engagement rings
engagement rings

engagement rings

JEWELRY

You’ve Heard of Engagement Rings, but What About Divorce Rings? Here’s Why the Trend Is on the Rise

Don’t resell your engagement ring—refurbish it into a divorce ring instead to celebrate your newfound independence and the next chapter of your life.

<p>Eli Marni/Getty Images</p><p>Eli Marni/Getty Images</p>

There’s a new fashion statement on the rise thanks to Emily Ratajkowski, sparking a trend for the newly single. After the model’s divorce from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard was finalized, she posted about refurbishing her engagement ring into two “divorce rings” on Instagram to celebrate a new state of independence. And the idea is getting so popular, jewelers are starting to add divorce rings as it’s own product category in their stores.

We spoke with a jewelry expert about this trend to learn what it’s really about, how to get the style best suited for you, and all the best ways to show it off.

What Are Divorce Rings?

“Traditionally, engagement rings and wedding rings symbolize the commitment and union between partners, says Rachel Akmakjian, Director of Jeweler Relations at BriteCo and Graduate Gemologist. “‘Divorce rings’ are seen as a way to mark the end of a marriage and celebrate newfound independence.”

Akmakjian adds that “engagement and wedding rings can often have lower resale value when associated with a divorce or breakup, which is oftentimes the reason for trying to sell a former ring in the first place.” However, this new trend has “changed the narrative” by repurposing the jewelry into something new with a different and positive meaning.

Tips for Picking a Divorce Ring

Divorce rings can vary in design and meaning, and will ultimately depend on the individual wearing them. “People tend to rework the stone(s) in their former ring into a new modern fashion ring,” Akmakjian says. “Women may choose to wear this on their ring finger or switch it to another finger or hand.”

While engagement rings symbolize commitment and unity, divorce

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

Leap Year 2024: Men’s luxury engagement rings that perfect for popping the question to him

Are you patiently waiting for your other half to get down on one knee and adorn a sparkling rock on your left hand? You’re not alone. 

Luckily for those of us who are sick of counting down the days, this year is a leap year, which in a traditional sense means it’s our year to catch him off guard, get down on one knee and pop the question for ourselves. After all, everyone knows that if you want a job done right, you have to do it yourself and if Rita Ora can propose to Taika Waititi then you can propose to your beau.

Rita Ora proposed to her now husband Taika Waititi last year© Instagram / @ritaora
Rita Ora proposed to her now husband Taika Waititi last year

While the notion that it is the man’s role to propose is outdated, many still choose to follow that tradition, except on ‘Bachelors Day’. Bachelor Day is an Irish tradition where women propose to men in their lives on Leap Day, February 29th. The tradition dates back to the early 1800s and to this day continues to be celebrated every four years. 

“A friend proposed to her husband mid-way through a hike up a volcano with a piece of volcanic rock.” 

So, how does one propose to their man this leap year? Whether you’re wanting a quiet and private affair or something more opulent and lavish, it’s essential that however you pop the question, you do it in a way that’s personal and special to both of you as a couple. “I love that so many more women are choosing to defy tradition and propose to their partners and I have heard so many charming engagement stories over the last few years” explains Rosie Lillis, Director of Rosie Lillis Communications and certified jewellery expert, “A particular favourite is a friend

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

How To Buy An Engagement Ring 2024

Figuring out how to buy an engagement ring is a momentous task in and of itself, because it precedes a proposal—arguably one of the most important moments in your life. (No pressure, right?) Whether you’re shopping together with your partner or want the ring to be a total surprise, this guide can help simplify your process, from picking the right diamond to figuring out insurance and warranties.

Fresh off the heels of my own engagement, I’m sharing my advice as well as pro tips from experts, including NYC-based jeweler and ADA Diamonds founder Lindsay Reinsmith and Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America. I also included a handful of favorite places to shop and a variety of ring styles to help you get started.

1. Set Your Budget And Stick To It

Although it’s tempting to browse rings without a budget in mind, like with any big purchase, it’s best to decide on a realistic budget before you start shopping. “Consider a price point you’re comfortable with,” says Reinsmith. “Try to identify what that number is, and make a commitment to yourself to not go over that number. There’s a tendency to move the goalpost because it’s such an emotional purchase but you shouldn’t go into debt for a special purchase like an engagement ring,” she says.

Now that lab-grown diamonds are widely available and an affordable alternative to mined stones, you’ll have a lot of choices, even

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

More men are wearing engagement rings. The market is figuring it out.

By Brennan DohertyFeatures correspondent

Alamy Several celebrities, including Canadian singer Michael Bublé, have begun wearing men's engagement rings, propelling the trend (Credit: Alamy)Alamy
Several celebrities, including Canadian singer Michael Bublé, have begun wearing men’s engagement rings, propelling the trend (Credit: Alamy)

A symbol long worn by women, engagement rings are becoming increasingly appealing to men.

