Set in Stone

A guided tour of some great local jewelry options for couples about to say “I do”

PHOTOS BY DAN AUSTIN

Just as surprising as the clever and inventive ways people have devised to “pop the question” over the years, is the history of how engagement rings — now a multi-billion dollar industry — had a humble, if not unremarkable start. 

In ancient Rome women wore rings of ivory, flint, bone, copper and iron “to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience,” according to the Gemological Institute of America.

Precious metals have long been part of bridal jewelry, but most people throughout history have not been able to afford precious stones as part of their symbolic accessories. As Brides.com noted in an article earlier this year, the diamond craze has not actually been “forever” — in fact its roots are tied to a 1947 advertising campaign by British company De Beers.

Today, engagement rings are a massive part of the marriage tradition in the United State alone, and for some people finding the right ring can seem like a labyrinth of advertising, options, materials and colors.

Buyers need to inform themselves about the differences between lab-made and natural diamonds (and other stones), coloring, grading, cuts, settings and more. All of those factors account for the massive range of prices for engagement and wedding bands, sometimes for rings that at first glance might look quite similar aside from the price.

To help you navigate the expansive market and world of rings and bridal jewelry, we have curated a distinctive and beautiful selection of pieces from a trio of jewelers who have strong reputations for being a go-to source from many couples in Central Florida. 

“In ancient Rome women wore rings of ivory, flint, bone, copper and iron to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience.”

RJ
What trends are you seeing most prominently with engagement rings?

HELEN, IDC
“I feel like for the most part, when they walk into our doors….they aren’t looking exactly for what their mother wears, but they are looking for maybe something more contemporary…but they are investing more in the stone than they are the band.”

SUZANNE, GAINES
“The strongest trend right now is lab-created diamonds, and that’s because of the price point. If you showed me two loose stones - one lab created and one earth mined - I cannot tell the difference…there is some very special equipment that can separate lab-created from earth mined. It used to be that all pearls were natural until the 19th century…and now natural pearls and cultured pearls are both accepted.”

RJ
What advice do you give individuals who are starting their search for an engagement ring?

HELEN, IDC
“Make sure you know what your budget is. There is always something beautiful to fit within it.”

SUZANNE, GAINES JEWELERS
“You need to know what you can afford. Then we can talk about style and then look at the center stone that works well within that style.”

MADI, MAX JEWELERS
“Shop for quality!  Know your budget and find you “sweet Spot” with the 4 C’s: Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut.”