Jewelry

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings Choosing an engagement ring has always been emotional. But today, it is also deeply personal. Modern couples are approaching ring shopping differently from past generations. They are more involved in the process, more educated about their options, and more focused on finding something that reflects their relationship, lifestyle, and budget. According to Terry Quinn of Quinn’s Jewelers, couples today are coming in with a clear sense of what matters most to them. “Most couples are prioritizing their budget,” Quinn said. That practical mindset is shaping everything from how couples shop to the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. Today’s Couples Are Shopping Together The image of one person secretly choosing the perfect ring is no longer the norm for many couples. “Almost all couples are shopping together,” Quinn shared. “Most even purchase the same …

Not every bride is the same, so why should their engagement rings be? In fact, you may even find that your hopeful bride-to-be doesn’t even like diamonds. Diamonds aren’t mandatory in engagement rings or wedding bands as the featured gem. There are so many stunning gemstones out there that limiting yourself to just the diamond could be a disservice to your one-of-a-kind partner. If you want something a little bit more unique for your ring, here are some options that are quite gorgeous for you to consider. Sapphires There are a lot of reasons why you may want to consider a sapphire instead of a diamond. First of all, it’s almost as hard as a diamond, ranking just behind this more popular gem on the Mohs scale. And there are so many different color variations that you can buy — sapphires may be most famous for being blue, but they …