Shopping for wedding bands is not as simple as going to a jeweler and picking a ring. Indeed the process can be pretty hectic and time-consuming. You must decide on the design, gemstones, metal, and more. That is why one of the best tips is to put aside enough time to ensure you get the right ones.
One other critical consideration is the current trends. It doesn’t matter whether you like to keep up with fashion changes or not. It will not hurt to know what is happening in the jewelry world.
The wedding rings market is on an upward trajectory. Industry projections show the sector could bring in more than $107 billion by the end of 2027. The CAGR rate is at an ambitious 6%.
Diamond wedding rings will continue to take top place over the forecast period. Second in line are gold wedding rings because the demand for gold is soaring. Diamonds and gold wedding rings account for 78% of the wedding wind market share.
Let’s look at some interesting trends changing how we wear wedding bands.
Matching of Wedding Bands
The debate on whether to match wedding bands is still open to discussion. Indeed the decision typically boils down to the couple. It could be a full-on match with similar design characteristics. There is also the option of incorporating slight differences while maintaining the same look.
But in an exciting turn of events, the matching of wedding bands is becoming quite popular. Those who subscribe say it is the perfect outward expression of love. Further, it establishes that you and your partner are becoming a single unit due to the union.
Sustainable Wedding Jewelry is the New Trend
You may have read numerous reports about the negative side of diamond mining. There is large-scale environmental destruction. There is also the ugly connotation of blood diamonds. Finally, reports of inhuman work environments and practices abound. Such accounts have put a significant blight on the diamond industry.
That could explain the rise in the popularity of lab-created diamonds. Indeed a whole host of celebrities are lending their voice to endorsing lab-grown diamonds.
The production of the diamonds occurs in a lab setting that replicates the natural environment. The manufacturers use high-pressure and carbon compressing to come up with the stones. There is zero to negligible environmental impact. And the conditions in a lab setting do not explore workers.
Some people may question if the lab-created diamonds are of good quality. But, the stones go through the same grading and certification as mined diamonds. You get the same cut, clarity, color, and carat as the earth-mined diamonds.
You will also buy your lab-created diamond rings for a fraction of the cost. There is no complex supply chain that pushes up the price, like in the case of mined diamonds.
Men’s Wedding Bands are Getting More Attention
The bride is usually the focal point in many weddings. Indeed it starts with the engagement ring, which elicits much attention from family and friends. On the wedding day, the same interest is in what kind of wedding ring she wears.
But the same does not apply to men. More often than not, they will go with a simple band. But, a new trend is emerging where there is more attention to men’s wedding bands. New features include:-
- Intricate Designs
Attractive, intricate designs are entering the wedding jewelry sector. One of the most exciting is the Celtic knot. The swooping loops that have no end are symbolic of never-ending love. Adding gemstones to the curving lines gives the ring a unique yet sophisticated look.
- Greater Exploration of Wedding Band Materials
For a long time, white gold has been a favorite for both men and women. But now, the more traditional yellow gold is coming back.
Men are also exploring metals like rose gold, which for a long time, has been a favorite for ladies. The rose gold blends in well with all skin tones. It is also quite understated, which is something many men would appreciate.
Black cobalt is also adding stylish elements to men’s wedding bands. Cobalt does not tarnish or corrode, making it a durable, long-lasting material. A word of caution, though, if you want to try out this trend. It is impossible to resize the ring. So, make sure you get the fit right the first time round.
- Diamond Studded Wedding Rings for Men
Ladies, move over. The gents are becoming more interested in adorning their wedding bands with diamonds. You could find designs featuring prominent diamond sizes or more demure settings.
With the more affordable option of lab-created diamond rings, this trend is one we can expect to continue for some time.
The Entry of Dual Tones
Some ring designs also offer the option of dual-toned wedding bands. The wedding ring designer will use two metals of varying tones. They could, for example, combine white gold and yellow gold or tungsten and rose gold.
Dual tones provide a way to incorporate aspects of your partner’s ring into yours. Let’s say the bride’s ring is rose gold, and the man’s is platinum. The designer can incorporate some of the rose gold in the platinum ring.
Bespoke Wedding Rings
Due to an increasing interest in bespoke pieces, wedding jewelry designers will find their hands full. There is something exceptional about custom jewelry. You have a chance to make it as unique as you wish.
Further, the ability to include personal elements creates a greater connection with the ultimate symbol of love. You also get a unique wedding set that no one else will replicate.
Bespoke pieces allow for the expression of personal preferences. Those leaning towards vintage, for example, can go for the intricate halo, filigree, or milgrain designs.
The designer can also add elements that have special meaning to both of you. It could be a grain of sand from the beach your partner proposed to you at. The point is the possibilities of custom wedding ring designs are endless.
All you need to ensure is that you work with a reputable jeweler. They have professional wedding jewelry designers who can translate your dream into reality.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market shopping for your wedding rings, it helps to know what is in fashion. You could pick on some interesting elements even if you don’t adopt the entire trend.
Whatever you choose should be timeless. Diamonds on wedding bands, for instance, are a trend that will never go out of style. And now, with the less costly lab-created diamonds, price should no longer be an issue.