|
By Michael O'Connor, Jewelry and Style Expert
The current economic climate is not preventing couples from planning their dream wedding, but it is inspiring them to be smarter with every penny. Many of the year's top wedding trends reflect new, chic ways to save on expenses from 'doing it yourself' wedding invites and bridesmaids gifts to home front honeymoons. Couples are reprioritizing; spending more on items with lasting value. A wedding will last for a day, but the wedding rings last a lifetime.
Think about it--on average couples spend $29,000 for their nuptials, and that's not including the honeymoon. About 50% of that budget goes to the reception. What's most surprising is that couples typically spend a small percentage of their budget on the one aspect that lasts a lifetime past the final bite of wedding cake.
Rules of Engagement
Whether the groom knows it or not, the bride plays a key role in the selection of their engagement ring. In fact, in a recent online poll by Precious Platinum, nearly three quarters of brides reported they were present while purchasing the ring or shop with the groom during the process. Even among brides who claim to be 'somewhat' or 'not at all involved' with the ring purchase did admit to dropping hints - from clipped magazine ads or secret squirrel messages to close friends.
Ring Trends and Styles
Lately, brides prefer styles with multiple stones like a prong-set diamond center with diamond baguettes, channel-set diamond accents or diamond pave set in the ring.
Although 95% of the engagement rings purchased are set with white diamonds, there are maverick brides who opt for color, especially in gems like blue and pink sapphire.
Design trends also favor white metal in wedding rings. Studies reveal that a large percentage of brides prefer platinum but end up with white gold because they believe platinum is out of reach. Not true these days thanks to the creativity of jewelry designers. And while platinum may be more expensive than gold because of it's rarity, it offers the best return on investment and best long-term value for couples.
Hypoallergenic, platinum jewelry is generally 95% pure, unlike 18k-gold that is only 75% pure. The pure white luster of platinum reflects the true brilliance of diamonds and is the ideal background for color. Its density and weight make it more durable than other jewelry metals, able to hold stones securely in their settings. Platinum is resistant to heat and acids and does not wear down as quickly as other jewelry metals.
Three-Ring Circle
Now more than ever, couples are expressing their special personalities and relationships in the wedding rings they choose to wear. When deciding on wedding bands, just remember it's not so much about matching as it is harmonizing.
Typically, the bride selects a band that complements her engagement ring, with 60% of brides also including diamonds in their band. For the groom, comfort fit is important to the majority, but so are diamonds for some 15%.
The tendency is for rings imbued with meaning and character--customized in some way from textured finishes and special gems to carved symbols and engraved inscriptions. Men are becoming much more adventurous in the band styles they choose, as bridal brands expand design options for gents.
Take it from a ring expert, couples should look at wedding bands while shopping for the engagement ring. If not then, at least begin shopping six months prior to your day. Most jewelers offer layaway plans so you can pay off the rings over time. If you postpone the decision until the eleventh hour, you'll likely have to "settle" for something rather than making the most informed choice. By this time in the process, you've spent almost every cent you have, making smart considerations like platinum and desired extras like diamonds no longer viable.
So what's more important to you: an open bar or platinum and diamond rings?
|
