Forget fussing over the flowers, cake and table plans – today’s brides and grooms are turning their attention towards wedding jewelry in a big way, with demand steadily growing each year1.
Some soon-to-be-newly-weds are looking for more than just sparkle on their big day (though admittedly, that’s welcomed!) and leaning towards groom and bridal jewelry that reflects what they value, who they are and the future they want to build together.
With natural diamonds having long symbolized love and strength, it figures that they should be top of the wish list for most couples preparing to get married. From engagement rings and wedding rings to eye-catching cufflinks, delicate bracelets and earrings that wow as you walk down the aisle, we explore why natural diamond wedding jewelry still reigns supreme…
Natural diamond jewelry is steeped in depth and meaning
Given the gravitas of the occasion (hello, one of the biggest days of your life!), we’d suggest giving some real thought to your groom and bridal jewelry. Choose pieces that tell a story, reflect your emotions or capture the spirit of your relationship, whatever your budget.
Formed billions of years ago, deep within the Earth’s mantle, and brought to the surface by some rather fierce but miraculous volcanic eruptions, natural diamonds not only brim with history and individuality but symbolize love, strength and hope, too.
Discovered in Ancient India (around 2500 BC), diamonds were first worn by emperors and royalty to signify wealth and power. Thanks to their dazzling, reflective crystal structure, they were seen as a symbol of divine light and were thought to hold mythical, protective powers2.
It wasn’t until centuries later that the first-ever diamond engagement ring was given, however. It’s believed that Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 with a ring that featured flat diamonds arranged in the shape of an ‘M’3.
Diamonds have since become the go-to gemstone for engagement rings and wedding jewelry, helped by the iconic De Beers campaign ‘A Diamond is Forever’, which launched in 1947.
Legendary actress (and later Princess of Monaco) Grace Kelly’s Cartier engagement ring – a central emerald-cut diamond of 10.47 carats with a baguette-cut diamond on each side of it, given to her by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956 – went on to inspire generations4. The ring wasn’t just glamorous; it was grounded in romance, grace (no pun intended!) and longevity – the same things people today want in their jewelry.
How do lab-grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds?
Laboratory-grown diamonds (also known as lab-grown diamonds, lab-created diamonds, synthetic diamonds and LGDs) have nearly identical chemical and visual properties as natural diamonds, however their origin is wildly different. LGDs are manufactured in laboratories and factories using industrial equipment and form in a matter of weeks.
And while they certainly have a place in today’s jewelry landscape, the way they’re created means they simply don’t carry the same heavy-hitting emotional, historical or geological legacy. There’s something immeasurably special about the gemstone on your engagement ring or wedding band having been entirely shaped by nature and acting as a powerful reminder of what commitment means.
Why wedding jewelry goes beyond just rings
When we think of bridal jewelry, rings – we’re talking engagement ring and wedding bands, as mentioned above – often take center stage. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
From twinkling diamond earrings that catch the light during your vows to a beautiful heirloom diamond necklace for that all-important first dance (just watch the disco lights add to its fire!), wedding pieces – standalone or part of a set – can be individual to every couple and every wedding.
For instance, a pair of delicate natural diamond studs or a chic, dainty tennis bracelet can add subtle sparkle to a minimalist bridal outfit.
And let’s not forget men’s wedding jewelry. The groom not keen on a diamond ring? Opt for natural diamond-accented cufflinks or a subtle pendant necklace, with a gemstone that stays close to the heart as a lasting symbol of love and connection. Thoughtful diamond wedding jewelry isn’t only a rite of passage reserved solely for brides.
And these types of pieces aren’t just accessories for a special day, they’ll become treasured jewels you’ll wear again on anniversaries and big life moments – or more often even, just because you want to feel that wedding magic all over again!
Bridal trends come and go but natural diamonds remain
Natural diamond wedding jewelry isn’t only for the proposal or the big day itself, it’s for your lifetime and many more beyond. As future heirlooms, these special pieces might one day be passed to children, godchildren or loved ones.
While bridal and wedding styles change each year, with some trends disappearing as quickly as they first came about, one thing’s for sure: natural diamonds aren’t going anywhere.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a delicate solitaire for your finger, a vintage gem on an opulent hair slide or a matching bridal jewelry set to dazzle in every photo, make it natural diamond. Naturally-formed and oh-so precious, these gems are the ultimate symbol of commitment, enduring love and meaning. Ready to find your forever piece?
