Trends

See the Buzziest New Line of Engagement Rings

TrendsJan 20, 2021

See the Buzziest New Line of Engagement Rings

Alison Lou turns its whimsical eye to bridal jewelry.

AlisonLou2.jpg
Alison Lou’s new bridal line, “I Do by Lou” features the brand’s signature playfulness and whimsy.

New York—Alison Lou isn’t completely new to bridal.

Best known for its playful approach to fine jewelry—think emojis and pasta shapes as design motifs and rainbow shades of enamel—designer Alison Chemla has crafted engagement rings for some pretty famous brides, Emily Ratajkowski and Jennifer Lawrence among them.

It was Chemla’s private clientele that inspired her to launch “I Do by Lou,” a line of customizable engagement rings based on seven key styles.

“I have been designing bridal quietly for several years and would showcase a ring here or there on our Instagram,” the designer explained.

“We would always see an amazing response and get personal requests, so I knew it was time to do something more formal. My seven designs are based on rings I had done for customers in the past.”

A newlywed herself, Chemla received her GIA diamond certification two years ago.

Her seven signature settings mix classic bridal elements, like a diamond solitaire, with the sense of fun and cheekiness devotees have come to expect from the brand.

“While our settings can feel very classic, I designed them with our customer in mind. Someone who is not afraid to take a risk, to modernize classic bridal, and who wants their personality reflected in their ring. ‘I Do by Lou’ has a less conventional approach to bridal [than traditional styles].”

The “Gloria” and “Victoria” styles feature a round diamond solitaire and emerald-cut diamond solitaire respectively, with a thin enamel halo to add an unexpected pop of color.

Chemla said since launching “I Do by Lou” in December, these styles have proven the most popular.

The designer’s answer to brides’ demand for heavy gold styles is “Babs,” a thick gold band featuring an east-west flush-set pear diamond center stone surrounded by a scattering of flush-set round diamonds, and the “Monet,” a prong-set round diamond on a thick, octahedral, signet-style band.

The “Cookie” ring features a round brilliant diamond on a split, enamel-covered band, while the “Samantha” is the oeuvre’s most traditional, featuring a cushion-cut set diamond set on an angle on a simple pave diamond-set band.

A curving open ring featuring an oval-cut diamond, the “Beth,” is reminiscent of a vintage snake style, and boasts all that metal clients are asking for.

“Gold-heavy [is] something we are seeing a lot of our brides lean toward,” the designer said.       

Alison Lou “Mrs.” bands, available in every letter

of the alphabet, are a natural counterpart to the new bridal selection, though Chemla has also created a special gold wedding band featuring initial-cut diamonds, too, which would also make great engagement rings for couples of any gender.

“Our goal with the collection is to have something for everyone and to create a ring you will want to wear every day, forever,” Chemla added.

Each “I Do by Lou” style is completely customizable. Customers can decide the metal, center stone and enamel color to their liking.

Currently, clients start the design process by submitting a form on the Alison Lou website. From there, they can meet at the brand’s New York City showroom or virtually.

Chemla will also create entirely bespoke styles for brides-to-be, or help them reset their current rings to feel more like them.

Ultimately, collaboration is at the heart of “I Do by Lou.”

“We want to take the ‘unapproachable’-ness out of bridal. We want to be your friend through this process and feel very lucky to be a part of the most special moment in your lives to date.”

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

In Memoriam collage
IndependentsDec 30, 2024
In Memoriam: Jewelry Industry Leaders and Innovators We Lost in 2024

From groundbreaking designers to dedicated retailers, National Jeweler pays tribute to the colleagues we bid farewell to this year.

Neiman Marcus store in Fort Worth, Texas
MajorsDec 30, 2024
Saks Global Finalizes Acquisition of Neiman Marcus

The retailer’s portfolio now includes Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks Off 5th.

JIS spring show
Events & AwardsDec 30, 2024
Registration Now Open for JIS Spring 2025

The jewelry trade show is set for March 9-11 in Miami.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Edward N. DeCristofaro
IndependentsDec 30, 2024
MJSA Elects New Board Chair

Edward N. DeCristofaro, who served as MJSA’s board chair from 2012 to 2014, is returning to the role.

Weekly QuizDec 27, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Hand holding a Buccellati Macri bracelet
MajorsDec 27, 2024
Buccellati to Expand Workforce by 500 Employees Over Next Three Years

The Richemont-owned company is investing in its jewelry production and watchmaking workshops.

Manoj Bhandari
SourcingDec 27, 2024
IDCA Announces 2025 Board Members

Manoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

WJA Jewely Loupe Project
Events & AwardsDec 27, 2024
18 Designers Graduate from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project

The designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.

The Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B Deal

Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.

Boucheron Las Vegas Storefront
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las Vegas

The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.

B & B Fine Gems gemstone suite
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald Mining

The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.

Tyrese Maxey The 1916 Company campaign
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New Campaign

The retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.

Jewelry by Sorellina, Francesca Villa, Cece Jewellery, Retrouvai, Ray Griffiths, Cartier, Cocoerow Fine Jewelry, and Gumuchian
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.

GIA emerald report
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald Reports

Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

×

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