during the day. Platinum at this point is king.