The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
Average engagement ring spend inches closer to $6K
The average amount couples are spending on their weddings went up in 2014, including what they’re paying for engagement rings, according to a survey from The Knot.

New York--The average amount that couples are spending on their weddings went up in 2014, including what they’re paying for engagement rings, which increased from $5,598 in 2013 to $5,855 last year, according to a survey from The Knot.
The wedding website’s most recent Real Weddings survey shows that the average cost of a wedding across the country now is at $31,213.
The most expensive place in the U.S. to get married remains Manhattan, where the average wedding costs $76,328. The least expensive place to get married in the country in Utah, where couples spend an average of $15,257 overall.
An interesting, though perhaps not surprising, trend that The Knot noted is that couples are increasingly using their smartphones to help plan for the big day.
The use of mobile to access wedding planning websites has nearly doubled over the last three years--in 2011, that number was at 33 percent and last year it had increased to 61 percent.
And the trend of personalization that has taken the fine jewelry industry by storm also has seemingly taken over many more aspects of consumer spending, as couples are moving away from more traditional wedding venues to find unexpected places to get married to show their own unique style.
While traditional sites like banquet halls, country clubs and hotels are still popular, an increasing amount of couples are looking for unusual venues.
Since 2009, historic buildings/homes and farms have grown in popularity--historic buildings increased from 12 percent in 2009 to 14 percent last year, and farms have gone from 3 percent six years ago to 6 percent in 2014.
A third trend that The Knot spotted is that couples are starting to spend more on their receptions and less on the ceremony itself. The number of couples paying for a cocktail hour rose from 69 percent in 2010 to 76 percent last year; more also is being spent on catering, musicians and cake.
Other notable statistics from the survey include the following:
--Average amount spent on a wedding dress: $1,357;
--Average marrying age: women, 29; men, 31;
--Average number of guests: 136;
--Most popular month to get engaged: December;
--Average length of engagement: 14 months; and
--Most popular month to get married: June.
The Knot surveyed approximately 16,000 brides and grooms that were married between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014. This was the site’s eighth Real Weddings report.
The Latest

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.


Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.


























