ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
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
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
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
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.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
