Yellow gold, small diamonds, and designer Jennie Kwon emerged as JCK favorites
Last week, we published a story that said, according to a recent poll, U.S. consumers believe an engagement ring should cost less than $1,000. For those of us in the jewelry industry, that sounds exceptionally low. But to your average consumer, who likely does not shop for engagement rings all the time, $1,000—and not the two months’ salary guideline many of us grew up with—probably sounds like plenty.
In that spirit, I asked JCK’s editors to pinpoint their favorite engagement styles for less than $1,000. As you’ll see, Los Angeles–based Jennie Kwon is a crowd favorite.
Our retail and technology editor was besotted with Jennie Kwon’s $675 Painter’s Blue sapphire ring. “This one is beautiful—the blue is mesmerizing!” she says.
Pale blue rose-cut sapphires flanked by 6 mm x 1 mm diamonds in solid 14k yellow gold, $675, Jennie Kwon Designs
JCK’s fashion editor singled out this $835 Deco ring by—wait for it—Jennie Kwon.
Deco ring in 14k yellow gold with 0.25 ct. black diamond and 0.04 ct. t.w. colorless diamonds, $835, Jennie Kwon Designs
Our social media editor is another Jennie Kwon fan. “It’s simple but also a little bit interesting and supersweet—and only $875!” she says of the Dew ring below.
Round diamond Dew ring with milgrain detail in 14k yellow gold with 3 mm center diamond and six 1 mm diamonds, $875, Jennie Kwon Designs (also available in 14K rose and white gold)
Melissa Bernardo
JCK’s managing editor found a great spinel ring by Madelynn Cassin Designs. “Spinel is my dream center stone,” she says. “And that cut is so unique.”
Pink spinel Asscher-cut ring in recycled 14k yellow gold, $948, Madelynn Cassin Designs
As for me, I’ve always been partial to engagement bands, and this simple, asymmetrical Diamond Gravity ring by designer Xiao Wang is a modern classic (plus, it’s the least expensive of the bunch!):
Gravity ring with diamond baguette set in 14k gold bezel with flush-set diamonds, $660, Xiao Wang
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