ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
TrendsFeb 22, 2016
Cindy’s TrendTracker: Alternative bridal, part 1
It’s a category so big we had to divide it between two weeks.
PHOTO 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
PHOTO 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
PHOTO 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
PHOTO 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
PHOTO Lika Behar’s 22-karat gold ring offers a gray diamond slice and a round brilliant cut gray diamond ($1,430). likabehar.com
PHOTO 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
PHOTO 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
PHOTO This 18-karat gold “Zig Zag” stack ring is from Amy Glaswand, and holds 0.27 carats of diamonds ($2,200). amyglaswand.com
PHOTO Dawes Designs’ 18-karat gold band holds 1.25 carats (total) of rose-cut champagne-colored opaque diamonds ($2,650). dawes-design.com
PHOTO 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
PHOTO Jane Taylor’s “Cloud Swing” platinum ring is set with 2.08 carats of diamonds ($13,675). janetaylor.com
PHOTO 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
PHOTO 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
anthonylent.com
PHOTO 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
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.
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
Lika Behar’s 22-karat gold ring offers a gray diamond slice and a round brilliant cut gray diamond ($1,430). likabehar.com
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
Gintare’s 18-karat white gold “Karuna” crown band ($2,000) gintarejewelry.com
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
This 18-karat gold “Zig Zag” stack ring is from Amy Glaswand, and holds 0.27 carats of diamonds ($2,200). amyglaswand.com
Dawes Designs’ 18-karat gold band holds 1.25 carats (total) of rose-cut champagne-colored opaque diamonds ($2,650). dawes-design.com
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
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
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
Jane Taylor’s “Cloud Swing” platinum ring is set with 2.08 carats of diamonds ($13,675). janetaylor.com
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
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
anthonylent.com
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
