For the third year, we’ve partnered with The Knot to mine its bridal market research knowledge and present retail-oriented highlights to our readers, America’s independent and chain ­jewelry retailers and the manufacturers who supply them.

And for the first time, we’ve brought The Knot’s biannual survey to life, speaking to brides and grooms about how they conducted their ring searches, how they selected their retailer, what type of rings they chose, and more.

Also for the first time this year, we take a look at engagement rings worn by the rich and famous, with the knowledge that rings seen in the pages of celebrity magazines are often hot at the retail counter.

Plus, we hope to inspire with pages of beautiful bridal jewelry!

We hope you find this issue entertaining and informative, and that you use it as a reference guide throughout the year. You may even want to leave a copy out to inspire your customers.

For an even more comprehensive look at the bridal market, stay tuned for our February 2015 issue, which will cover everything you need to know about catering to brides, from the product selection you need to have to the social media you can’t ignore (hint: Instagram!).

Until then, best of luck with this holiday season’s bridal sales!

JCK