By Barry Verragio
One of the hottest trends in the bridal market of late is the concept of versatility. Many brides are planning multiple looks for the various occasions surrounding their wedding ceremony. For evidence, look no further than the bespoke, yet co-ordinated, Chanel outfits Sofia Richie wore at her star-studded wedding in the South of France. Richie had one look for her rehearsal ensemble, another for the wedding ceremony, and yet another for the reception. Versatile options, in both fashion and jewellery, allow the bride to personalize her magical moments.
According to Allure Bridals, “Versatility is key in 2024.”1 The prevalence of detachable trains and overskirts on the bridal runways for Spring/Summer 2024 was also noted by Vogue.2 Contemporary brides want to transition from a grand, dramatic ceremony entrance with a long train to a more manageable, comfortable look for the reception after.
This aspect of flexibility in the wedding world is not necessarily new—think of cathedral trains that bustle for the first dance. Yet, brides today are now looking for further ways to express their personal style, and that extends to what is often the biggest investment of a wedding: The ring.
For pieces that seem to have a lot of rules (e.g. you must wear it on the third finger of your left hand), engagement and wedding rings are still subject to the trends of the broader jewellery world. Who can forget the explosion of stackable rings and eternity bands? The return of the bold solitaire? The chic vintage look of the east-west setting? The streamlined solution to combining style statements takes its cues from antique jewellery.
A keeper
When the diamond engagement ring first became popular in the mid-1700s, brides encountered a new problem—the fear that it would slip off. Rather than lose a valuable piece of jewellery, they began stacking another ring on top of their engagement ring to keep it from sliding off their finger. This secondary ring, called a “keeper ring,” provided a unique look while securing the solitaire. The keeper ring has evolved into what is affectionately called a ring guard or a ring jacket, and the style of these jackets has changed as well.
An elaborate ring jacket can be paired with a solitaire engagement ring for a show-stopping bridal look. An eternity band can be slid onto a ring jacket for a quieter luxury style. Brides can also opt to stack the solitaire and eternity band on the left hand and wear the ring jacket on the right hand. The versatility of a contemporary ring jacket fits into the modern bride’s busy lifestyle—her professional look, her travel attire, her social life, etc.
Adapting to customer preference
What we are finding is that the ring jacket is a great add-on sale for clients who have an engagement ring and wedding band and are now looking for an anniversary gift or a “push present.” Extra points if the ring jacket matches what the customer has already chosen or reflects the new direction that their jewellery collection is taking. For example, if a customer is looking to add more yellow gold to their wardrobe but has a white metal engagement setting, a ring jacket in yellow gold can integrate the look of their jewellery ensemble.
Here to stay
If you’re wondering if the ring jacket trend will last, I believe it will. What makes this trend different from previous short-lived bridal trends, for example the leg-o-mutton sleeve of the 1980s? It’s a question of form, function, and our ever-changing lifestyles. Our clients now are shopping a look, for sure, but they are mindful of comfort and the way they are going to wear their jewellery every day. Rather than choosing an elaborate halo for their engagement ring, they have the option of adding bling with a ring jacket that can be worn only when needed and as often as it fits into their lifestyle.
Given the rise in demand for such versatile options, at Verragio, we created the Vanguard collection by designing engagement rings, eternity bands, and ring jackets with interlocking European shanks to form a seamless fit.
An all-round shift
Let’s face it, the modern work-from-home world is much more casual. The dress-up, dress-down concept extends to other jewellery categories, too, not just rings. Take the classic diamond stud as an example. A designer earring jacket around a martini-set stud can double the original piece’s size and impact, adding a designer flair to an everyday basic. That same diamond earring jacket works beautifully to wreath a coloured-stone stud as well—a unique expression of personal style.
Imagine a client who is getting married in a colourful wedding gown, like the popular “blush” hue that is currently prevailing on bridal fashion runways. For the wedding day, she can pair some peachy morganite studs with a circlet of rose gold and diamonds. The diamond jacket works beautifully for the wedding day and other special occasions, and the morganite studs feel more appropriate for everyday wear.
More than an enhancement
The best thing about offering jackets for ring and earrings is that it allows your clients to elevate seemingly “basic” jewellery wardrobe items into designer jewellery statements. They can express their personal style with choice of metal colour, diamond intensity, and the design or shape of the jacket.
Such choices are empowering and also add value to your client’s existing jewellery. It’s more than just an enhancement, it’s an investment that provides clients with an opportunity to wear the most beloved pieces in their fine jewellery wardrobe.
References
1 https://allurebridals.com/inspiration/ultimate-guide-to-2024-wedding-dress-trends/
2 https://www.vogue.com/article/new-york-bridal-fashion-week-2024-wedding-dress-trends
Barry Verragio’s journey in fine jewellery began over 30 years ago, leading to his studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where he developed an exclusive setting technique that set the foundation for his brand. Inspired by Albert Einstein, Barry’s commitment to innovation is evident in his designs, as he often emphasizes that “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Today, Verragio is known for its cutting-edge designs that cater to modern brides-to-be, with Barry’s passion for creating unique and excellent engagement rings and wedding bands driving the brand’s growth.