Last April, on a secluded beach overlooking Toronto, I slipped an engagement ring on my girlfriend’s finger. Then she did something relatively unusual for a twenty-something North American couple: she put a ring on mine.

My engagement ring is a 2mm-wide circle of white gold to match my fiancée’s band. Going without one felt strange to me. For many people, a ring has traditionally been a sign a woman was “taken” by a man. But I think of our relationship as an equal partnership – the traditional approach didn’t quite fit.

Engagement rings for men are a common practice in several countries, including Chile, Sweden and Brazil, where the jewellery traditionally doubles as the wedding ring. But in much of the Western world, only women receive engagement rings. That’s changing.

For the past several years, in the absence of a men-focused engagement ring market, some men have traditional wedding bands instead, says Yagmur Telaferli, head of brand communications and content at New York-based jeweller Eternate. However, now, companies of all sizes are getting wise to the demand, introducing collections of engagement rings specifically for men.

Eternate launched its own line in January. Additionally, many major brands serving global markets – including Tiffany & Co and Brilliant Earth – have introduced men-centric designs, often with thicker bands and more discreetly placed diamonds than their feminine counterparts. Like rings for women, they can run into the thousands of dollars.

Courtesy of Tiffany & Co Global fine jewellery company Tiffany & Co launched a line of men's engagement rings in 2021, with price tags climbing into the six figures (Credit: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co)Courtesy of Tiffany & Co
Global fine jewellery company Tiffany & Co launched a line of men’s engagement rings in 2021,
… Read the rest
JEWELRY

10 Best Gemstone Engagement Rings 2024

The best gemstone engagement rings feature vibrant gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies, and typically cost less than diamond rings. Although diamonds are more traditional, gemstone engagement rings have become increasingly popular due to their color, affordability and opportunity for self-expression. Tapping into our extensive experience reviewing jewelry, we gathered the most stunning picks to consider. Our list includes Angara’s Sapphire Ring, which was inspired by Princess Diana’s engagement ring, Blue Nile’s glamorous Sapphire Engagement Ring and James Allen’s Accent Ring that you can customize with 11 dazzling gemstone options.

One thing to keep in mind: Sapphire, ruby, topaz, aquamarine and amethyst are some of the most durable gemstones that hold up well to daily wear and tear. Still, if you’re careful with your jewelry, you can consider softer gemstones, such as opal and pearl. Ahead, you’ll find all the best gemstone engagement rings that we highly recommend.

Editor’s Picks, At A Glance

MOST POPULAR

This stunning engagement ring features two pear-shaped sapphires on the side of a center diamond—which you can customize by choosing the cut (round, princess, cushion) in various sizes, ranging from 0.25 to 8 carats. You can further personalize your design by selecting the metal type (platinum or 18k white gold) and adding a complimentary inscription. Blue Nile works with both natural and lab-grown diamonds and offers a lifetime manufacturer warranty on all pieces.

Capucinne is an excellent option if you’re looking for a custom engagement ring with vintage-inspired details. The brand started as a popular Etsy shop and has since become a fine jeweler that specializes in custom pieces. (In addition to wedding bands and engagement rings, it has necklaces, bracelets and earrings that

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

As engagements rise, Herrin jeweler offers advice on ring selection

HERRIN — As people gradually return to pre-pandemic lifestyles, jewelry experts predict an increase engagements in 2024. Amid the projected increase, a Herrin jeweler is offering advice for couples looking to purchase diamond engagement rings.

Don Asbury has been making jewelry for 50 years. He owns Asbury Custom Jewelry & Repair with his son.

Asbury said the store gets more calls for engagement rings now than in recent years, and more often people are choosing alternate stones.

With diamonds, however, he advises buyers to keep two things in mind — whether the ring is hand-made or lab-made, and whether it is sold by an independent jeweler or not.

Asbury said while lab-made diamonds have been around for a long time, they have become much more prominent recently. He thinks 2024 will be the first big year for lab grown diamonds, especially because of the price difference.

People are also reading…

Asbury said he could sell a man-made three-carat diamond for around $10,000, and a natural diamond for $85,000. “There’s no way you would know [the difference],” he explained.

Asbury said he believes people should be cautious when purchasing lab-grown, because, according to him, there is more room for error when assembling small stones and delicate designs.

“All you have to do is polish it and it’s ready to go ” He said about lab-made diamond sellers. “They don’t have to sit there and set the stones. It takes hours to do this.”

Oftentimes, lab-made diamonds fall out after a few years, he said, and depending on the design and assembly, he can’t always fix rings when that happens.

