Trends

Cindy’s TrendTracker: Alternative bridal, part 1

TrendsFeb 22, 2016

Cindy’s TrendTracker: Alternative bridal, part 1

It’s a category so big we had to divide it between two weeks.

081915_TT-Pamela-Froman-912.jpg
Pamela Froman’s “Sweet Crush” engagement ring is made in 18-karat white crushed gold with swirls that hold a pavé-framed 1.78-carat rose-cut gray diamond, balanced by a brilliant-cut colorless diamond ($4,360). pamelafroman.com
081915_TT-Sethi-Couture-913.jpg
Sethi Couture’s 18-karat gold and opaque diamond rings in mahogany, ice, green, and slate colors. The center stones range from 1 to 3 carats (prices range from $4,800 to $6,000). sethicouture.com
081915_TT-East-Fourth-Street-905.jpg
East Fourth Street’s “Montana” sapphire engagement ring is handmade from recycled or fair-mined 14-karat yellow gold and bezel-set with an ethically sourced blue-green, 0.65-carat round Montana sapphire ($1,400). eastfourthstreet.com
081915_TT-Lika-Behar-906.jpg
Lika Behar’s 22-karat gold ring offers a gray diamond slice and a round brilliant cut gray diamond ($1,430). likabehar.com
081915_TT-Ruta-Reifen-907.jpg
Hand-sculpted, cast and uniquely finished in 14-karat yellow gold with white sapphires and morganite, this ring has individually set in place precious stones and was made in Brooklyn by Ruta Reifen with responsibly sourced materials ($1,980). rutareifen.com
081915_TT-Gintare-908.jpg
Gintare’s 18-karat white gold “Karuna” crown band ($2,000) gintarejewelry.com
081915_TT-Lio-and-Linn-909.jpg
Lio and Linn’s 14-karat yellow gold ring is inspired by nature. The triangle is symbol for change, and arches over the champagne diamond, which represents the sun ($2,200). lioandlinn.com
081915_TT-Amy-Glaswand-910.jpg
This 18-karat gold “Zig Zag” stack ring is from Amy Glaswand, and holds 0.27 carats of diamonds ($2,200). amyglaswand.com
081915_TT-Dawes-Design-911.jpg
Dawes Designs’ 18-karat gold band holds 1.25 carats (total) of rose-cut champagne-colored opaque diamonds ($2,650). dawes-design.com
081915_TT-Tura-Sugden-914.jpg
A deep autumn-colored rose-cut diamond is surrounded by round diamonds in Tura Sugden’s understated halo ring, with the diamond partially tucked under the solitaire setting to allow for a subtle shimmer set in 18-karat yellow gold ($6,095). turasugden.com
081915_TT-Jane-Taylor-915.jpg
Jane Taylor’s “Cloud Swing” platinum ring is set with 2.08 carats of diamonds ($13,675). janetaylor.com
081915_TT-Megan-Thorne-916.jpg
This limited edition engagement ring by Megan Thorne is set in 18-karat yellow gold with a 1.71-carat pear-shaped rose-cut diamond center and a matching band with rose-cut diamond sides ($21,601). meganthorne.com
081915_TT-Anthony-Lent-917.jpg
Anthony Lent’s “Pavé Hands” ring, in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum with moonstone, diamonds and one dainty emerald cabochon ($19,200)
anthonylent.com
081915_TT-Susan-Wheeler-918.jpg
Susan Wheeler’s 18-karat recycled rose gold and conflict-free diamond wedding set features a rough diamond center with pavé-set champagne diamonds. susanwheelerdesign.com
View Slideshow

It’s a category so big we had to divide it between two weeks.

For the majority of jewelers, bridal jewelry is their bread-and-butter, with many soon-to-be-wives and husbands selecting very classic pieces.

But what about that bride or groom who’s a little off-beat, who wants a colored stone instead of a diamond, an off-color diamond or an unusual shape?

In part one of a two-part TrendTracker, we present 14 styles for the more individualistic bride and groom. 

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

The Latest

Sean Gilbertson
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps Down

After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

Bachendorf’s New Dallas Location Exterior Rendering
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In Dallas

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

Jung Kook for Graff
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New Ambassador

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Pandora pearl jewelry campaign imagery
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
London Diamond Bourse President Charlotte Rose
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female President

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Bracelets_1872_1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet Trends

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Hand taking jewelry out of jewelry box
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying Events

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in June

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

Rio Grande Millgrain Wedding band and Round Diamond Engagement Ring
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal Collection

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Rockefeller Center Rink Rolex Clock
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller Center

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

Kristen Cannon
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

G Shock Pokemon watch in Pokeball
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock Watch

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New Name

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

Jade Ruzzo Lady Collection Compact Mirror Necklace
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a Lady

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

Blue Nile Montana sapphire jewelry
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire Collection

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

American Gem Society
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification Exam

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

Briony Raymond Carousel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard Stones

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ridgeland Mississippi exterior
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi Flagship

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology Manager

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

GIA London Canary Wharf campus
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London Campus

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

Hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

Kris Averi Rainbow Prism Thorn Ring
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ Ring

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

A tray of Rembrandt charms
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

Brandee Dallow
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEO

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

×

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