Wives and Second-Time Brides Opting for Bold, Fashion-Inspired Jewelry

(ARA) – While more people become engaged over the holidays than at any time of year, dewy-eyed young brides-to-be aren’t the only ones shopping for diamonds this holiday season. Trend watchers are seeing an upswing in the number of married women looking to upgrade their diamonds and more mature second-time brides seeking a sophisticated look.

“As the holidays approach, married women and those planning a second wedding are looking for unique bands and settings that really make a statement,” says Lisa Kettering, a senior buyer for ShopNBC. “The looks are very fashion oriented. These women have really arrived and want to make a statement about who they are as individuals, rather than as one half of a couple.”

Jewelry makers are catering to this budding market with three stone rings, eternity bands and even solitaires that emphasize bold sophistication, superior quality and show-stopping impact. Here’s a quick look at what’s hot this season:

* Three stone rings – A trio of diamonds set in a simple band has become the ring of choice for many women looking to upgrade their wedding set from a simple solitaire and gold band. “We’re seeing a trend towards higher total carat weight for diamonds, and even rings that mix white and colored stones in unusual settings,” Kettering says.

For example, ShopNBC currently carries a 14 karat white gold ring with a dominant, rectangular-cut Kunzite set between two half-moon shaped yellow Beryls. A row of small white diamonds surrounds each stone. “The effect is a sophisticated, stunning interpretation of the traditional three-stone ring,” Kettering says.

* Eternity bands have graduated from a simple ring of round cut diamonds. Variations in cut, color and metal now ensure a plethora of quality options for the most discriminating shopper. ShopNBC’s “With this Ring” collection includes such unusual selections as an eternity ring that doubles the row of traditional round-cut diamonds to create breadth and outstanding sparkle. Another eternity band features baguette cut diamonds in a white gold setting.

* “Many women are replacing their traditional wedding bands with fashion-inspired alternatives,” says Andy Scharber, a buyer for ShopNBC. Wide bands, multiple rows of stone and high-polished medals create excitement and eye-appeal. A top seller from the “Gems at Large” collection pairs repeating rows of diamonds in a highly polished 14 karat white gold setting. The ring features seven princess square cut diamonds in prong settings at the center, surrounded by 89 tapered baguette cut diamonds in channel settings and 230 round full-cut diamonds in prong settings.

“We’re seeing replacement bands that underscore a woman’s own original style,” Scharber says. “Plus, rings that provide higher total carat weight are in high demand.”

* The solitaire will always have a special place in the hearts of American brides, whether they are first-timers, long-married or ready to take a second trip down the aisle. “Second-time brides and women looking to upgrade their diamonds really want a solitaire that is as unique as they are,” Kettering says. “Modern styles that echo vintage looks, and solitaires that marry high carat weight with unusual settings and accent stones provide that one-of-a-kind piece many of these women seek.”

The Bijoux D’Amour Collection by Sonia Bitton features a particularly stunning example that combines dazzling white diamonds in a setting of 18 karat white gold accented by a filigree of rose gold. The overall effect is a vintage look.

* “Upgrading your diamond collection doesn’t have to be limited to a new ring, either,” Scharber notes. “More women are supplementing their collections with earrings, tennis bracelets and pendants that compliment their existing pieces.”

To learn more about diamond options, visit www.ShopNBC.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content