CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
TrendsDec 21, 2014
6 bridal jewelry trends for 2015
When it comes to bridal jewelry, expect the unconventional--unusual shapes, modified halos and color--to become more common next year.
Unusual cuts, like this marquise-shaped diamond "Attelage” ring by Anna Sheffield, will be one of the trends in bridal jewelry in 2015.
New York--Celebrity couples threw caution to the wind this year, with weddings--and wedding rings--that marked a return to pre-recession extravagance.
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin tied the knot in a former Venetian palazzo while Kim Kardashian and Kanye West held their $12 million nuptials in a 16th century fort in Florence, Italy.
Yet the brides’ rings had a notably modern look, as did most A-list engagement rings this year. Fewer stars opted for vintage styles, instead choosing cleaner lines and a bit of color.
Here are six trends visible in celebrity wedding jewelry in 2014 that are likely to impact demand in 2015.
1) Modified halos. In fall 2013, Scarlett Johansson appeared with the ultimate Art Deco engagement ring, flush to the finger. Her ring offered size and sparkle without requiring a giant center stone, a primary advantage of the vintage-style halo.
But, as Helena Krodel of Luxe Intelligence points out, there wasn’t a single halo among the rings of A-list celebrities engaged in 2014. “The halo has been the most important trend we’ve seen in engagement rings and bridal jewelry in the past decade,” she said. “For so long, it seemed like every single engagement ring had either a pavé shank or a pavé halo. I think it’s important to note that none of the big five celebrity engagement rings had a halo this year.”
Are halos’ popularity waning? “They’re classics now,” Krodel said. “They’re no longer the trendy new thing that everyone wants.”
“The halo was extremely popular in 2014, and I think it will continue in 2015,” said Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America. “I don’t think it will be as dominating a trend as it was in 2014 but I do think, with people still being very budget-conscious yet wanting a large-diamond look, the halo will stick around for some time.”
Amanda Tropila of the Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) sees halos evolving, with less stone and more metal--etched, beaded or twisted settings that lend a halo look. “Danhov has one, for example, with metal that looks like a classic halo with diamonds,” she says, “but when you look closely, the metal has almost a beaded effect.”
2) Simpler settings. In place of the halo, Krodel is seeing more “interesting settings” with unusual cuts flanked by matching side stones--a large oval center stone with two smaller ovals, for example.
Tropila notes a return
of “simple, clean, modern rings--tension settings or chunkier, plain metal settings with a bezel-set stone.”
3) Unusual cuts. Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring this year had multiple baguettes tapering down the sides of her the emerald-cut diamond ring, a look we haven’t seen much of since the 1970s.
Other formerly passé cuts seem to be gaining momentum as well. “Shapes that really weren’t popular, like the marquise and the pear shape, are coming in again,” Tropila said.
RELATED CONTENT: What’s new, again
Many celebs also opted for emerald cuts, a look that doesn’t work so well with average-sized diamonds. Other fancy cuts that seem to be gaining momentum, Gizzi said, are cushions particularly as well as also ovals, radiant and Asscher cuts.
Openwork shanks also are appearing in celebrity engagement rings, a style that works for longer cuts such as the oval. Actress Hayden Panettiere, of Heroes and Nashville, opted for a pave-set split shank to hold her massive emerald-cut diamond.
4) Colored stones. Yellow stones appeared in a couple high-profile engagement rings this year. Clooney gave Alamuddin a 7-carat emerald-cut fancy yellow diamond.
Since sizable yellow diamonds can be quite expensive--Alamuddin’s ring cost a reported $750,000--brides might opt to add the shade by using yellow sapphires, as was seen in the ring Donnie Wahlberg gave his now-wife Jenny McCarthy.
For now, Krodel predicts most brides will restrict color to the side stones.
She adds that she expects to see more champagne diamonds as well, also in that color range. HSN’s new diamond expert Diane Warga-Arias said champagne diamonds are hot right now in general.
Both younger and older brides are avoiding conventional diamond rings for different reasons, Krodel said. “A lot of older brides, perhaps because they’ve already been through it before, are doing non-traditional stones but maybe in traditional settings,” she said.
“People under 30 who are getting married for the first time, they’re the ones looking for something that isn’t traditional in any regard,” she said. “It could be a band or a colored gemstone, maybe a gray or an uncut diamond, something rough, in the Todd Reed style.”
5) Stacking bands. Stacking mania is affecting choice of wedding bands and creating add-on sales opportunities.
“People are loving the idea of stacking bands now, this idea of buying a band that doesn’t have to match your engagement ring and then buying another band for an anniversary present or a life’s occasion,” Krodel said.
For now, brides are sticking to white metals, sometimes with touches of rose gold. “As much of a driving force as it is in fashion jewelry right now, yellow gold is not translating to bridal,” Gizzi said. “I think people still feel it’s dated.”
6) Gem-set men’s bands. “Men’s bands are getting more and more stylized, with diamonds, etching or borders,” Tropila said.
Platinum and gold bands incorporating diamonds are big for men, Gizzi said. “We’re even seeing some color, like flush-set sapphires or rubies, but primarily diamonds--one round or three round or three princess cut, flush-set.”
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
