Wedding Ring Trends Worth Giving a Hand

As jewelers see wedding ring trends change from traditional to modern and back again, there’s one thing that remains the same—the declaration of everlasting love that a wedding ring symbolizes. Research suggests that some historians believe the age-old tradition of exchanging wedding rings began more than 4,800 years ago in ancient Egypt. Historical evidence shows that “materials such as sedges, rushes, and reeds, growing alongside the papyrus, were twisted and braided into rings that became the symbol of eternity.”

However, the materials that ancient rings were made of didn’t last very long and soon were substituted with rings made of leather, bone or ivory, which demonstrated the wealth of the giver. For today’s couples, ancient wedding ring materials have been replaced by modern gold, silver, and platinum choices, but still serve to represent the wealth of never-ending love shared by a couple regardless of their budget or social status.

For many engaged couples, a wedding ring is meant to signify undying love and is usually made from materials as strong as the bond between the enamored couple. Yet, while aesthetic preferences can precede daily practicality with today’s wedding ring requests, industry experts assert it’s always best to heed the advice of experienced jewelers and designers. This will help ensure a wedding ring will last for many years, and keep pace with the couple’s lifestyle.

In Indian River County (IRC), Mike and Allie Legg – husband and wife owners and designers at 6th Avenue Jewelers, located in the Publix Plaza in Miracle Mile – are seeing a bit more tradition in today’s wedding ring trends and design requests. Among metals of choice, it seems gold is making a solid comeback, according to Mike.

“We are seeing a lot of traditional requests with gold wedding rings making a comeback. We also get requests for marquis shapes and elongated ovals—as well as classic solitaires—for engagement rings. With wedding bands, we are seeing some brides choose more than one band, and stack them as accents to the classic wedding band,” he said, noting that many final designs also combine elements of traditional with modern accents for a truly unique wedding ring set.

Allie added, “Couples are coming in with more drawings and ideas from the internet, and we also have some clients coming in with ornate family rings that they want reset in a more modern and simple setting. A lot of couples also want more personal interaction when creating a wedding ring design; it seems more trendy now to have more design input from couples before we begin to design their wedding rings.”

To continue meeting the individual requests of their clients, Mike and Allie will soon offer appointment-only bridal and jewelry services from a second location on Ocean Drive. This private-jeweler option will be available in the next few months and is meant to provide a VIP experience for clients that may need more time and consultation advice prior to the design phase of creating personalized wedding rings.

Also seeing her fair share of trends in wedding rings is Victoria Kerkela, the owner and designer at Victoria Ashley Fine Jewelry, located on Beachland Boulevard in the Beachland Plaza. When asked about trends she’s seeing and requests she’s receiving, Victoria pointed out that both run the gamut, much like the age ranges of her clients.

“Among the trends I’ve been seeing, they come from both sides of spectrum. On one end, I have clients that want something simple, like a lab-grown diamond in a round or oval solitaire engagement ring. At the other end, I have clients that want a complete custom job. There’s not a lot in-between. As a designer, goldsmith, and diamond setter, I’m very involved in all aspects of creating wedding rings and can customize anything that my clients want,” Victoria said.

Regarding her approach on how she best serves her clients, she pointed out the importance of design consultations with every client, to make sure they get a ring best suited for their lifestyle.

“When I meet with a new client, I always ask them what their life and lifestyle is like. This helps me to understand their day-to-day life and how their rings may be affected every day. I explain that jewelry has to live your life with you. As an example, a very delicate stone and ring may not be the best choice for a more robust lifestyle, just like a larger stone and ring may not be the best choice in scenarios that call for smaller jewelry. My goal is to help every client choose the right ring for his or her lifestyle, which often includes making suggestions and offering ideas they had not previously considered as wedding ring options.”

Victoria also reported that a trend becoming much more common is couples that shop in-person for wedding rings together. This allows the bride to be more involved in the design process— ensuring she gets the ring she wants to wear for many years to come—without the possibility of being disappointed by a ring that the groom-to-be picked out when he went shopping on his own.

Regardless of popular wedding ring trends, choices for today’s couples can be as simple or as customized as the couple desires. For every ceremonial wedding ring that is exchanged between a bride and groom, a new personal love story begins between a man and his wife—and that is the best trend to follow, now and forever.

Photo courtesy of 6th Avenue Jewelers

Photo courtesy of Victoria Ashley Fine Jewelry

Photo courtesy of Susie Saltzman / Brides

Photo courtesy of Steven Miller Photography