SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2016
From AGS Conclave: 6 Takeaways on the Current Bridal Market
What bridal styles are trending and how can jewelers connect with prospective customers using social media? A panel of 3 answered these questions and more at Conclave.
For those looking for an antique engagement ring, Art Deco styles still reign supreme, Danielle Miele of Gem Gossip said during Wednesday’s AGS Conclave panel on bridal styles. This two-tone Art Deco-inspired ring from Just Jules features three rose-cut diamonds set in 14-karat gold ($4,400).
Washington, D.C.--Today’s bridal consumers are finding new ways to shop and plan for the big day, from brides making hints about what rings they want to “pre-shopping” on social media.
At AGS Conclave in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, a panel of three individuals who are plugged into the bridal market discussed where jewelers can find these soon-to-be-engaged customers and how to reach them, as well as which engagement rings styles are trending.
National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff moderated the discussion, asking questions of panelists Danielle Miele of the blog Gem Gossip, Stacy Tasman Stahl, founder of HowHeAsked.com, and Desiree Hanson from The NPD Group.
Here are six key takeaways they shared with the audience.
1. Customers want something different, unique or custom.
This is especially true in the antique market, Miele said. All these adjectives pertain to antique rings, which are becoming more popular among younger women who definitely don’t want the same ring that their friend has.
“I’ve talked to dealers that can’t keep diamond cluster rings in stock,” Miele said. Also becoming more popular are Victorian- and Edwardian-era styles, while Art Deco continues to “reign supreme.”
In the contemporary jewelry market, meanwhile, Stahl said that she’s seeing a lot of “stories” behind the rings, whether they have a family history or special story about the groom picking out the stone or designing the ring. Additionally, a majority of engaged couples are telling their proposal stories on social media with family and friends, giving retailers a unique opportunity to be a part of that process and get their name out there.
Hanson said that The NPD Group finds that round diamonds continue to dominate, making up two-thirds of sales. Princess cuts are in second but losing market share, likely to the growth of rounds.
Fancy shapes, she added, still make up just a small part of the market but radiant cuts and pear shapes are on the rise.
2. Social media and influencers are helping drive the trends.
While Miele said she thought that customers’ desire to post a special, unique ring online for their family and friends to see was driving certain trends, Stahl said “influencers”--bloggers or popular Instagram users focusing on style and fashion--have something to do with what brides are looking for these days.
This can provide an opportunity for jewelers in their local market.
It’s important for jewelers to reach out to the influencers in their area to inquire
about a possible partnership or coverage, Stahl said.
3. The average engagement ring price probably is approximately $6,000.
A survey from The Knot last year found that the average price of an engagement ring these days is near $6,000.
Hanson said given what they are seeing regarding the average price paid for loose diamonds, $6,000 is likely a correct average for the independents and chains (not mass-market retailers) that NPD Group tracks.
Stahl agreed that the $6,000 figure is likely accurate, adding that since she’s seeing more women looking for either a branded ring that can offer a special look or custom, they’re willing to pay a little more for that value, driving prices upward.
4. Brides are telling their significant others exactly what they want.
Stahl and Miele, both of whom got married within the past year, talked about being very clear with their now husbands before they got engaged about exactly what they wanted, which is something many women are doing these days.
This is especially true on social media, where they might tag friends and boyfriends in pictures of rings to help “clue them in,” Stahl said, making it even more important for jewelers to have strong social channels that show their jewelry.
Instagram is the obvious leader for this, but Facebook also is a good network, as is Pinterest, where many women are creating wedding planning boards.
5. Harnessing social media trends can help attract followers and customers.
Hashtags can be a great way to find customers who are looking for engagement rings.
On Instagram, jewelers need to utilize hashtags that have a significant amount of posts tied to them so that people can find their way to the store’s account.
A big one these days to catch women in their wedding planning process is #weddingwednesday.
Miele has also created one for her blog, #showmeyourrings. Stahl said that many bridal bloggers create their own hashtags, so jewelers should find the ones in their local markets and figure out what hashtags they are using.
6. Customers should be engaged even after the ring has been purchased.
After the engagement ring has been purchased, hold events that will engage both parties in the couple.
Hanson talked about an event organized by one retailer called Battle of the Bands, where they invited local bands to play and emphasized wedding band sales.
“Consumers want a different buying experience,” Hanson said. “If it’s forgettable, they probably won’t come back.”
Along the same lines, Stahl said she believes men’s wedding bands are a missed sales opportunity for many jewelers.
Rather than letting them forget about it and just order the band online later, be sure to let grooms know when they’re in buying an engagement ring that the store is prepared to help them with their needs in that area as well.
3. The average engagement ring price probably is approximately $6,000.
A survey from The Knot last year found that the average price of an engagement ring these days is near $6,000.
Hanson said given what they are seeing regarding the average price paid for loose diamonds, $6,000 is likely a correct average for the independents and chains (not mass-market retailers) that NPD Group tracks.
Stahl agreed that the $6,000 figure is likely accurate, adding that since she’s seeing more women looking for either a branded ring that can offer a special look or custom, they’re willing to pay a little more for that value, driving prices upward.
4. Brides are telling their significant others exactly what they want.
Stahl and Miele, both of whom got married within the past year, talked about being very clear with their now husbands before they got engaged about exactly what they wanted, which is something many women are doing these days.
This is especially true on social media, where they might tag friends and boyfriends in pictures of rings to help “clue them in,” Stahl said, making it even more important for jewelers to have strong social channels that show their jewelry.
Instagram is the obvious leader for this, but Facebook also is a good network, as is Pinterest, where many women are creating wedding planning boards.
5. Harnessing social media trends can help attract followers and customers.
Hashtags can be a great way to find customers who are looking for engagement rings.
On Instagram, jewelers need to utilize hashtags that have a significant amount of posts tied to them so that people can find their way to the store’s account.
A big one these days to catch women in their wedding planning process is #weddingwednesday.
Miele has also created one for her blog, #showmeyourrings. Stahl said that many bridal bloggers create their own hashtags, so jewelers should find the ones in their local markets and figure out what hashtags they are using.
6. Customers should be engaged even after the ring has been purchased.
After the engagement ring has been purchased, hold events that will engage both parties in the couple.
Hanson talked about an event organized by one retailer called Battle of the Bands, where they invited local bands to play and emphasized wedding band sales.
“Consumers want a different buying experience,” Hanson said. “If it’s forgettable, they probably won’t come back.”
Along the same lines, Stahl said she believes men’s wedding bands are a missed sales opportunity for many jewelers.
Rather than letting them forget about it and just order the band online later, be sure to let grooms know when they’re in buying an engagement ring that the store is prepared to help them with their needs in that area as well.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
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.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul 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.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
