Trends

Cindy’s TrendTracker: Alternative bridal, part 1

TrendsFeb 22, 2016

Cindy’s TrendTracker: Alternative bridal, part 1

It’s a category so big we had to divide it between two weeks.

081915_TT-Pamela-Froman-912.jpg
Pamela Froman’s “Sweet Crush” engagement ring is made in 18-karat white crushed gold with swirls that hold a pavé-framed 1.78-carat rose-cut gray diamond, balanced by a brilliant-cut colorless diamond ($4,360). pamelafroman.com
081915_TT-Sethi-Couture-913.jpg
Sethi Couture’s 18-karat gold and opaque diamond rings in mahogany, ice, green, and slate colors. The center stones range from 1 to 3 carats (prices range from $4,800 to $6,000). sethicouture.com
081915_TT-East-Fourth-Street-905.jpg
East Fourth Street’s “Montana” sapphire engagement ring is handmade from recycled or fair-mined 14-karat yellow gold and bezel-set with an ethically sourced blue-green, 0.65-carat round Montana sapphire ($1,400). eastfourthstreet.com
081915_TT-Lika-Behar-906.jpg
Lika Behar’s 22-karat gold ring offers a gray diamond slice and a round brilliant cut gray diamond ($1,430). likabehar.com
081915_TT-Ruta-Reifen-907.jpg
Hand-sculpted, cast and uniquely finished in 14-karat yellow gold with white sapphires and morganite, this ring has individually set in place precious stones and was made in Brooklyn by Ruta Reifen with responsibly sourced materials ($1,980). rutareifen.com
081915_TT-Gintare-908.jpg
Gintare’s 18-karat white gold “Karuna” crown band ($2,000) gintarejewelry.com
081915_TT-Lio-and-Linn-909.jpg
Lio and Linn’s 14-karat yellow gold ring is inspired by nature. The triangle is symbol for change, and arches over the champagne diamond, which represents the sun ($2,200). lioandlinn.com
081915_TT-Amy-Glaswand-910.jpg
This 18-karat gold “Zig Zag” stack ring is from Amy Glaswand, and holds 0.27 carats of diamonds ($2,200). amyglaswand.com
081915_TT-Dawes-Design-911.jpg
Dawes Designs’ 18-karat gold band holds 1.25 carats (total) of rose-cut champagne-colored opaque diamonds ($2,650). dawes-design.com
081915_TT-Tura-Sugden-914.jpg
A deep autumn-colored rose-cut diamond is surrounded by round diamonds in Tura Sugden’s understated halo ring, with the diamond partially tucked under the solitaire setting to allow for a subtle shimmer set in 18-karat yellow gold ($6,095). turasugden.com
081915_TT-Jane-Taylor-915.jpg
Jane Taylor’s “Cloud Swing” platinum ring is set with 2.08 carats of diamonds ($13,675). janetaylor.com
081915_TT-Megan-Thorne-916.jpg
This limited edition engagement ring by Megan Thorne is set in 18-karat yellow gold with a 1.71-carat pear-shaped rose-cut diamond center and a matching band with rose-cut diamond sides ($21,601). meganthorne.com
081915_TT-Anthony-Lent-917.jpg
Anthony Lent’s “Pavé Hands” ring, in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum with moonstone, diamonds and one dainty emerald cabochon ($19,200)
anthonylent.com
081915_TT-Susan-Wheeler-918.jpg
Susan Wheeler’s 18-karat recycled rose gold and conflict-free diamond wedding set features a rough diamond center with pavé-set champagne diamonds. susanwheelerdesign.com
View Slideshow

It’s a category so big we had to divide it between two weeks.

For the majority of jewelers, bridal jewelry is their bread-and-butter, with many soon-to-be-wives and husbands selecting very classic pieces.

But what about that bride or groom who’s a little off-beat, who wants a colored stone instead of a diamond, an off-color diamond or an unusual shape?

In part one of a two-part TrendTracker, we present 14 styles for the more individualistic bride and groom. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Mark and Candy Udell on stage at the 2026 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

Winter Tourmaline
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

Jean-Marc Duplaix
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEO

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

TopImageCrop.jpg
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.

Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After Another

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tag Heuer CEO Béatrice Goasglas
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEO

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Honolulu boutique
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu Boutique

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Bonhams fine jewelry Paris
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Andrea Pooler
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.

Cast Compass pendant
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

Virginia jewelers at charity ball
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

×

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