ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
EditorsNov 28, 2017
Prince Harry’s American Fiancée Goes for Yellow Gold
Here’s what the engagement ring the prince gave to his actress fiancée says about today’s engagement ring trends.
Ertswhile specializes in stocking exceptional antique engagement rings, as well as re-purposing older designs into more modern fare. This 0.94-carat transitional cut diamond accented by two smaller transitional cut diamonds needed no re-design. The Art Deco piece in 18-karat yellow gold was created by Tiffany & Co. in 1935 and is similar in style to the ring Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle to mark their engagement.
On Monday, Clarence House announced the engagement of His Royal Highness Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, an American actress currently starring in the USA drama “Suits.”
The public and the media were, of course, brimming with questions about the royal and his bride, who sat down for a television interview with the BBC to answer some of them, the most important of which was: Can we see the ring?
“The ring is obviously yellow gold because that’s (Meghan’s) favorite,” said Harry.
The public and the media were, of course, brimming with questions about the royal and his bride, who sat down for a television interview with the BBC to answer some of them, the most important of which was: Can we see the ring?
“The ring is obviously yellow gold because that’s (Meghan’s) favorite,” said Harry.
Embed from Getty Images
Indeed, the only unorthodox element of the classic style, which features a cushion-cut white diamond center stone flanked by two round brilliant diamonds, is its metal.
Yellow gold has been making a comeback in recent years after plummeting in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But white gold and platinum still overwhelmingly dominate bridal styles, independent retailers told National Jeweler over the course of the 50 Jewelers/50 States store profiles conducted this year, so it was a pleasant surprise to see Markle exert a preference for something classic but unique, perhaps an indicator of future sartorial choices.
And while simply set, the diamonds in the design are noteworthy in that they hold sentimental significance for the couple, Harry explained.
“The main stone itself I sourced from Botswana and the little diamonds on the side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together,” he said.
“It’s beautiful,” Markle interjected, “and he designed it. It’s incredible.”
Embed from Getty Images
While Markle’s predilection for yellow gold, a slight departure from the stylistic norm, is representative of the trend of consumers desiring uniqueness in engagement rings, so is Harry’s choice to have a hand in the design of the piece.
A recent survey from The Knot showed that custom bridal design is an essential aspect of the engagement ring purchase, allowing customers to create something personalized to them (in Harry and Meghan’s case, the inclusion of stones from the collection of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, and a stone with a special provenance, as the couple traveled to Botswana during their courtship.)
“I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness and the inclusion of that and obviously not being able to meet his mom; it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us,” Markle explained.
Just as Prince Harry proposed to American actress Meghan Markle with a ring utilizing two of his mother’s diamonds, this ring from Brooklyn-based brand Erie Basin, also in yellow gold, updates an older diamond in a new setting. The 1.33-carat old mine cut cushion diamond was cut in approximately 1850 and repurposed with a knife-edge shank in 2017. It retails for $11,250.
Seattle-based Erika Winters frequently creates bridal styles in yellow gold, which look contemporary in her signature brushed finish. Her Mariana Bezel ring pictured is shown with a square, emerald-cut diamond. (Price available upon request.)
Like Markle's engagement ring, this style from romantic and modern designer Jade Trau also feature a cushion-shaped diamond, but with a unique pave diamond bezel setting. Trau designs the piece in yellow, rose or white gold, as well as in platinum. The style starts at $4,700 for a 14-karat gold version.
British designer Jessica McCormack is highly sought after for her custom bridal pieces. Mixing metals in the setting is one of her hallmarks, as seen in this one-of-a-kind engagement ring with a 2.10-carat round brilliant diamond set in sterling silver on a yellow gold shank. (Price available upon request.)
KatKim's take on a simple, solitaire diamond ring involves an unexpected octagonal setting for the round brilliant diamond. This particular version features a 0.30-carat GH, VS diamond and retails for $4,880.
'This exquisite engagement ring from Lizzie Mandler feels both Deco and modern and features Mandler's signature knife-edge shank. A custom piece for a private client, the princess-cut diamonds are set in 18-karat yellow gold. (Price available upon request.)
Page Sargisson mixes her handmade ethos, in which the designer's hand feels present in the tactile designs, with an ultra-classic emerald-cut diamond, set East to West. The 3.32-carat diamond set in 18-karat yellow gold retails for $75,000.
“It’s incredibly special to be able to have this, which sort of links where (Harry comes) from and Botswana, which is important to us. It’s perfect.”
Harry concluded: “It is days like today when I really miss having her around and miss being able to share the happy news but you know with the ring and with everything else that’s going on …”
“She’s with us,” said Markle.
“I’m sure she’s with us,” Harry agreed.
Whether royal or not, like the generations before them, millennials are still attracted to pieces with emotional resonance; the more personal, the better.
See the full interview below:
“She’s with us,” said Markle.
“I’m sure she’s with us,” Harry agreed.
Whether royal or not, like the generations before them, millennials are still attracted to pieces with emotional resonance; the more personal, the better.
See the full interview below:
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
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.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
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.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