“I have to turn people away and say ‘sorry, nothing I can do,’ ” he explained.

He also said buying independently can help ensure a knowledgeable, honest

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

3 things to avoid when choosing an engagement ring, according to jewelers

  • Even in the fine jewelry world, trends come and go.

  • Business Insider spoke to jewelers about which engagement ring trends to avoid.

  • They said it’s important to prioritize your personal style over trends.

When it comes to fashion and beauty trends, they fade as fast as they go viral.

In the case of an engagement ring, it should last the test of time.

Business Insider previously covered the engagement ring trends of 2024;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “top engagement ring trends of 2024, and two jewelers have also weighed in on trends to avoid.

They said trending styles are pointless if they don’t fit with your lifestyle or personal aesthetic. After all, your engagement ring might be the most personal fashion accessory you ever carry.

Stacking rings are expensive, and aren’t future-proof if they need to be sold or redesigned

A stack of three silver rings with different shaped stones in the center.

Stacking smaller rings isn’t the best decision for an engagement ring.JIE XIAO / Getty Images

Beanie Major, a jewelry consultant and founder of engagement ring consultancy service In Detail, told BI that a popular trend in the last five years was multiple rings worn in place of one large engagement ring.

“It was very small stones that weren’t necessarily of huge value, but collectively, the rings would be quite expensive,” Major added.

She told BI redesigning engagement rings is also becoming a popular trend. The reason for this surge in popularity is that people are getting braver and bolder with their choices.

Major said people who are likely to do this in the future should consider one large stone over multiple small stones. This will hold its value better, and give jewelry designers more to work with.

Don’t prioritize trends over your personal style

Both jewelers agreed buyers should be aware of the trends, but this shouldn’t

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

The 5 biggest engagement ring trends for 2024, according to jewelers

  • Business Insider spoke to jewelers about the biggest engagement ring trends for 2024.

  • The average spend on an engagement ring in the US was $5,500 in 2020.

  • Jewelers told BI that Gen Z are steering away from surprise engagement rings.

While fashion trends come and go, engagement rings are not a style investment to take lightly — the average engagement ring in the US was $5,500 in 2020, according to Statista.

Business Insider spoke to three jewelers based in London, UK, about the engagement ring trends they think will be popular in 2024.

Of the three jewelers BI spoke to, two said Gen Z couples are more likely to choose a ring together than previous generations, because they want the ring to reflect their personality.

Yellow gold is the winning metal color for engagement rings

Someone with red nails holding an emerald cut engagement ring

Yellow gold will be the favored metal color of 2024, jewelers say.Getty Images

Bear Brooksbank is the owner of a jewelry studio in London. Since setting up shop in 2012, she said engagement ring styles have evolved considerably.

She told BI that trends now point toward yellow gold being the favored metal used in rings, moving away from the classic trend of platinum.

Multiple celebrities have worn yellow gold engagement rings this year, such as Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Cooper, and Barbara Palvin, according to jewelry publication Only Natural Diamonds.

Engagement rings with multiple stones will continue to be popular in 2024

An engagement ring with two stones.

Engagement rings with multiple stones will be popular in 2024.Getty Images

BI previously reported on the biggest engagement ring trend of 2023 being rings with multiple stones, like the “toi et moi” style of two stones placed side-by-side — and it’s set to continue through 2024.

Emma Franklin, a jewelry designer, told BI her clients are now less

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Before your head goes spinning from the sheer number of engagement ring designs, diamond retailers, and digits of price tags, let’s take a moment to remember why you’re here. Understanding how much to spend on engagement rings isn’t something we’d expect you to subconsciously know. But this piece of jewelry doesn’t have to put you into debt to make you and your partner happy. In fact, several factors go into purchasing a ring, from creating a spreadsheet budget to enlisting the help of the “four Cs.” Here are five pieces of advice for keeping your head on your shoulders while searching for that perfect engagement ring. 

1. Understanding the Average Cost of an Engagement Ring

If you have absolutely no idea where to start on how much to spend on an engagement ring, it’s not a bad idea to look at the average amount people spend. The rule of thumb people typically followed was the two-month salary guideline—which was created during the Great Depression, when diamond sales weren’t doing too well and De Beers, a leading diamond company, sought to improve the situation. The marketing campaign cast diamonds as the ultimate symbol of love and encouraged buyers to put aside one month’s pay (which the company later boosted to three), to purchase a diamond engagement ring. 

In the present day, this means a salary in the low six figures could translate into options that are at least $25,000 and up. But this rule is outdated for several reasons. While engagement rings are a pricy investment, the usual cost tends to be below $10,000, with a national average of $6,000, according to The Knot’s 2022 Jewelry and Engagement Study. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other factors to take into consideration for your wedding ring, like the types of

… Read the rest