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

Nest doorbell camera footage of suspect in Nancy Guthrie abduction
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers going out of business sale ad
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To Close

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli Rosebud Necklace
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s Day

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Jewelers for Children
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New Beneficiaries

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Saks Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suite in Austin Texas
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are Closing

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

Tudor Heart pendant on display at British Museum
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

AGTA Spectrum, Cutting Edge Buyers Choice winners 2025
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ Awards

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

Kering Logo
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused Award

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Francesca’s storefront
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

Zales x Sweethearts Capsule Collection Heart Charms
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day Collection

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

2026 Gemvision Symposium
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for April

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

The Jewelry Symposium
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New App

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

The Luanda Accord signatories at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Miraki Jewels heart diamond signet ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRF

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%

As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.

Stuller color of the year 2026 Signature Red jewelry and gemstones
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards Category

The new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being Finalized

The White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.

CASE Awards Graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE Awards

Entries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.

James Free Jewelers Dayton Ohio store
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped Flagship

The Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.

KIL NYC The Pierced Padlock Wounded
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

From heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade

Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.

Luciano Rodembusch
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive Changes

New CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.

Cece Jewellery Bespoke Wuthering Heights Signet Rings on Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet Rings

Our Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.

Pandora platinum
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated Jewelry

The introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.

Entrance to the Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another Writedown

It would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.

×

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