EditorsFeb 14, 2022
We Need to Talk About Adele’s Incredible Diamond RingTrendsFeb 17, 2022
Simone Biles Goes for the (White) Gold
The Olympian debuted her 3-carat oval diamond engagement ring this week.
This Stephanie Gottlieb ring, similar to Simone Biles’ engagement ring, features a 2.5-carat G-color SI1 oval-shaped diamond set in the company’s signature platinum three-sided diamond pavé setting.
Houston—She has gold, silver, and bronze Olympic medals to her name, and now Simone Biles adds white gold to her roster of precious mementos.
The 24-year-old Ohio native and Houston resident announced her engagement to NFL player Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Houston Texans, on Instagram this week, satiating any ring curiosity with a detailed video of the sparkler among a carousel of loved-up pics with her betrothed.
Owens posted a near-identical batch of photos to his Instagram account, crediting Houston-based private jeweler @zofrost for the oval-shaped diamond engagement ring.
Zohaib Muhammad, head of ZoFrost & Co. is a go-to jeweler for professional athletes. He began working at a jewelry kiosk in college to help fund his education at the University of Houston, not knowing jewelry would become his ultimate career path.
After years of working for a local jeweler, he set out on his own in 2018, cultivating a clientele of the who’s who in sports.
“I’m beyond grateful to say that many of the top athletes in the NFL and NBA trust me with creating their jewelry and I’m lucky to call many of them close friends,” Muhammad told National Jeweler.
His Instagram is littered with pictures of elaborate custom works, from personalized pendants and grills to diamond-encrusted chains, blinged-out Cartier watches, and even diamond sunglasses.
With men’s jewelry his forte, diamond engagement rings aren’t his most common custom project.
But, he said, “At least a couple times each year, one of my clients will ask me to help them design and create a ring for their special day.”
Such was the case with Owens.
“Jonathan and I started the process together a few months ago to select the perfect diamond for Simone,” Muhammad said.
“After looking at a number of stones, he handpicked the 3-carat oval diamond. He wanted to add a special touch to the ring by adding a halo around the center stone.”
“After looking at a number of stones, he handpicked the 3-carat oval diamond. He wanted to add a special touch to the ring by adding a halo around the center stone.”
Visible in the Instagram video is the hidden halo, seen only in profile, a more sophisticated cousin of the traditional halo that is seen from above.
Muhammad said a stone of that size would start at about $70,000 and go up from there depending on the quality.
Biles’ 3-carat oval diamond center stone is F-color with VVS2 clarity, set on a 14-karat white gold shank with diamond pavé for maximum sparkle.
New York City-based jeweler and designer Stephanie Gottlieb estimated similar characteristics upon viewing pictures of Biles’ ring online. An oval diamond is extremely popular among her clientele.
“Oval-shaped diamonds are absolutely trending, and we’ve seen a ton of celebrity proposals with ovals over the last few years,” she said. (Kourtney Kardashian is one of the most recent.)
“This is a beautiful setting, with lots of bling!” Gottlieb continued. “When working with a three-sided pavé setting, it’s important to keep the scale of the center stone in mind, so that the band doesn’t overpower the star of the show.”
Shelly Brown, senior fashion and beauty editor at The Knot, confirmed that ovals are enjoying a wave of popularity.
She said, “According to The Knot Jewelry and Engagement Study, oval diamonds are the new ‘it’ diamond shape, up 17 percent since 2015. The elongated shape of ovals appeals to to-be-weds looking for a center stone that feels more fashion-forward than the classic round brilliant cut.”
Brown recalled Blake Lively as one of the earliest celebrity adopters in 2011. In addition to Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and Ariana Grande are other oval diamond brides.
While on-trend, Brown said the style also has a classic and versatile feel.
“Simone Biles’ oval minimalistic diamond engagement ring in a pavé solitaire setting puts all the focus on the stunning center stone and illustrates one of the biggest wedding jewelry trends of 2022: oval diamonds,” she said.
More on Trends
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJun 30, 2022
Here’s Where You’ll Find The Best Online Jewelry AuctionsSponsored by HiBid
CrimeJun 30, 2022
What JSA’s Annual Report Tells Us About Jewelry Crime in 2021Plus, JSA President John Kennedy talks about the trajectory of industry crime over the last 20 years.
