Photo (above): Photo 1: Rings: Wouters & Hendrix, Photo 2: Rings: Jeweler Christiaan Van Bignoot - Photographer: Debby Vandeleur Photography, Photo 3: Ring: Elisa Lee
Article in collaboration with Celine Roelens, Jeweler Vandromme, Scaldis, Jeweler Christiaan Van Bignoot, and Elisa Lee.
1. Personalized
It is clear that today we are increasingly looking for originality. We want to be unique, especially on our wedding day. That is why personalized wedding jewelry will be in high demand in 2022. Celine Roelens: “Personalizing your jewelry is in! Think of an engraved ring, a piece of jewelry incorporating your birthstone or wedding date, a personalized necklace, etc.” Jeweler Christiaan Van Bignoot: “People want to wear something unique, something different from others, and isn't that what we all want? I notice that couples want to give their wedding rings a personal touch. This can be done perfectly with a fingerprint, for example, which is very popular at the moment.” Sylvie from Elisa Lee: “Couples are opting for unique, layered engravings that incorporate a logo, for example, which they can then use on their invitations, or unique designs that they integrate into their signet rings. It's all a bit more personal this year!”
Couples choose authentic wedding rings that truly match their personality and style. Symbolism and personalization are very important in this regard. A subtle, personal detail in a timeless and modern design appeals to many couples. This creates an intimate feeling that also looks stylish. Each design can be further personalized in terms of width, finish, and engraving. Discuss the possibilities with your jeweler. This way, you not only make your celebration very personal and authentic, but your wedding rings, a memento for life, are also 100% unique!
2. Sustainability
Sustainability has become increasingly important in recent years, and this trend is also continuing in the choice of wedding jewelry. Christine van Wouters & Hendrix: "More and more attention is being paid to sustainability and local trade. This applies to the use of sustainable materials, but also to the production process itself. Local craftsmanship has become very important and is more appreciated than ever. Since the very beginning, we have had our own workshop in Antwerp where all our jewelry is handmade by our team of goldsmiths. That workshop has always been the heart of Wouters & Hendrix, and we have really noticed a renewed appreciation for it lately."
Charlotte from Scaldis: "As diamond dealers, my father and I select the gemstones so that they truly meet the quality standards for which Scaldis is so well known. Then my father designs the jewelry. After that, the design and the loose gemstones are sent to our goldsmiths in Kortrijk. These goldsmiths each have their own specialty, which means that every piece of jewelry is finished to perfection. Our customers also appreciate the flexibility that comes with having our own workshop. We do a lot of custom work. For example, in our Amare collection, customers can choose the gemstone they like best. That symbolic meaning adds an extra dimension to the piece of jewelry."
3. Upcycling
A trend that ties in somewhat with sustainability is ‘upcycling’. Sylvie from Elisa Lee: "We are seeing customers reusing old gold and preloved diamonds en masse for new designs. We at Elisa Lee are big advocates of this, because it's such a shame to leave all those precious items lying around in a drawer. Sometimes it's the sentimental value that counts, sometimes customers just want to melt down the metal, but sometimes it's also important to reuse a particular stone." Jeweler Christiaan Van Bignoot: “Old gold that they have lying around, for example, jewelry that they once received from their grandmother, they have it incorporated into a new piece of jewelry, which gives it double meaning on their big day.”
4. Imperfections
Another trend our jewelers have noticed is a preference for imperfections. Christine van Wouters & Hendrix: "People like to see the traditional techniques and craftsmanship reflected in their jewelry. Because all our jewelry is traditionally forged in our own workshop, you can't escape the goldsmith's signature. It creeps in, as it were, and we've noticed that there's a new appreciation for this. In our wedding collection, for example, you can see that artisanal signature in the finish with our hand-hammered technique."
Jeweler Christiaan Van Bignoot also confirms this trend: “Wedding rings that are uneven, a little rough, with a certain structure score very well. You get the combination of a rough finish with refined luxury. You won't easily find the same ring on someone else.” Sylvie van Elisa Lee concludes: "Even a round shape is subject to capriciousness and whimsy. The baroque pearls and unstable shapes of the metal materialize these strange times. It also refers to the only certainty we have today: the immense beauty of unbridled nature and its capricious creations."
