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February 2008 Magazine
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Whether you favor simple or ornate bridal jewelry, each type will be popular in

What's hot in bridal jewelry

To learn about the latest trends in bridal jewelry, San Diego Bride & Groom spoke with Elise Misiorowski, museum director at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and jewelry historian. According to Misiorowski, here' s what' s hot in today' s bridal jewelry:

Simplicity
The look for jewelry is simple while wedding gowns are appearing more dramatic. The focus is more on the gown and less on the jewelry. Brides will be more likely to wear simple jewelry accessories such as strands of pearls, diamond earnings or diamond pendants.

Pavé Style
Pavé diamonds are everywhere. This jewelry style includes small stones packed together in a small area. Links in bracelets and chain necklaces-and even the shanks and prongs of rings-are pavéed with diamonds. Colored gems are extensively used in some designers' creations.

Diamonds
Some of the current popular looks
are described below.

Styled Floral Designs
The stylized floral designs are diminutive and delicate. Five petaled florets set with tiny diamond or other gem centers are often clustered as the center of a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring. These small flower heads might also be scattered along a linked chain as a Y-necklace, choker or bracelet, or at the end of longer cascading earrings.

Briolettes
This antique cut of diamond is popular in wedding accessory jewelry such as pendants and earring drops. Briolettes appear like droplets of water, and are sparkling—very eye-catching.

Rondelles
This antique cut of diamond is used as spacers in pearl and gem bead necklaces.

Diamond Beads
These diamonds, which feature an old-fashioned look, are popular in dazzling single strands or mixed with other gem beads in necklaces and bracelets

Fancy-Colored Diamonds
These diamonds are becoming increasingly popular in such colors as yellow, brown, pink, blue, red, violet, orange, and green

Ring Styles
In general, there' s been a shift to white gold and platinum metal over yellow gold in wedding bands. A center gem with multiple accent gems in lacy engraved mountings is a current popular style. Rings with a matte finish accented with flush-mounted diamonds, appearing like polka dots, are also popular.

Necklace Styles
Popular styles range from close-fitting chokers to chains (16 to 24 inches in length). Minimalist pendants and lavalieres are also popular that accentuate a long, lean look. Gem-set chains, gem-bead necklaces and white pearls of every type are popular in every style.

Bracelet Styles
Set with diamonds or colored gems, line bracelets, also known as " tennis" bracelets are still popular. A large variety of flexible link bracelets of all widths are very hot, particularly with diamonds pavéed on alternate links.

Earring Styles
Diamond stud earrings will remain popular. Single baroque-shaped black or " cream"-colored cultured pearls, ideal for drops at the end of a simple shepherd' s-hook ear wire will also continue to be popular as will large, single, round cultured pearls of good color and luster, set with single bezel-set diamonds.

coming years according to local industry experts. John Franklin Jewelers and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) discuss your options.

" This year promises to be an exciting one for bridal jewelry designs for both men and women" , says Jeffrey Martin of John Franklin Jewelers. " There is currently a revolution underway in ladies bridal jewelry designs," he notes. " We are seeing the simple, subtle styles that have been so popular for the past two or three years giving way to more bold and exotic designs.

White Metals
" The metals of choice will continue to be white metals such as platinum and white gold," he adds. " I also

think that ring designs will move toward more personal expression and away from conventional, traditional designs."

For trends in diamonds, Martin says that fancy colors and fancy cuts will be in style. " Square princess cuts and oval brilliant cuts will be in demand," he states. " I think we' ll continue to see many bridal designs incorporating fancy yellow diamonds with a strong demand for blue diamonds." He advises: " Don' t be afraid to break from the pack and really get what you want!"

Exotic Metals
He adds that he expects to see strong demand for the exotic metals of titanium and tungsten in men' s wedding bands. " These metals have proven to be both functional and stylish," comments Martin. " While most men continue to be somewhat simple in their tastes, we have seen a slight shift toward more intricate designs and even the use of diamonds and gemstones." Martin adds that although titanium and tungsten have enjoyed strong popularity, he expects to see renewed interest in the precious metals of gold and platinum by late 2004.

The Four C' s
Although size is the most obvious factor in determining a diamond' s price, several other qualifications influence their value. Diamonds are rated on their four main characteristics, or the " Four C' s" : cut, color, clarity and carat. A jeweler should take the time to educate you so you can make an informed selection. There is a relatively new trend for the bride to also use her engagement ring as a wedding band. Some styles are designed specifically for that purpose. Talk to your jeweler about your options.

 

If you are both going to wear wedding bands, purchase them at least two months before the wedding. This will give you time to have them engraved and to check the engraving for accuracy. You don' t have to have matching wedding bands. You may prefer one style, your groom another. Honor each other' s
choices.

Look for Warranty
The jewelry you select should last a lifetime. Look for the jeweler' s warranty. Ask about service policies. And, if your budget is currently limited but you are looking forward to bigger and better things, ask about trade-up policies. Many fine jewelers allow you to turn in the ring you bought from them for a more expensive version later if you wish to do so.

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