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

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Claire’s new summer campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Cartier London Crash Watch
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2M

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Police cars
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
OAR26_NJ_bulletin_1872x1052_01.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver Manufacturing

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Tiffany & Co. Mother’s Day email opt out
MajorsApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-Out

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Dick Abbott
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The Edge

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

The Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

John Wayne Signet Ring
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's Ring

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Stock image of money
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

Gregory's Jewelers storefront
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the Torch

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

Doug Hucker
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICA

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Natural Diamond Council Chief Marketing Officer Susie Dewey
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’s

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Smart Age Solutions CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an Afterthought

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

Longnecker Jewelry storefront
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 Years

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

Jeff Corey
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board Chair

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

Fourteen August Irene mom ring
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF Says

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

TwentyFour Vault Locket
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual Vault

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Photos from Day’s Jewelers 2025 Mother’s Day campaign
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s Jewelers

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

National Jeweler - Supplier Bulletin - April 2026 - JMSS Graphic.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value Goods

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

Woman wearing Charles & Colvard lab grown diamond jewelry
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5M

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic pocket watch and a gold pencil case
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1M

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

Adam Neeley Dali Garden Collection Eyris Ring
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s Garden

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

×

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