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While many modern couples seal their commitment to each other in some atypical ways — tattoos, for example — most couples still take the traditional route with engagement rings and wedding bands.
Amy Swede Wentworth of Swede’s Jewelers in East Windsor, Connecticut, said this year, everything old is new again when it comes to wedding jewelry.
“Of late we are selling a lot of oval shaped diamonds — both natural mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds,” said Wentworth. “Were also have a lot more requests for yellow gold rings as well.”
At Swede’s, there is a wide selection of engagement rings but if there is something they’ve been dreaming of, Wentworth said they can create it.
“Custom design is a large part of our engagement and wedding band sales,” she said. “Whether it’s changing one part of a ring we have in store or completely designing a one-of-a-kind ring.”
While much emphasis is placed on the bride’s wedding jewelry, grooms more and more are looking for something unique.
“Many of our younger grooms are coming in looking for a ‘dress’ ring to wear when they go out and an alternative metal ring to wear daily. It’s fun to see them get excited about their rings too — it’s not only about the bride. We are seeing lots of mixed metals and details in men’s rings.”
And while traditional looks are back in style, there are still many couples looking for something a bit different.
“We offer options for everyone,” Wentworth said. “We’ve done matching diamond bands for a couple who chose to skip the typical engagement ring. We’re also currently working on a pair of matching men’s wedding bands that will have a hand engraved mountain scape on them. The mountain idea came from a picture of where the couple fell in love. It’s so special to be a part of creating something that personal for people.”
Wentworth said wedding jewelry doesn’t have to be just for the wedding day.
“Many of our customers who are celebrating milestone anniversary’s upgrade their stones and get new engagement rings and wedding bands,” said Wentworth. “It’s so neat to see how their tastes and styles change. I see women in their sixties with yellow gold solitaire engagement rings who think they are passé, but they’re actually back in fashion.”
Brides and grooms are not the only ones getting jewelry for weddings. Wentworth said couples often give gifts of jewelry to the wedding party.
“We sell lots of earrings and bracelets that are given to bridal parties as a thank you for being a part of the couple’s special day. Personalized flasks and cuff links have always been popular with our grooms,” said Wentworth, noting that mothers are also often gifted jewelry for their child’s wedding.
“We do a lot of either refurnishing or creating new pieces from family heirlooms so they can be worn again and continue to be passed down,” said Wentworth, whose family heirloom is the store.
“My store was started in 1946 by my grandparents Stanley and Alice Szwed,” she said. “My father Stanley Szwed Jr. ran the store for many years alongside his brother Robert Szwed and sister Elaine Ward. From a very early age I remember standing with my father while he worked with customers, listening as he educated them about diamonds and being in awe of not just the beautiful stones but also his desire to help his customer make an educated decision about what they were purchasing.”
Wentworth said observing that at such a young age impacted her.
“It really taught me to not think of what I’m doing as selling so much as it is guiding my customers to make purchases that really work for them. Purchases that feel right,” said Wentworth. “I now get to help my father’s customers, their kids and grandkids. I love hearing all the stories of their experiences working with my family. I absolutely consider it an honor to be continuing the Swede’s legacy. Today there are still six ‘Swedes’ working at the store, which is something I’m very proud of.”
SWEDE’S JEWELERS, 98 BRIDGE ST., EAST WINDSOR, IS OPEN MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.; THURSDAYS, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AND SATURDAYS, 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.