Open Your Mind | BRIDAL FEATURE Hailey Bieber Pink Kimberley Diamonds Musson over the past decade for consumers looking for an engagement ring that can withstand everyday wear. Morganite is found in shades of orange and pink and is often paired with rose gold for a feminine look. British actress Lily Collins was engaged to boyfriend Charlie McDowell in 2020, and the pair sealed the commitment with a three-carat cushion cut morganite stone set in a yellow gold band. Old faithful While consumers have a wide variety of gemstones to choose from when selecting an engagement ring, diamonds still reign supreme as a symbol of luxury. Whether it be because of the cultural dominance of diamonds over the past century or the innate beauty of the stone, consumers still overwhelmingly choose diamonds first when planning for an engagement or wedding. That said, there’s always room for innovation, particularly in design. Reflecting on notable changes in jewellery design over the past decade, Katerina Perez says that young couples are more willing to experiment than ever. “To really see experimentation, however, one needs to look to the most reserved of natural diamond categories: engagement rings,” she writes for the Natural Diamond Council. “Typically, when a woman hopes to wear a piece of jewellery for the rest of her life, she chooses a more traditional path and a ‘safe’ design, such as a classic round brilliant-cut solitaire. “However, over the last ten years, I’ve seen engagement rings that defy all expectations: fancy-cut diamonds, bezel settings rather than traditional claws, blackened 18-carat gold at Jessica McCormack, asymmetric styles, portraitcut diamonds, bridal stacks, engagement ring jackets, I could go on.” Perez also drew attention to fancy-cut and fancy-shape diamonds, such as carré, bullet cuts, briolettes, rose cuts, half-moons, trilliant, and kites. These diamonds are no longer restricted to the work of elusive private jewellers. They appear in collections from some of the world’s biggest jewellery brands, such as Chopard and Chanel. “Technologies are rapidly changing the cutting landscape, and TOP 6 STONES TO ENGAGE Alternative Approach Emerald Mesmerising green gemstone that is best when striking a balanced intensity. Sapphire Pairs well with silver, gold, and platinum and can be featured in classic and contemporary styles. Ruby Sophisticated and traditional, and available in a wide range of colour from deep pink to bright red. Opal Ideal for consumers looking for a vintage style and is popular with Australians. Morganite Increasingly popular in recent years because it’s durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear. Aquamarine The most-sought variations carry a dark blue tone with high intensity, owing to its rarity. soon, customers may be able to have any type of diamond they wish in whatever shape they demand,” she said. “I believe we are entering a period of profound innovation and creativity <strong>–</strong> one that rips up the rule book and takes natural diamonds into a new and exciting era.” Thinking outside the box Preparing for an incoming wave of weddings and engagements doesn’t just mean focusing on offering alternative gemstones and designs. There are many other ways retailers can meet and exceed consumers’ desires. In November, Australian jewellery retailer Moi Moi <strong>–</strong> with stores in Melbourne and Sydney <strong>–</strong> announced the launch of the ‘Bridal Borrow’ program, signifying a shift in approach to wedding and engagement jewellery. The program allows customers to reserve pieces from Moi Moi’s collection as a rental. Customers who spend $10,000 in a single transaction, including the purchase of an engagement ring, are eligible for the program. “I remember looking for jewellery for my own wedding and struggling to find beautiful pieces that aligned with both my budget and vision for the big day," explains founder Lauren Sommer. "I was reluctant to invest a huge amount into jewellery when I had our wedding and other expenses to think of. “As a family business, we feel privileged to be part of our clients’ special days. We believe that every milestone deserves to be celebrated in style, and this program empowers brides to do just that.” Borrowed pieces are available to purchase from Moi Moi after the rental for an ‘exclusive’ price. Fashion rental companies became increasingly popular during the pandemic, and the Bridal Borrow program is one example of retailers experimenting with new services to appeal to the next generation of consumers. If modern consumers are increasingly thinking outside the box when it comes to jewellery, retailers must meet these needs by showcasing adaptability to the latest trends and designs to ensure that they have an important role to play in the most significant day of many people’s lives. 46 | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2024</strong>
FEATURE Pearl Perfection PEARLS Once confined to only the most formal occasions, pearl jewellery has become an everyday staple. SAMUEL ORD explores fascinating changes in the world of pearl jewellery. Autore <strong>February</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | 47
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