Being experts in bridal fashion is no small feat. We must know the ins and outs of everything in order to provide the best answers, solutions and recommendations to our brides! The Bridal Finery has created a shopping guide to jewelry stores in Orlando, just for you.

Our Brand Coordinator’s favorite celebrity couple, Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner, revealing their proposal on Instagram in 2017. Image sourced from Joe’s Instagram - @joejonas

While we don’t specialize in wedding bands or engagement rings, we do specialize in sourcing the best of the best, just for you. Collaborating with our top recommended local jewelry stores - here is a full and complete guide answering your frequently asked questions, giving you insight on trends and timeline and of course all the engagement inspo you could ever need!

Your Engagement & Wedding Ring Questions Answered by

Jewelry Stores in Orlando

What are the latest trends in engagement rings?

Customization! Couples shopping for their engagement rings are looking for a one of a kind and totally unique piece.

Gravitational Pull Ring made by jeweler, Sandy Rubin

SandyRubin.com

Sandy Rubin said that she really enjoys when couples choose the customization route for their engagement ring design as she wants them to feel connected to the piece and very much a part of the process. She explained that customization doesn't necessarily take longer or cost more which was something I really enjoyed learning. Most associate the word “custom” with a higher price point and it was refreshing to learn that this isn't typically the case with Orlando jewelry stores.

GABRIEL & CO 14K WHITE GOLD PRINCESS CUT HALO ENGAGEMENT RING

Image sourced from BayHillJewelers.com

Stacy with Bay Hill Jewelers is finding that mismatched metals are trendy for couples shopping for their engagement rings. She said that brides are choosing one metal for their engagement ring and another metal for their wedding band. She is also seeing that most couples do not coordinate their wedding bands that most will choose based on their personal preference and comfort.

‘NUVEAU’ DIAMOND RADIANCE RING made by jeweler, Almut Belote

AlmutBeloteJewelry.com

Almut Belote believes that your engagement ring should not be chosen based on trends and the piece you go with should stand the test of time. She encourages her couple to really think outside of the box when it comes to stones and shapes.

Sam with Monarch Jeweler says ovals have surged in popularity, set in elegant rings that really show off the center diamond without pulling any attention away from it. We are also creating a lot of rings with interesting features on the sides of the rings, whether they are accent stones, halos, scroll work, or even birthstones hidden underneath the center diamond, they really make a ring unique and personalize it to the wearer. For wedding bands we are seeing a lot of meteorite inlays in men’s bands for a look that’s completely out of this world, and for ladies, curved bands that hug the engagement ring in both smooth and elegant styles, or if you are more adventurous, alternating stone shapes such as baguettes, pears, and marquise are mixed in with rounds for a really unique look

What are things to consider before shopping for your engagement ring or wedding band?

Definitely start with engagement ring inspiration! Whether it be a Pinterest board or a saved gallery on Instagram, doing your research prior to jumping right into shopping for your engagement ring or wedding band is important and will make the process much more smooth and enjoyable. Brides should share their inspiration with their partner.

Dennis with International Diamond Center always recommends to the ring buyer that if the inspiration is not shared, turn to a friend of the bride to assist with the investigation on what she likes.

14k white gold 1.25ct Marquise Diamond Ring

Image sourced from @hq_jewelers

Jonathan from H&Q Jewelers informed me that the secret is gone with engagement rings and most want to get what their partners want and want to get it right. Budget is also something to consider prior to shopping. Many Orlando jewelry stores offer different price points and knowing which ones fit within your range will help with deciding on the stores to visit. If using ethically sourced or recycled metals and stones in your wedding band or engagement ring is important to you, this is something you will want to find out from the jewelry store in advance. Checking out the social media or website for the Orlando jewelry store will provide a more in depth look at their individual brand and offerings.

Sandy Rubin sees that couples are doing a lot of research prior to meeting with her and even some that are visiting multiple stores to make sure they are completely comfortable with the jeweler they choose. She believes that each couple is special and unique in their own way and their wedding jewelry should be a representation of that.

