Jewelry: It begins with an idea, then grows into a vague design, until finally culminating as a near work of art and your most prized symbol of love and commitment. 

"Selecting the perfect ring can be easy and glamorous when you have the assistance of a true jeweler and designer prepared to answer the difficult questions and guide you through nearly-endless design possibilities,” says David Audette, vice president of M.R.T. Jewelers in East Providence, Rhode Island. “At M.R.T. Jewelers, we take great pride in our ability to listen and guide clients,” he adds, pointing out that they never push or pressure them into a sale. Of course, with this being said, “it is also import for a jeweler to remain aware of styling trends and the purchasing habits of their clients so that the store’s inventory remains relevant.” 

In staying relevant, Audette feels that there are currently two strong designs trends that are prominent in today’s bridal jewelry segment: the solitaire and the halo. “At first they may seem vastly different,” he says, “but in the end they may share more similarities than you think.”

In recent years the diamond solitaire ring—a ring that consists of a single diamond of any shape—has shown tremendous growth in popularity for a couple of reasons. Audette notes that “selecting a solitaire guarantees the buyer long-lasting style; the significance being that solitaires have been around for many years and will be around for many more to come. The second reason is more of a financially-driven one. Due to the affordability of a solitaire, the buyer has more dollars to invest in the center stone, meaning it can be larger or a higher quality.”  

At M.R.T. jewelers they have seen a new spin on this style with solitaire-inspired designs. “I like to refer to them as ‘not your mother’s solitaire diamond ring,’” says Audette. “These new solitaires offer small diamond accents and subtle nuances, while remaining affordable and classic in their overall appearance.”

Have you ever heard of a diamond halo? If you haven’t, you have probably seen one and not realized it. “A halo is a single row cluster of mostly round diamonds circling a center diamond of any shape,” explains Audette. “When an appropriately-sized diamond is set into this style ring, the end result is that the visual size increases up to fifty percent.” What does this mean in simple terms you ask? More diamond look for the dollar. And the diamond halo design can be packaged in many ways, from “very evening (almost bordering on cocktail in nature) to very demure, almost classic.” 

“I feel it is the latter that will stand the style test of time,” says Audette, “At M.R.T. Jewelers we love selling rings and even more so, we love selling rings that have a very high-perceived value, and both of these styles qualify. If you have found that one true love, but have yet to find the appropriate symbol of this love, give one of these looks and M.R.T. a chance, we cherish the opportunity to serve.”