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

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

×

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