Feature

A World of Possibilities

April 3, 2018

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Explore the latest bridal trends in store and on the horizon

Bridal jewellery: traditional or modern, simple or ornate, purchased online or in a bricks-and-mortar retail location? It seems like anything goes these days, with computer-savvy millennial consumers accessing a world of options for inspiration online, whether they ultimately choose to buy in store or on the web.

The consumer demand for uniqueness of experience and design continues. Yet not to be underestimated is the impact of high-profile influencers such as Meghan Markle, whose engagement ring–while a custom creation itself, designed by her husband-to-be Prince Harry–inspired many similar designs and replicas that are very popular.

To follow is an exploration of just a few of many trends in bridal jewellery observed this year, by Canadian Jeweller and industry experts who shared their insights with us.

Simple & Feminine

While the internet provides a wealth of options for shoppers, it can be a bit overwhelming. It’s easy to become lost in a sparkling sea of ornate rings, and for some the solution is to keep it simple with a classic look and forgo what might seem over-the-top for their taste.

“We are now seeing the trend of the oval or round diamond sitting very close to the finger on a small dainty band. There has been a real return to simple, feminine rings where the diamond is the star, not the setting,” says Geoff Black, owner of Carnaby’s, a luxury bespoke jewellery design house based out of Toronto. “I have also seen the return of yellow gold, and in some cases, rose gold.”

The return to yellow gold may be influenced by Meghan Markle’s yellow gold engagement ring, which influenced bridal styles heavily when it debuted a last fall, a trend that continues with many companies offering engagement options inspired by the design of her ring.

Stackables

In contrast to those preferring single rings and stones, some brides-to-be are preferring to mix and match stackable rings to create their own look. “Stacking various shaped wedding bands with an engagement ring to create a very unique and eclectic set…is a big hit for brides,” says Erin Tracy, who custom designs and carries ready-made fine jewellery at her store.”You can see this in our Gatsby ring stack.”

“We also have brides forgo the solitaire style all together to develop the perfect bridal stack.” says a representative from Anne Sportun, a designer whose creations are carried in boutiques across North America and the U.K.

Designer Shelly Purdy has a Vintage Opulence collection with stackables. “It has multiple rings with rose-cut diamonds and hand engraved details that are made to play with. The rings stack in a way that allows the customers to create the most surprisingly gorgeous designs at the counter, each with a lovely Victorian name.”

More Choice for Men

Increasingly, men are interested in more than just a simple band, and designers and retailers are taking notice. “Men are vying for the bling,” says Freydi Neuwirth Traurig of Atlantic Engraving, whose men’s Gravure Commitment by Atlantic has been an industry leader for over 50 years.

Neuwirth Traurig notes that other popular styles right now include men’s rings with masculine square cut diamonds, black rhodium accents, coloured inlays, dark stones such as black diamonds and blue sapphires, and a rugged textured look.

Also, adds Neuwirth Traurig: “Rose gold is super trendy–it started off cautiously for men two years ago, and has now blown open,” stating that Atlantic will heed to a popular demand, such as rose, and customize it for the customer with finishing and stone settings.

Which brings us to our next trend: customization.

Made to Order

Not surprisingly, the trend for custom creations continues to grow, with each generation of consumers more tech-savvy than the last, researching images online extensively for inspiration to create their custom jewellery.

CAD designers are approached by consumers who have created their own designs and want them brought to life, immortalized in a beautiful ring. Retailers are designating larger custom-only sections of their stores to meet with customers and discuss the unique creations that their customers are requesting. Many of the jewellery industry professionals we spoke to for this article do beautiful custom work.

As those in the industry adapt to meet this evolving consumer trend, new business models are created. Steve Turac of Nouvo Luxury Group, a distribution and sales agency specializing in jewellery and luxury goods, says, “Ritani is an online company that merges e-commerce and brick-and-mortar. Consumers can buy online from Ritani, have it shipped to their local jeweller, then choose to buy their item either online or from their jeweller, with complete confidence.” Ritani boasts “clicks-to-bricks”: online customers can order items from their site to be delivered to jewellers–even custom rings–with no obligation to purchase. This “try before you buy” model bridges the gap for many millennials who prefer the competitive prices online, buy are wary of making such a costly purchase sight unseen.

Simple and Feminine

Birks Bloom ® round solitaire diamond engagement ring
Carnaby’s The Meghan diamond engagement ring
Noam Carver B339-01WRA
Birks Rosée du Matin ™ round solitaire diamond engagement ring with diamond band
Anne Sportun One of a Kind: assortment of rose cut diamonds