Since 1910, H.L. Gross & Bro. Jewelers has been a leading purveyor of fine jewelry and diamonds, so they know what they’re talking about when it comes to select styles and trends. In their fifth generation, Brad Gross, who along with his brother Matt and their father Michael, are providing that same legendary quality, value and service to new customers that the brand has become so known for. So when current brides and grooms-to-be are choosing the eternal symbol of their love that will be showcased on their finger forever, what should they look for?
“This season we’re seeing a lot of single prong set diamonds where a single prong is shared with each diamond on either side,” said Brad Gross. “Overall, this style showcases the shape of the actual diamonds and minimizes the metal seen from the top.”
A popular trend that has transcended from costume jewelry to bridal jewelry is the ability to stack multiple rings. For this style, Gross says that multiple metals like rose gold, yellow gold, white gold and platinum are being used to achieve the look.
“We are also seeing a lot of eternity rings—those are super popular—in different shapes like cushion, emerald, radiant cut and round, which is the most popular,” said Gross. “Colored gemstones have become popular in this style as well.”
Years ago, matching a woman’s engagement ring and her wedding band was all about uniformity; making both rings flush and mimicking each other in design and style. Today, Gross said that the desire to match is about 50/50 and that some women choose to contrast their rings so the engagement ring stands out.
“Women who want matching styles are more often seen with Tacori or Verragio as those designers are very intricate in detail so a matching band tends to be the best option,” he said, noting that Henri Daussi is a popular choice as well. “I have also noticed a decline in women wearing their wedding band on their right hand and have instead turned to stacking rings more than ever.”
When it comes to the groom, some men are being more vocal and particular with their style. Gross feels that since men in general tend to wear minimal jewelry, save for a watch or chain that they too want a chance to express themselves. So much so that H.L. Gross expanded their men’s wedding band showcase from one to four.
“The popularity of all different types of metals and styles for guys to express themselves has exploded,” said Gross, adding that the plain and polished band with a desired thickness is still a common option, but so much more is available. “We are selling alternate metals and seeing different materials anywhere from meteorite, wood and even dinosaur bone as well as different colored stones.”
And for men who are rough with their hands but still want to don their ring, tungsten and alternative metals that are scratch proof is usually a solid bet. Furrer Jacot and Benchmark are traditional go-to designers for H.L. Gross customers. And while Gross says that platinum is still king, but a fair share of rose and yellow gold bands, even some with diamonds, have been making their way onto the hands of grooms.
H.L. Gross & Bro. Jewelers are located at 840 Franklin Ave., Garden City. For more information, call 516-747-6666 or visit www.hlgross.com. Stop by for a Tacori trunk show on Nov. 23 and 24 or schedule an appointment to select your forever ring.