5. Vintage
Vintage! It takes us back to times long gone. And yes, vintage rings are back (they never really went away)! Jeweler Christiaan Van Bignoot explains: "Vintage wedding rings are very popular. They remind us of the past and evoke a certain nostalgia. Vintage jewelry is characterized by elegant details such as bows, ribbons, and other colorful decorations. They have a romantic, fairy-tale look. With these types of rings, you can easily distinguish yourself from others, allowing them to express your personality and individuality! If you are looking for a ring with a special look, unique design, and artisanal production, then vintage wedding rings are undoubtedly the right choice for you!
6. Rings with a twist
It all starts with that one magical question: “Will you marry me?”. And then often comes the engagement ring. According to Charlotte from Scaldis, wedding rings that are completely matched to the engagement ring are the trend for 2022: "This is reflected, for example, in a wedding ring that beautifully follows the shape of the engagement ring, or a wedding ring set with emerald-cut diamonds to match an engagement ring with an emerald-cut diamond as the center stone. Wedding rings set with brilliant-cut diamonds are our bestsellers, by the way."
7. Organic shapes
This year, you'll steal the show with fancy shape diamonds. Christine from Wouters & Hendrix: “We're seeing people opting more often for pearls, colored gemstones, or a combination, such as our organic ring with freshwater pearl and emerald. Our Wouters & Hendrix ‘Rosas ring’, an organic yellow gold ring with white diamond rosas, is very popular, for example.” Charlotte van Scaldis: “Fancy shape diamonds are really on the rise. Couples are now increasingly daring to choose a different cut instead of the classic round brilliant. This could be a pear-shaped diamond, an oval diamond, a cushion cut or an emerald cut. This allows us to design jewelry that is timeless, yet has character and a contemporary look.” .
Sylvie from Elisa Lee: “Women are now more often choosing stones in colors such as sapphire, tourmaline, aquamarine, and morganite instead of just the classic white diamond. The stone should be seen. Think of oversized rectangular shapes. In the past, women often thought this was not timeless, but now they dare to go for it. Great! We are known for our minimalist and sleek designs, but organic shapes are also creeping into our collections. We are discovering a study of shapes that reintroduces organic lines. Think of whimsical plates, organic bracelets and hoop earrings or chunky rings!"
8. From very delicate to very striking
In terms of ring style, it is difficult to identify a clear trend. We are seeing two opposing trends in wedding ring style. Charlotte from Juwelier Vandromme has noticed that her customers are not opting for heavy wedding jewelry: “My brides are increasingly choosing a classic, delicate ring with a sweet, romantic, feminine shape. Often, you can even see the small stones exposed. Sometimes, several of these ultra-delicate rings are combined.”
- Celine Roelens, on the other hand, observes the exact opposite: “It can't be big enough. Think large, intensely colorful gemstones combined with diamonds! And why choose? Combine your favorite statement pieces and steal the show!” Charlotte from Scaldis also observes two extremes: “The trend is either toward very expressive and creative wedding rings or, conversely, very classic wedding rings with a modern twist.”
Ring: Celine Roelens 9. Delicate rose-colored ring for men
Finally, it is striking that men are increasingly opting for rose this year, a color that was hardly chosen a few years ago. In terms of style, they traditionally prefer classic, delicate rings. Charlotte from Juwelier Vandromme concludes: “Men's rings are becoming increasingly delicate, up to about 4 mm wide. This choice has nothing to do with the price of gold, but rather with their preference for a minimalist style. Most men don't like too many details, which is why a delicate, classic (rose gold) ring is an ideal choice.”
Whether you go for a very classic piece of jewelry or a very trendy choice, the most important thing is that you choose what you like best! We are already curious about your choice. Find out more about our jewelers here.
Read more about this topic via these links...
- The 10 wedding trends of 2022
- The wedding dress trends for 2022!
- The wedding suit trends for 2022!
- A gold engagement ring? Go gold!
- Creative? Design your own wedding ring!
- 8 tips for choosing your perfect wedding rings
