MajorsAug 26, 2024
Longtime Industry Sales Trainer Lenny Zell Dies at 97Said to be the first to write a jewelry sales manual for the industry, Zell is remembered for his zest for life.
EditorsNov 28, 2017
Prince Harry’s American Fiancée Goes for Yellow Gold
Here’s what the engagement ring the prince gave to his actress fiancée says about today’s engagement ring trends.
Ertswhile specializes in stocking exceptional antique engagement rings, as well as re-purposing older designs into more modern fare. This 0.94-carat transitional cut diamond accented by two smaller transitional cut diamonds needed no re-design. The Art Deco piece in 18-karat yellow gold was created by Tiffany & Co. in 1935 and is similar in style to the ring Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle to mark their engagement.
On Monday, Clarence House announced the engagement of His Royal Highness Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, an American actress currently starring in the USA drama “Suits.”
The public and the media were, of course, brimming with questions about the royal and his bride, who sat down for a television interview with the BBC to answer some of them, the most important of which was: Can we see the ring?
“The ring is obviously yellow gold because that’s (Meghan’s) favorite,” said Harry.
The public and the media were, of course, brimming with questions about the royal and his bride, who sat down for a television interview with the BBC to answer some of them, the most important of which was: Can we see the ring?
“The ring is obviously yellow gold because that’s (Meghan’s) favorite,” said Harry.
Embed from Getty Images
Indeed, the only unorthodox element of the classic style, which features a cushion-cut white diamond center stone flanked by two round brilliant diamonds, is its metal.
Yellow gold has been making a comeback in recent years after plummeting in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But white gold and platinum still overwhelmingly dominate bridal styles, independent retailers told National Jeweler over the course of the 50 Jewelers/50 States store profiles conducted this year, so it was a pleasant surprise to see Markle exert a preference for something classic but unique, perhaps an indicator of future sartorial choices.
And while simply set, the diamonds in the design are noteworthy in that they hold sentimental significance for the couple, Harry explained.
“The main stone itself I sourced from Botswana and the little diamonds on the side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together,” he said.
“It’s beautiful,” Markle interjected, “and he designed it. It’s incredible.”
Embed from Getty Images
While Markle’s predilection for yellow gold, a slight departure from the stylistic norm, is representative of the trend of consumers desiring uniqueness in engagement rings, so is Harry’s choice to have a hand in the design of the piece.
A recent survey from The Knot showed that custom bridal design is an essential aspect of the engagement ring purchase, allowing customers to create something personalized to them (in Harry and Meghan’s case, the inclusion of stones from the collection of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, and a stone with a special provenance, as the couple traveled to Botswana during their courtship.)
“I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness and the inclusion of that and obviously not being able to meet his mom; it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us,” Markle explained.
Just as Prince Harry proposed to American actress Meghan Markle with a ring utilizing two of his mother’s diamonds, this ring from Brooklyn-based brand Erie Basin, also in yellow gold, updates an older diamond in a new setting. The 1.33-carat old mine cut cushion diamond was cut in approximately 1850 and repurposed with a knife-edge shank in 2017. It retails for $11,250.
Seattle-based Erika Winters frequently creates bridal styles in yellow gold, which look contemporary in her signature brushed finish. Her Mariana Bezel ring pictured is shown with a square, emerald-cut diamond. (Price available upon request.)
Like Markle's engagement ring, this style from romantic and modern designer Jade Trau also feature a cushion-shaped diamond, but with a unique pave diamond bezel setting. Trau designs the piece in yellow, rose or white gold, as well as in platinum. The style starts at $4,700 for a 14-karat gold version.
British designer Jessica McCormack is highly sought after for her custom bridal pieces. Mixing metals in the setting is one of her hallmarks, as seen in this one-of-a-kind engagement ring with a 2.10-carat round brilliant diamond set in sterling silver on a yellow gold shank. (Price available upon request.)
KatKim's take on a simple, solitaire diamond ring involves an unexpected octagonal setting for the round brilliant diamond. This particular version features a 0.30-carat GH, VS diamond and retails for $4,880.
'This exquisite engagement ring from Lizzie Mandler feels both Deco and modern and features Mandler's signature knife-edge shank. A custom piece for a private client, the princess-cut diamonds are set in 18-karat yellow gold. (Price available upon request.)
Page Sargisson mixes her handmade ethos, in which the designer's hand feels present in the tactile designs, with an ultra-classic emerald-cut diamond, set East to West. The 3.32-carat diamond set in 18-karat yellow gold retails for $75,000.
“It’s incredibly special to be able to have this, which sort of links where (Harry comes) from and Botswana, which is important to us. It’s perfect.”
Harry concluded: “It is days like today when I really miss having her around and miss being able to share the happy news but you know with the ring and with everything else that’s going on …”
“She’s with us,” said Markle.
“I’m sure she’s with us,” Harry agreed.
Whether royal or not, like the generations before them, millennials are still attracted to pieces with emotional resonance; the more personal, the better.