CrimeJun 30, 2022
Smash-and-Grab Robbers Hit Booth at TEFAF: Watch the VideoThe fair was evacuated temporarily Tuesday after four suspects smashed a showcase and stole jewelry from British jeweler Symbolic & Chase.
Brought to you by
Preparing for Proposal Season with High-Quality, A.I.-Graded Natural Diamonds Rare & Forever is helping to create an enjoyable diamond buying experience for the millions of newly-engaged couples.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2022
Nominations Are Open for Gem Awards 2023The 21st annual awards show and gala will take place in New York City next March.
Weekly QuizJun 23, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2022
Registration Open for JIS Fall in Miami The jewelry trade show is scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsJun 29, 2022
Bonhams Expands Again with Purchase of Paris Auction House It is the fifth acquisition under the ownership of private equity firm Epiris, which bought Bonhams in 2018.
Brought to you by
Discover The Extraordinary Italian Jewelry In Las Vegas!Experience all the Italian Jewelry market has to offer in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 29, 2022
Zales Has a New Diamond CutThe “Celebration Infinite” diamond has more than three times the number of facets in a traditional brilliant-cut diamond, the retailer said.
WatchesJun 29, 2022
Bulova Introduces New Frank Sinatra WatchesThe brand again partnered with the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School to celebrate the launch of the “Summer Wind” watches.
SurveysJun 29, 2022
U.S. Platinum Jewelry Demand Starts 2022 on a Strong NoteRetail ounce sales were up 23 percent year-over-year in Q1, according to the recent Platinum Jewellery Business Review.
Events & AwardsJun 29, 2022
Registration Is Now Open for the HardRock Summit 2022Scheduled for Sept. 8-11, the event will comprise more than 310,000 square feet of show floor, exhibits, and education space.
ColumnistsJun 28, 2022
The PR Adviser: Why Should Someone Buy From You?If you’re having trouble answering this question, columnist Lilian Raji can help you get a started with a few fill-in-the-blank statements.
IndependentsJun 28, 2022
This Jeweler Is Celebrating 40 Years With 40 Days of GiveawaysContinental Diamond in Minneapolis is awarding a total of $25,000 in prizes via daily sweepstakes.
CollectionsJun 28, 2022
Melissa Kaye’s New Collection Doubles the Color“Lenox” marks the designer’s foray into bespoke jewels and large colored gemstones.
Events & AwardsJun 28, 2022
Second AGS Virtual Education Conference Is All About Negotiation Skills“Confluence” is happening in August.
MajorsJun 27, 2022
George Holmes, Longtime Head Editor of JCK Magazine, Dies at 93 He first took a job at then Philadelphia-based Jewelers’ Circular-Keystone in 1963 and retired in 1996.
MajorsJun 27, 2022
Mayors, Analog:Shift Team Up With GoopThe lifestyle platform will stock fine jewelry and watches from the retailers on its website and in store.
CrimeJun 27, 2022
JSA Warns of ‘Pandemic’ of Distraction Thefts Nationwide It cited two recent cases in California, plus incidents in Florida, Kansas, and Illinois.
IndependentsJun 27, 2022
Lewis Jewelers Set to Open New Ann Arbor Store This SummerThe 10,000-square-foot location allows for expanded collections from design partners while continuing custom design and other services.
CollectionsJun 27, 2022
This Designer Has Found a New Way to Bring Gemstones to LifeSvetlana Lazar’s “Wishing Well” collection utilizes an innovative component to mimic the movement of water beneath them.
Recorded WebinarsJun 24, 2022
Vegas Jewelry Recap: The Editors Weigh InWatch the webinar in which National Jeweler’s editors talk about jewelry market week trends and their predictions for the rest of 2022.
MajorsJun 24, 2022
Banter by Piercing Pagoda Celebrates Pride with ‘SayGay’ NecklaceAll proceeds up to $25,000 will benefit the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth.
CollectionsJun 24, 2022
Piece of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Hidden Message LocketIt’s a reminder that life is best lived with discretion.
TechnologyJun 24, 2022
Cloud-Based POS Software Jewel360 Launches for Jewelry RetailersThe end-to-end software allows for real-time control over all sales, inventory, repairs, customer communications, and marketing.
EditorsJun 23, 2022
Antique Show Observations From a First-Time AttendeeAssociate Editor Lenore Fedow shares her impressions of the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show and a few of her favorite finds.
