Everyone associates weddings with the month of June, but did you know that May and September are the next most popular months to walk down the aisle? Or that December is the most popular month for engagements? According to the Jewelry Industry Research Institute (JIRI), roughly three-quarters of all brides receive a diamond engagement ring (the remainder get other-than-diamond rings, or no ring). This translates to 1.65 million engagement rings being sold in the U.S. in 2014. To celebrate wedding season, here are several 2014 engagement ring trends – along with some general wedding trends that may surprise you.
Multiple Diamonds with Colored Gemstones
Photo Courtesy Dorfman Jewelers
Tim Jackson, economist and chief executive of JIRI, reports that engagement ring trends in 2014 include a move toward smaller, multiple diamonds mixed with colored gemstones in lieu of the traditional solitaire. Although the solitaire is still the top choice, OBJ noticed this multi-stone trend earlier this year when we explored different color eternity bands used as engagement rings.
Yellow Stones
Photo Courtesy TheOneAndOnlyOne.com
Fancy Color Diamonds – particularly in yellow — are increasing in popularity among modern brides who are looking for something unusual. A Fancy Vivid yellow or Fancy Intense yellow diamond flanked by white diamonds is a dazzling choice. The View’s Jenny McCarthy recently showed off her 10-carat yellow sapphire engagement ring from Donnie Wahlberg.
Floral Designs
Photo Courtesy BlueNile.com
Intricate floral designs and vintage rings with floral settings are more popular this year than ever. This delicate, feminine look parallels a move toward romantic weddings, many with garden or nature themes.
East-West Settings
The axis of power for 2014 engagement rings has switched to the east-west, or horizontal setting. Thought to make a diamond or gemstone appear larger, this style can be achieved with an oval, marquise or emerald-cut stone.
Right: Neil Lane East-West Diamond Ring
Eco-Friendly Rings
The trend toward socially conscious and eco-friendly rings includes ethically sourced stones and/or recycled precious metals. It recently got a boost when George Clooney presented fiancée Amal Alamuddin a fabulous 7-carat “ethically mined” emerald-cut diamond set in platinum.
Sources: NationalJeweler.com; JIRI; The Knot
