Trends

6 bridal jewelry trends for 2015

TrendsDec 21, 2014

6 bridal jewelry trends for 2015

When it comes to bridal jewelry, expect the unconventional--unusual shapes, modified halos and color--to become more common next year. 

122214_Bridal-Article.jpg
Unusual cuts, like this marquise-shaped diamond "Attelage” ring by Anna Sheffield, will be one of the trends in bridal jewelry in 2015.

New York--Celebrity couples threw caution to the wind this year, with weddings--and wedding rings--that marked a return to pre-recession extravagance. 

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin tied the knot in a former Venetian palazzo while Kim Kardashian and Kanye West held their $12 million nuptials in a 16th century fort in Florence, Italy. 

Yet the brides’ rings had a notably modern look, as did most A-list engagement rings this year. Fewer stars opted for vintage styles, instead choosing cleaner lines and a bit of color. 

Here are six trends visible in celebrity wedding jewelry in 2014 that are likely to impact demand in 2015.

1) Modified halos. In fall 2013, Scarlett Johansson appeared with the ultimate Art Deco engagement ring, flush to the finger. Her ring offered size and sparkle without requiring a giant center stone, a primary advantage of the vintage-style halo.

But, as Helena Krodel of Luxe Intelligence points out, there wasn’t a single halo among the rings of A-list celebrities engaged in 2014. “The halo has been the most important trend we’ve seen in engagement rings and bridal jewelry in the past decade,” she said. “For so long, it seemed like every single engagement ring had either a pavé shank or a pavé halo. I think it’s important to note that none of the big five celebrity engagement rings had a halo this year.”

Are halos’ popularity waning? “They’re classics now,” Krodel said. “They’re no longer the trendy new thing that everyone wants.” 

“The halo was extremely popular in 2014, and I think it will continue in 2015,” said Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America. “I don’t think it will be as dominating a trend as it was in 2014 but I do think, with people still being very budget-conscious yet wanting a large-diamond look, the halo will stick around for some time.”

Amanda Tropila of the Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) sees halos evolving, with less stone and more metal--etched, beaded or twisted settings that lend a halo look. “Danhov has one, for example, with metal that looks like a classic halo with diamonds,” she says, “but when you look closely, the metal has almost a beaded effect.”

2) Simpler settings. In place of the halo, Krodel is seeing more “interesting settings” with unusual cuts flanked by matching side stones--a large oval center stone with two smaller ovals, for example. 

Tropila notes a return

of “simple, clean, modern rings--tension settings or chunkier, plain metal settings with a bezel-set stone.”

3) Unusual cuts. Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring this year had multiple baguettes tapering down the sides of her the emerald-cut diamond ring, a look we haven’t seen much of since the 1970s. 

Other formerly passé cuts seem to be gaining momentum as well. “Shapes that really weren’t popular, like the marquise and the pear shape, are coming in again,” Tropila said.

RELATED CONTENT: What’s new, again

Many celebs also opted for emerald cuts, a look that doesn’t work so well with average-sized diamonds. Other fancy cuts that seem to be gaining momentum, Gizzi said, are cushions particularly as well as also ovals, radiant and Asscher cuts.

Openwork shanks also are appearing in celebrity engagement rings, a style that works for longer cuts such as the oval. Actress Hayden Panettiere, of Heroes and Nashville, opted for a pave-set split shank to hold her massive emerald-cut diamond.

4) Colored stones. Yellow stones appeared in a couple high-profile engagement rings this year. Clooney gave Alamuddin a 7-carat emerald-cut fancy yellow diamond. 

Since sizable yellow diamonds can be quite expensive--Alamuddin’s ring cost a reported $750,000--brides might opt to add the shade by using yellow sapphires, as was seen in the ring Donnie Wahlberg gave his now-wife Jenny McCarthy. 

For now, Krodel predicts most brides will restrict color to the side stones.

She adds that she expects to see more champagne diamonds as well, also in that color range. HSN’s new diamond expert Diane Warga-Arias said champagne diamonds are hot right now in general.

Both younger and older brides are avoiding conventional diamond rings for different reasons, Krodel said. “A lot of older brides, perhaps because they’ve already been through it before, are doing non-traditional stones but maybe in traditional settings,” she said. 

“People under 30 who are getting married for the first time, they’re the ones looking for something that isn’t traditional in any regard,” she said. “It could be a band or a colored gemstone, maybe a gray or an uncut diamond, something rough, in the Todd Reed style.”

5) Stacking bands. Stacking mania is affecting choice of wedding bands and creating add-on sales opportunities. 

“People are loving the idea of stacking bands now, this idea of buying a band that doesn’t have to match your engagement ring and then buying another band for an anniversary present or a life’s occasion,” Krodel said.

For now, brides are sticking to white metals, sometimes with touches of rose gold. “As much of a driving force as it is in fashion jewelry right now, yellow gold is not translating to bridal,” Gizzi said. “I think people still feel it’s dated.”

6) Gem-set men’s bands. “Men’s bands are getting more and more stylized, with diamonds, etching or borders,” Tropila said. 

Platinum and gold bands incorporating diamonds are big for men, Gizzi said. “We’re even seeing some color, like flush-set sapphires or rubies, but primarily diamonds--one round or three round or three princess cut, flush-set.” 

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

The Latest

De Beers Desert Diamonds Icons Campaign Designer Showcase
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ Campaign

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Mervis Diamond Importers store
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond Importers

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

Woman holding testing swab
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New Jewels

The fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Sarin Bachmann and Julie Walsh
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ Honorees

The annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Ali Ahn in Bliss Lau Vantage Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian Horizon

In her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.

Behind the scenes shot of Tiffany & Co.’s Design and Innovation Workshop
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the Scenes

The jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.

lab channel btyb 0926.png
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.

Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.

Jewelers for Children Halloween contest
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You Dare

Vote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.

Image from PGI USA Platinum Born campaign
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s End

The closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems Survivor Tribute Ring
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ Ring

The ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.

Jewelers of America new logo
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, Logo

The website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.

Pomellato Paraíba high jewelry choker necklace
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3

Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.

Stock image of crime scene tape and police cars
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store

Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.

Verdura cuffs
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has Everything

Bespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.

JIS Fall 2026 jewelry
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance

The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.

John Hardy Billie Eilish & Finneas Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John Hardy

The Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.

Graphic for episode 10 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted 

Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.

Gardner Collier Jewelry store in Kirksville Missouri
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in Business

The family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.

Underground shaft at the Venetia diamond mine
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year Shutdown

The De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.

Off-White Jewelry Collection Imagery
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-White

The collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52M

The miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas Mall

The guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.

David Gardner’s Jewelers interior
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped Showroom

The Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.

Kylie Jenner Fantasy Bra Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The Numbers

Jacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.

Mignon Faget Atelier Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AI

The “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.

 Rio Grande engagement ring and band
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform Zola

The pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.

×

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