Alluring accents
By Sophie Farrar
When the time comes to walk down the aisle on your wedding day, every detail matters. Arguably, one of the most essential elements of a bride’s wedding look is the jewelry. You want the perfect pieces to complement your dress without taking the attention away from it, all while honoring your personal style.
Local jewelers say classic styles will always persist for wedding jewelry. However, new trends are also arising and twists on the classic choices are growing in popularity, they tell Jstyle Weddings.
Return to classic styles
Platinum and white has always been a popular and classic choice for engagement rings, says David Schreibman, owner of Alson Jewelers in Woodmere.
Over the past decade, more ornate diamond pave halos and detailed diamond bands were popular designs. And now, jewelers are seeing a move toward more classic and understated looks, Schreibman says.
“Simple and classic solitaire and three-stone rings are starting to take the place of the halo and ornate settings,” Schreibman says. “The oval cut, also a popular choice, is slowing down a bit with elongated radiant and cushion cut diamonds becoming more popular.”
Bruce Botnick, owner of Robert & Gabriel Jewelers in Lyndhurst, also has seen the trends shift.
“In recent years, we’ve seen wedding fashion trends evolve from diamond halo engagement rings to more classic solitaire, three-stone or vintage style rings,” Botnick says.
Jessie Greenberg Kulick, owner of IMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst, is seeing the classics continue in different ways when it comes to wedding jewelry. Traditional pieces like tennis necklaces are being altered to fit modern styles, and tennis bracelets are being stacked with trendier diamond bangles. Additionally, gemstones like sapphire are being seen in necklaces and rings as a bride’s “something blue” and “something new,” she says.
“It’s almost like a new take on the traditional,” Kulick says.
Yellow gold
Chunky yellow gold engagement rings are another emerging trend jewelers are noticing.
“There’s been a lot more asks for yellow gold than I think I’ve ever seen,” Kulick says. “The last 10 years people have been saying, ‘yellow gold is coming back,’ but I feel like this past year I’ve actually been truly seeing the yellow gold demand.”
Kulick explains that like fashion trends, jewelry trends are cyclical and tend to trend again, referencing her mother’s chunky yellow gold ring designs, which IMG has displayed in its storefront.
“(My mother) has these really chunky, cool yellow designs – they’re thick, so they’re more of an ‘80s/’90s feel,” Kulick says. “I think that engagement rings were going towards that dainty look. It’s kind of going back into the more substantial chunky look. I’ve had friends reset their rings from that dainty setting. Some of them look so similar to some of my mother’s designs.”
Botnick and Schreibman are also seeing a surge in yellow gold settings, they both say.
“Ladies are seeking more individual styles, not just what all their girlfriends have,” Botnick says. “More customers are choosing yellow gold, and even some rose gold, over white gold for their rings.”
Stacking
Brides are moving away from the traditional matching previously seen with their engagement ring and wedding band, and moving toward stacking multiple bands, allowing for mismatching styles, metals and jewels.
“Many women opt for multiple bands that can be mixed and matched to wear with an heirloom band or incorporating a band with colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds,” Schreibman says.
Other wedding jewelry can be stacked as well. Kulick is seeing bracelets stacked for a statement effect.
“Stacking on the wrist has been huge as a fashion piece during the reception,” Kulick says.
And, showing off jewelry trends doesn’t only apply to brides.
“The bridal party and families are accessorizing with statement pieces such as stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings,” Botnick notes. “Men are also embracing accessories like a handsome watch, bracelet, neck chain, cuff links or ring.”
Jewelry remains an important item in wedding ceremonies. According to the jewelers, classic wedding jewelry choices will always be consistent and stable, but modern refreshes allow them to take on a new life. Ultimately, brides and grooms should choose the pieces that best represent them.
“When it comes to selecting wedding day jewelry, the jewelry should reflect the bride’s personal style,” Schreibman says.