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Diamonds may still be a girl's best friend, but recent gem trends seem to indicate they're not her only companion.
Spencer Mathew, manager and fourth-generation jeweler at Mathew Jewelers in Zelienople, said in the past couple years, many couples have been eyeing morganite and blue sapphires when it comes to engagement and wedding bands.
“Morganite has been a very popular alternative,” Mathew said. “It's just something different.”Among other things, Mathew said the light pink gemstone boasts a color that flatters many skin tones.Sapphires are also popular for their variety of hues.Though typically a royal blue, the Gemological Institute of America says sapphires also occur in pink, orange, yellow, green, purple and violet.“Besides diamonds, it's the second hardest gemstone,” Mathew said. “It's a very durable gemstone.”Robert Stephens Custom Jewelers owner Steve Goslaw said he's also noticing a “swing” toward colored gemstones for engagement and wedding rings. Round cuts also seem to be popular.
“Ovals are incredibly hot,” Goslaw said of the jewelry store at 141 N. Main St., Butler. “Any of the fancy shapes have really made a comeback.”Goslaw said while jewelers don't always know what drives them, trends definitely emerge every few years.Instead of slowing down in 2020, both Goslaw and Mathew said they saw a remarkable number of ring sales.“It's really been a phenomenal year, believe it or not,” Goslaw said.Goslaw believes this may have to do with couples finally finding time to get married.With so many people staying home because of the pandemic, Mathew said a number of couples may have realized they can make marriage work.Between concerns about saving money on canceled vacations and receiving stimulus funds, Goslaw said many people seem to be spending money closer to home.Couples who had to trim their weddings because of pandemic restrictions were able to spend more of their wedding budget on items such as wedding bands.Despite the challenges of 2020, many couples continue to plan their upcoming weddings.
“A lot of people are still following through with original dates,” Mathew said. “You can't really put a time line on love.”Traveling and shipping restrictions haven't had a major impact on either of the jewelers so far.Most of the companies' gem dealers are U.S.-based and have been able to conduct business as needed. This has been fortunate, considering the sort of business Mathew and Goslaw have seen this year.When Mathew is giving advice to people looking for the perfect band, he tells them to pay attention to what their significant others like.“Take any advice that you can get,” Mathew said.
Mathew also encourages couples to establish their own ring budget and not let others “dictate” what it should be.Goslaw said it's important to explore options before committing to a ring.“Don't trust everything you see online,” Goslaw said.Goslaw explained it's a good idea for couples to take time to see a product in person, just to see what it's like to wear it.Above all, Mathew said, couples should remember what weddings are really for.“It's not about the party,” Mathew said. “It's about the marriage.”