Sam with Monarch Jeweler says the biggest surprise for our clients is just how streamlined and affordable custom has become. Designing a ring from scratch seems so overwhelming when you don’t even know where to begin, but we live and breathe this every day, so we know how to make the process easy. Since we do everything in house, we control every aspect of the ring’s creation, so can easily work within a set budget.

How should you shop for your engagement ring or wedding band?

Truthfully, there is no right or wrong way. When deciding on how you should shop for your engagement ring or wedding band, its truthfully personal preference. Majority of the local Orlando jewelry stores are finding that couples are coming in to shop together and most already have somewhat of an idea in mind as to what they are looking for.

Unique Engagement Ring

Image sourced from @casaleonjewelers

On the flip side, if that is not the case, Lauren with Casa Leon Jewelers offers guidance by learning the bride's personality, personal style, hobbies, job and more which helps her choose the best options for someone that might be shopping a little bit blindly.

Almut is finding her couples whether it be alone or together are looking for something pretty specific and different which leads them to her because of her pieces uniqueness.

What are different ways to make your wedding ring or engagement band unique?

The word unique meant different things to each local Orlando jewelry store.

Almut approaches uniqueness through the use of bezel style setting instead of the traditional prong in her pieces. She loves when couples are open to unusual stones and when they are open to the idea of a rough cut stone which is the stones most natural state.

Jonathan with H&Q Jewelers makes sure that his couples know that they do keep a wide variety of stones in house and have the ability to successfully source whatever they are looking for if it's something they do not have.

Lauren with Casa Leon Jewelers was enthusiastic about their prestigious collection of vintage and estate pieces that are available for couples to incorporate in their wedding jewelry. With two master jewelers in the store, Lauren is confident in providing couples an array of options for making their wedding jewelry extra special.

Stacy with Bay Hill Jewelers expresses that couples should consider using a family heirloom piece to create their engagement ring.

Tacori RoyalT Round Diamond Engagement Ring available at International Diamond Center

https://shopidc.com/

Dennis with the International Diamond Center recommended pairing precious stones alongside the diamond to add that extra something special. The options for this approach are endless.

When should you shop for your wedding band?

Most local Orlando jewelry stores are recommending a minimum of six months prior to the wedding for couples to shop for the wedding band.

Lauren with Casa Leon has seen in her experience that couples will sometimes wait until the last minute to shop for their wedding bands and the budget has already been set and established. She makes the recommendation to her couples that they should include wedding bands into their wedding budget and it's super helpful if done so.

Dennis with International Diamond Center suggested that once the wedding date is set, it's time to start shopping for the wedding band!

Stacy with Bay Hill Jewelers recommends making an appointment when it's time to shop for your wedding bands. She is finding that the majority of couples are doing this process together. Shopping for your wedding bands should be just as special and exciting as the shopping was for your engagement ring!

Sandy Rubin wants to provide her couples with an abundance of options and even those couples didn't even think existed for their wedding bands.

14 karat yellow gold eternity band with 48 round diamonds

Image sourced from MonarchJewelryandArt.com

Sam with Monarch Jewelry says the wedding bands are absolutely central to the ceremony and to the commitment you are making to each other so it’s really not something you want to leave to the last minute. We have had clients come in days before their wedding and tell us they were so wrapped up with everything else required for the wedding that they completely forgot about the bands.

What is the value in purchasing your wedding rings from a local Orlando jewelry store?

Purchasing an engagement ring and wedding band is a huge financial investment and is something that will last forever.

Sandy Rubin knows that for most, many haven't purchased any fine jewelry yet before in their lives and it can definitely be an overwhelming process. She eases her couples by walking them through the entire process with as much detail as possible. A common recommendation by most local Orlando jewelry stores was to trust your gut with who you decided to purchase from. You want to feel comfortable with your jeweler and most want to become a part of your family and jeweler for life.

