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

Daughters of the Deep indicolite earrings
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking About

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Colin Jost in Kay Jewelers holiday ad
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday Ad

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

GCAL 8X_NJSB_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the Counter

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Wrapped holiday gift boxes
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Little Pet Portrait Pendants by Russell Jones & Judi Powers
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New Collaboration

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Brilliant Earth Elizabeth Taylor jewelry
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Swarovski Joy: The Swarovski Musical Campaign with Ariana Grande
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

GIA logo
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday Services

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

NYC Jewelry Week Biolgems Jewelry Exhibition
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition Yet

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

×

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