Trends

Cindy’s TrendTracker: Uncommon brides

TrendsFeb 25, 2016

Cindy’s TrendTracker: Uncommon brides

Today’s bride is a very eclectic girl--no longer hemmed in by long-standing traditions she is free to do as she pleases in colored bridal gowns, in avant-garde settings, and with jewels that resonate with her personal style.

121814_Ploof-slide-408.jpg
Stainless steel with oxide rings by Chris Ploof ($950)
ChrisPloof.com

121814_Powers-slide-409.jpg
Judi Powers’ Montauk ring has a 1.5 to 1.75 mm Harmony “recycled” diamond set in 18-karat yellow gold ($995).
JudiPowersJewelry.com

121814_Fensterstock-slide-410.jpg
Annie Fensterstock’s “Lynnie” ring in 18-karat yellow gold with rose-cut diamonds
AnnieFensterstock.com

121814_Taylor-slide-411.jpg
Jane Taylor created these dodecagon (12-sided) pavé bands, shown in 14K-karat yellow gold with tsavorite garnet ($795), 14K-karat rose gold with blue sapphire ($760), 14K-karat ruthenium-plated white gold with pink sapphire ($760), and matte 14K-karat white gold with alternating diamond stations ($1,190).
JaneTaylor.com

121814_Cohn-slide-412.jpg
This 18-karat gold coral-inspired band by newcomer Julie Cohn retails for $1,375.
JulieCohnDesign.com

121814_Moore-slide-413.jpg
Heather Moore’s 14-kart white gold wedding band with three 1.5 mm white diamonds (0.015 carats) can be personalized, like all the designer’s jewelry. It retails for $2,050.
HeatherMooreJewelry.com
121814_Fantaci-slide-414.jpg
This small and delicate “Pawn” ring with white diamonds set in 14-karat gold is by Michelle Fantaci ($2,190). 
MichelleFantaci.com
121814_Kaye-slide-415.jpg
Melissa Kaye’s “Charlotte” ring in 18-karat white gold has white diamonds on one side and blue sapphires on the other ($2,310).
MelissaKayeJewelry.com

121814_Dawes-slide-416.jpg
This 18-karat yellow gold “golden gate” band with a 1-carat rose-cut blue-green sapphire is by Dawes Designs. It retails for $2,750. 
Dawes-Design.com
121814_Pownell-slide-417.jpg
New designer Todd Pownell created this 18-karat yellow gold hammered band with a fissure cut set with inverted single-cut white diamonds and five brown diamonds ($2,924).
TAPbyToddPownell.com

121814_Wynne-1-slide-418.jpg
Jemma Wynne created an unusual solitaire using a rose-cut diamond and blackened 18-karat diamond pave ($3,570).
JemmaWynne.com

121814_Kretchmer-slide-419.jpg
Claudia Kretchmer’s midnight-blue platinum tension ring starts at $3,900 for the mounting.
Kretchmer.biz

121814_Thorne-1-slide-420.jpg
This 18-karat yellow gold “Buttercup” ring with a half-carat rose-cut center diamond is by Megan Thorne ($4,380). 
MeganThorne.com

121814_JJ-slide-421.jpg
Just Jules created this 14-karat vintage-inspired ring from a vintage pin, with Art Nouveau scrollwork on one side, pave diamonds on the other and an 8.30-carat gray rose-cut diamond and pave halo ($5,900).
JustJules.com

121814_Froman-slide-422.jpg
Pamela Froman’s 18-karat yellow and white gold ring has a rose-cut 1.90-carat black diamond center surrounded by a white diamond halo (0.12 carats total weight). It retails for $5,940.
PamelaFroman.com

121814_Stone-slide-423.jpg
Designer Jackie Stone’s “Passion Puzzle” ring is an alternative to traditional wedding bands. It is 18-karat rose and yellow gold with heirloom diamond melee ($6,500).
SaltAndStone.com

121814_Thorne-2-slide-424.jpg
Also from Megan Thorne is this “Wood Nymph” three-stone with center pave in  18-karat white gold, an 0.78-carat rose-cut center diamond and 0.45 carats of blue sapphires side stones ($5,270), shown with a pave slender band with floral tiara ring in 18-karat white gold and diamonds ($1,375).
MeganThorne.com

121814_Reed-slide-425.jpg
Todd Reed’s palladium ring with a 4.67-carat rough diamond and white brilliant-cut diamonds ($7,260)
ToddReed.com

121814_Wynne-2-slide-426.jpg
This 18-karat white gold ring with a rose-cut, shield-shaped diamond and blackened pave retails for $13,650.
JemmaWynne.com

View Slideshow

Today’s bride is a very eclectic girl--no longer hemmed in by long-standing traditions she is free to do as she pleases in colored bridal gowns, in avant-garde settings, and with jewels that resonate with her personal style.

She’s not locked into needing a perfect white diamond with traditional prongs; she’ll rock a colored stone, a blackened metal or a cluster of raw diamonds and call herself betrothed.

This is great news for jewelers, who can have more fun with their bridal inventory and cater to the unconventional bride with a wide assortment of creative ideas.

Click through to see 19 rings perfect for a modern bride.  

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Three diamonds with diagrams
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education Conference

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gabriel Love Foundation Logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias Gabriel

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

Lee Min Seo and Ianyan Jewelry
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused Award

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

De Beers desert diamonds
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet Ring

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

Mary Chiam
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEO

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

Lauren Johansen
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Lunar Rain cat locket
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are …

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

Nancy Astor tiara
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2M

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

RDI Diamonds and Lavalier Personal Jewelry Insurance Logos
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With Lavalier

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy