SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
Events & AwardsJan 19, 2015
How to adapt to the changing bridal market
During a session at the JA New York show Monday, experts discussed how jewelers can navigate the changes in today’s marriage market to capitalize on current opportunities.
Today’s bridal customers are looking for more unique rings that speak to their personal style, like this 18-karat “Double Flow” ring from Anne Sportun ($2,410 for band, not including center stone).
New York--It’s no secret that today’s bridal consumer is very different from those of generations past.
Changes like the legalization of same-sex marriage in states across the country has brought new customers to the bridal segment, and consumers’ desire to find a piece that speaks to personal style continues to grow.
Since bridal continues to be such an important part of many retailers’ sales, it’s increasingly important that they take the time to understand and cater to this crowd.
“The New Bridal Landscape” panel discussion held at the JA New York Show on Monday covered just that. Led by Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and special events at Jewelers of America, panelists were Hal Rubenstein, global style director at Gabriel & Co.; Shane Clark, senior fashion and accessories editor at Brides magazine; and Yanni Kyriazis, designer at David Lee Holland Fine Jewelry.
Across the various perspectives provided in the seminar--wholesale, design, retail and editorial--the sentiment remained the same: It’s important that jewelers not jump to conclusions about the type of jewelry they think a customer wants.
Bridal jewelry represents an extremely sentimental part of someone’s life, and a jeweler should be there to listen and understand what the client is looking for exactly.
Providing many options also is crucial for today’s consumer, beyond just the traditional solitaire stone.
Because customers are looking for unique stones and settings, “just to have a rock with a band, that doesn’t cut it,” Rubenstein said.
Trends the experts said they see coming in 2015 and beyond include mixed metals, especially with rose gold, and traditional cuts coming back into style, such as oval and marquise diamonds, but set with modern, updated looks.
Kyriazis also noted that in the U.S. market, he’s noticing that bridal customers seem to be looking for smaller stones of higher quality, and that provenance of the stone is of increasing importance.
He added that today’s bridal consumer will continue looking for unique or alternative rings that not only match their styles but also are “portfolio additions”--investment pieces that will stay in their collections for life.
Rubenstein added, “It’s so key now to understand the personality of the person coming in to buy that ring.”
These days, the four Cs don’t matter as much to consumers, especially since many of them have already done much of their research online. The role of the jeweler now is
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
less about presenting that information and more about finding the ring that will express the special aspects of each relationship.
Kyriazis also noted the importance of a fifth “C” these days: confidence. It’s important to establish a relationship with clients so that they trust you enough to not only come to you at such a special time in their lives, but also keep coming back to you.
Bringing forward a new consumer base to jewelers is the increasing number of states that are starting to legally recognize same-sex marriages.
RELATED CONTENT: The change that is bringing opportunity
Since no traditions have been established for weddings in the LGBT market, many of the couples are trying to find their own unique ways to celebrate their matrimony.
There are now more options for men’s bands, though that market still remains underserved, Clark said. More unique styles are available for males, including mixed metals and stones. But one of the most important aspects for retailers is that they make sure the customer listens and lets them know they are there to help.
In addition, more American adults than ever before also are getting remarried, adding more new customers and opportunities for jewelers.
Though the experts had varying opinions on how the second-time bride shops, all three seemed to agree that this bride is looking for something different, which could mean a new setting for an old stone or adding color.
In the end, it’s up to jewelers to stay open-minded when it comes to their offerings, as this could present an opportunity to get creative or sell the piece that might be less popular for most brides but speaks perfectly to the second- or even third-time bride.
“The second wedding is more about everything looking different and being different,” Rubenstein said.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