Local Orlando Jewelry stores are looking for more than just a transaction with their couples. Another great benefit of buying your engagement ring and wedding rings from a local jewelry store does guarantee a very special piece instead of something that is mass produced.

Unlike many larger chain jewelry stores, Almut Belote prides herself on being completely hands on and available for her couples throughout all of the steps. From the curated collection she creates based on couples design preference and budget to the actual production which is done in house.

How should you take care of your engagement ring or wedding band?

Lauren with Casa Leon Jewelers expressed that fine jewelry requires maintenance and how important it is for ongoing care for your wedding band and engagement ring. She recommends visiting your jeweler a minimum of twice a year for inspection and professional cleaning.

Jonathan with H&Q Jewelers went into detail about how soft gold actually is popular to the contrary. He explained there are many at home cleaning practices but it's always best to trust the professionals. At home, it is recommended to remove your engagement ring and wedding band while using any harsh chemicals while cleaning. You definitely want to make sure when removing your jewelry for whatever reason to always put it in a safe spot such as a ring dish.

While visiting Almut Belote Jewelry in Orlando, I learned that she sells the most beautiful velvet ring boxes which is another safe place for your rings to go when you might not be wearing them. I recommend choosing a color that matches your wedding colors as a fun and subtle reminder of your most special day.

Our favorite celebrity engagement rings

Katy Perry’s Engagement Ring

Not only did Katy Perry get engaged on my favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day, but her ring is by far my most favorite celebrity engagement ring. In true Katy Perry fashion her ring is colorful, unique and one of a kind. Orlando Bloom chose a flower inspired engagement ring to propose to Katy Perry with. Her engagement ring features a jaw dropping pink stone in the center with decorated diamonds surrounding. The style of her ring dates back to the 1900’s and is described as a cluster ring due to its distinctive shape. Not only am I obsessed with the color and the special design of Katy Perry’s ring, I love how true to her personality it is.

Katy Perry announces engagement to Orlando Bloom with an engagement ring selfie!

Katy Perry accepted Orlando Bloom’s proposal on February 19, 2019

Images sourced from Katy Perry’s Instagram - @katyperry

Ariana Grande’s Engagement Ring

Ariana Grande’s engagement ring checks off all the right boxes for me - traditional, glam and a touch of modern. The careful curation of her engagement ring is described as an oval shaped diamond accompanied by a titled pearl set on a platinum band. While pearl’s are not typically found in engagement rings, Ariana’s has much more meaning than its beauty alone. Incorporating the delicate pearl into her ring was a nod to her grandmother and her birthstone. I definitely appreciate the uniqueness and meaning of her ring which makes that much more special.

Ariana Grade shows off her engagement ring, dress and blusher veil with bow

Ariana Grande married Dalton Gomez on May 15, 2021

Images sourced from Ariana Grande’s Instagram - @arianagrande

Beyoncé’s Engagement Ring

I would not have expected anything but the best for Beyoncé when her engagement ring first made its first public appearance on the red carpet in 2008. Her jaw dropping 18-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring embodies both classic and charismatic characteristics. It was a no brainer when Jay Z chose one of Hollywood’s most renowned jewelry designers and longtime friend to Beyoncé, Lorraine Schwartz, to design his bride-to-be’s engagement ring. Her design was inspired by Beyoncé’s love for old Hollywood glamour. Her ring is as timeless and beautiful as she is!

Beyoncé engagement reveal in one of the only pictures of her engagement ring

Image sourced from Worthy

Beyoncé married JAY-Z on April 4, 2008

Gif sourced from Vanity Fair

Recommended Jewelry Shops in Orlando

This guide would not have been possible without the expertise of the following local jewelry stores. They come highly recommended by the team at The Bridal Finery.

Engagement Photo Inspiration

Congrats on your engagement! Time for pictures & your party! Below we have some of our favorite engagement dresses to give you the inspiration you need before your engagement party and engagement pictures! Keep this blog saved, we always update our new picks.