How TV Series Have Influenced 2014 Wedding Jewelry and Engagement Ring Trends

Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring. Photo © EraGem Just as blockbuster movies impact trends in engagement rings, so do period TV shows. Series like Mad Men, which first aired in 2007, and Downton Abbey (2010) have drawn our eye to the past, adding impetus to fashion trends which imitate the clothing and jewelry styles of the 1920s and 1960s. This has inevitably affected trends in engagement rings and wedding jewelry. Fantasy TV shows such as Once Upon a Time, Grimm, and Game of Thrones have added their own flavor to the trends, dovetailing perfectly with the fascination for the gothic romance of the mid-to-late 1800s and the Edwardian flair of the 1920s. Thanks to Mad Men, we've seen a greater emphasis on pearls, demantoid garnets, and yellow gold. Big and bold are in, meaning we'll be seeing more statement brooches and sautoirs, even at weddings. Engagement rings inspired by Mad Men will feature classic pairings of pearls and diamonds, though the more saucy brides may include a shot of color with a light-colored garnet, an accent ruby, or a blue sapphire center stone. Conversely, the bride inspired by Downton Abbey will go for understated elegance, choosing classy rhinestone or diamond hair wreaths, pearl-and-rhinestone embellished slippers, and pearl-studded nosegays. Around her neck she'll wear an elaborate Victorian necklace with several strands of pearls and an ornate pendant of diamonds, which she'll pair with a diamond chandelier earrings, with or without pearls. Her g loves will be white, and she might carry an ornate fan in her right hand for keeping the tears at bay. For her engagement ring, she'll gravitate toward the elegant romance of an Edwardian ring--not quite architectural Deco, not quite frilly Victorian. It may have floral accents, and it may include Old Euro cut diamonds and sapphires. No matter what, it will evoke images of English countrysides, horse-drawn carriages, and the intrigue of British lords and ladies. Brides with a passion for fantasy, will look to the magic of Once Upon A Time. We will see some overlap with our Downton bride, but with a lot more color, possibly even some black or deep burgundy. Our fantasy bride will lean toward gothic jewels, perhaps choosing an extraordinary choker set in a floral arrangement with grey or black pearls and red garnets. She may instead choose a diamond necklace with a large floral presence, pairing it with elaborate chandelier earrings. Her engagement ring will feature dynamic architectural lines, a fair amount of color, and a heavy dose of presence. Perhaps a large colored stone in a square or distinctly round shape set in platinum with ornate scroll work, or a large black diamond solitaire mounted on a smooth platinum band. Whether it's Mad Men savior vive, Downton Abbey refinement, or OUAT fantasy that thrills you, we have the jewels to match.