See the full interview below:
“She’s with us,” said Markle.
“I’m sure she’s with us,” Harry agreed.
Whether royal or not, like the generations before them, millennials are still attracted to pieces with emotional resonance; the more personal, the better.
See the full interview below:
More on Editors
The Latest
WatchesAug 26, 2024
IWC Is Sending Its Watches to SpaceThe company outfitted the Polaris Dawn spaceflight crew with watches that will later be auctioned off to benefit St. Jude’s.
AuctionsAug 23, 2024
Abernethy Pearl Tops Estimates at Auction A buyer paid more than $100,000 for the gemstone known as “Little Willie,” setting a new auction record for a Scottish freshwater pearl.
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology StorySupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
CollectionsAug 23, 2024
Piece of the Week: Gumuchian’s Colorful ‘Spectrum’ NecklaceAnita Gumuchian created the 18-karat yellow gold necklace using 189 carats of colored gemstones she spent the last 40 years collecting.
Weekly QuizAug 23, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 22, 2024
2,492-Carat Diamond Recovered From Botswana Diamond MineThe giant gem came from Karowe, the same mine that yielded the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona and the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond.
TrendsAug 22, 2024
Kaley Cuoco Has a Three-Stone Engagement Ring With a TwistThe three-stone ring was designed by Shahla Karimi Jewelry and represents Cuoco, her fiancé Tom Pelphrey, and their child.
Brought to you by
Watch: Forging the Next Generation of Skilled Bench Jewelers at GIASupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsAug 22, 2024
Greenwich St. Jewelers Collabs with TikTok Jewelry Content CreatorThe Manhattan jewelry store has partnered with Xarissa B. of Jewel Boxing on a necklace capsule collection.
TechnologyAug 21, 2024
Instagram’s Notes Feature Expands to Posts, ReelsActing as temporary virtual Post-it notes, Notes are designed to help strengthen mutual connections, not reach new audiences.
TrendsAug 21, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New BookThe jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.
TrendsAug 21, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shimmy and ShakeFrom fringe and tassels to pieces that give the illusion they are in motion, jewelry with movement is trending.
IndependentsAug 20, 2024
Mixed-Media Jewelry Artist Jan Yager Dies at 72The designer and maker found community around her Philadelphia studio and creative inspiration on the sidewalks below it.
ColumnistsAug 20, 2024
Google Ads Payment Policy Change: What It Means For YouThe change to accepted payment methods for Google Ads might seem like an irritation but actually is an opportunity, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
IndependentsAug 20, 2024
Pat Henneberry Releases MemoirThe industry consultant’s new book focuses on what she learned as an athlete recovering from a broken back.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2024
The Ethical Gem Fair Is Going to CaliforniaThe fair will take place on the West Coast for the first time, hosted by Altana Fine Jewelry in Oakland, California.
MajorsAug 20, 2024
Kathy Hillelson Joins Board of WJA Foundation Hillelson is a second-generation diamantaire and CEO of Owl Financial Group.
Events & AwardsAug 19, 2024
Nominations Are Open for the 2025 Gem AwardsSubmissions in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence will be accepted through this Friday, Aug. 23.
AuctionsAug 19, 2024
Scotland’s Famed Abernethy Pearl Is Up for Sale Known as “Little Willie,” it’s the largest freshwater pearl found in recent history in Scotland and is notable for its shape and color.
IndependentsAug 19, 2024
Kentucky Jeweler Closing After 89 YearsClements Jewelers in Madisonville cited competition from larger retailers and online sellers as the driving factor.
SourcingAug 19, 2024
A&C Gem Trading Corp. Relocates, Opens Wholesale ShowroomThe gemstone company is moving to the Ross Metal Exchange in New York City’s Diamond District.
CrimeAug 16, 2024
Jewels Stolen During Green Vault Heist Back on DisplayMost of the 18th century royal jewelry taken from the Green Vault Museum in Dresden, Germany, in 2019 went back on display this week.
IndependentsAug 16, 2024
Louis Anthony Jewelers Announces First Resort StoreThe Pittsburgh jeweler has opened a store in the nearby Nemacolin resort.
CollectionsAug 16, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jonne Amaya’s ‘Cat Claw’ NecklaceWith a 40-carat cabochon emerald, this necklace is as powerful and elegant as a cat.
Events & AwardsAug 16, 2024
IJO Names Jewel-Craft as VIP Vendor of the YearThe Erlanger, Kentucky-based company was recognized for its reliability when it comes to repairs and fast turnaround times.
SourcingAug 15, 2024
Greenland Ruby Is Up For SaleUnable to pay its debts, the ruby and sapphire miner is looking to restructure and become a “competitive and attractive” company.
TrendsAug 15, 2024
Paola De Luca to Debut Trendbook 2026+ at VicenzaoroThe trend forecaster’s latest guide has intel on upcoming trends in the jewelry market.
