Let yourself be inspired by Emma Simper’s selection of top jewellery trends the experts expect to see brides and grooms wearing at 2024 weddings
As is the nature of trends, styles come and they go, and sometimes – as is currently the case with vintage rings – even appear back on our radars again a few years or decades later. So whether the pieces are new or just new to you, we can’t wait to see how you wear them.
Pearls
First up, not only do these lustrous white stones never really seem to go out of fashion, there are fresh takes on them in store for this year. “Pearls will continue to be a staple in 2024, but with the introduction of colour,” says Rachael Wood at Orkney jeweller, Sheila Fleet.
“In our latest collection, Shells, there are peach and black pearls on our new hand-finished Limpet, Mussel and Oyster designs.”
Particularly interesting to note is the increased participation of men in the gem’s styling – the world has become their oyster. “From Lido’s perspective, we are ideally placed to tap into this trend. Many of our necklace and bracelet designs offer a straight crossover from ladies’ to men’s styles,” says Lorraine Thomas of Lido Collection. “Often it just involves adjusting the length and adding a more chunky clasp.”
Left: Gold-plated long coin pearl earrings by Lido Pearl, £65, Lido Collection, Right: Pearls for him and her, from a selection, Lido Collection
Toi et Moi
If you were one of the millions of people who fell in love with Megan Fox’s stunning engagement ring in 2022, then this a term you’re likely already familiar with. Translating to ‘you and me’ in French, ‘Toi et Moi’ is an intertwining style of stone that has, fittingly, grown in popularity for engagement rings.
“The arrangement was first popularised in 2022 with Megan Fox’s ring and the sentiment of this two-stone piece continues to charm,” says Laings’ marketing executive Lauren Byars. “These rings can be designed with the client’s favourite gem or the birthstones of both partners, serving as a timeless symbol of enduring unity.”
Left: Mussel collection small drop earrings in 9ct yellow-gold with peach pearls, £371, and large pendant necklace, £810, Sheila Fleet; Right: 18ct white gold pear-cut ruby and diamond ring, £15,000, Laings
Yellow gold
“The trend for yellow gold certainly seems to be here to stay,” says Gareth Mundie, owner of Glasgow jeweller Ian Mundie & Son. “Most engagement rings are now yellow gold, which generally translates to wedding rings following in 2024 also being yellow gold. The warmer tone of the metal allows it to be part of the design, whereas white metals usually fade into the background.”
Left: 18ct yellow-gold bead-design diamond engagement ring set. Wedding ring, from £945, and engagement ring, from £2,000, Ian Mundie & Son, Right: 18ct yellow-gold ring with emerald-cut tsavorite garnet and two baguette-cut diamonds, from £2,995, Ian Mundie & Son
Name necklaces
Whether you opt to have it made-to-order with your own name or as gifts for your best gals, they’re a special way to keep them close to your heart. Identified as the exact necklace spotted on Molly-Mae Hague, a soon-to-be bride herself, (see below) it’s clear that Abbott Lyon have mastered the simple elegance of name jewellery.
Less-expensive gemstones
“It’s not always all about the diamond,” says Dower & Hall store manager Nikki. “We have seen a real flurry of activity, interest and intrigue around coloured precious stones – bespoke pieces, as well as in our existing Stargazer and Narrative collections – particularly in yellow rather than white gold.”
Circinn’s co-founder and maker, Charlie, has noticed similar tendencies, telling us, “People are exploring other natural, less expensive, gemstones. Bi-colour tourmalines, emeralds and sapphires offer distinctive character without breaking the bank.”
Left: Bi-colour tourmaline and lab-grown diamond 14ct rose-gold engagement ring, £2,300, Circinn, Right: Stargazer 18k large oval padparadscha and diamond ring, from £5,450, Dower & Hall
Argentium silver
According to Circinn’s co-founder, Charlie, current costs of living have led to wedding budget re-thinks – especially in the jewellery department. For couples looking to steer away from the cost of white gold, Charlie suggests Argentium silver, saying, “It shines whiter than platinum and is seven times more tarnish resistant than sterling silver.”
Trilogy rings
At McCalls Jewellers in Aberdeen, vintage rings are having a moment and we are so here for it. Sales manager Karen Pirie, says, “With a representation of the past, present and future, the trilogy ring will always remain in fashion.” In a gorgeous yellow gold, this pre-loved ring features a central 2ct diamond with a 1ct diamond on either side.
Left: Engagement collection brilliant cut 0.70ct four claw solitaire ring with diamond shoulders in 18ct yellow gold, from £7,750, Hamilton & Inches, Right: 4ct diamond trilogy ring in yellow gold, £20,250, McCalls Jewellers
Art Deco
Vintage rings are back and more appealing than ever. This ring (below left) from McCalls Jewellers steals the show with its geometric shapes and dramatic design.
An exquisite 14ct white gold ring featuring two Old European cut 0.5ct diamonds in an intricately designed beaded setting and embellished with round diamonds, it is described by manager Karen Pirie, as the “perfect example of the dazzling creations from a bygone era”.
Left: Art Deco diamond ring in 14ct white gold, £4,850, McCalls Jewellery, Right: Gents’ Byzantine wedding band in Argentium silver, £175, Circinn
Scottish gold
Not only is Hamilton & Inches’ new range of engagement rings inspired by the breathtaking Scottish scenery and the country’s iconic landmarks – it is also made with gold derived from the only commercial mine right here in Scotland.
As one of only two fine-jewellery brands to have access – the other is Sheila Fleet – this gorgeous 18ct collection is an exciting new development for proud-Scot couples.
