The Black Tux acquired Marke New York for an undisclosed purchase price, and sees this as the next step in helping customers find stylish gear for their wedding day, co-founder Andrew Blackmon told JCK.

The Black Tux and Marke have a lot in common—timeless design, old-school craftsmanship, and a transparent process—so Blackmon believes they will create a good kind of disruption in the jewelry world.

“I’m excited to learn more about the jewelry industry. We’re approaching it with humility,” he says.

Blackmon co-founded the Black Tux with Patrick Coyne in 2012 in Santa Monica, Calif., as an alternative to traditional tuxedo and suit rentals; their goal was to improve the rental process, since Blackmon had had a frustrating experience finding the kind of tux he wanted when he was getting married.

The Black Tux has dressed more than 1.5 million people and had its best year in 2022 with 35% year-over-year growth in revenue, according to the company.

Marke rings are available on its newly revamped website and in select Black Tux showrooms, including in New York City, Chicago, Dallas, and Santa Monica, Blackmon says. The Black Tux is opening another showroom, in Atlanta, this year.

The company estimates the wedding ring industry is worth about $70.5 billion, and it hopes that having the opportunity to buy rings alongside formal wear resonates with customers.

“We’re going to keep Marke the same brand that it is—we don’t want to change the ethos of how they talk to the customer about who they are,” Blackmon says. “We want to create an introduction between our two brands because these are the kinds of purchases that are made around the same time.”

Blackmon says the Black Tux was attracted to Marke because it offers quality jewelry and a presence in the bridal space. Founded in 2018 by brothers Daniel and Ben Mardkha, Marke is described on its website as having “generations of experience in the NYC jewelry business.” The company says it uses heirloom-quality metals that are 100% recycled, ethically sourced, and crafted in New York City.

Marke’s social media noted the acquisition: “We’re joining the Black Tux to help people navigate life’s milestones and celebrations with confidence, style, and ease, and we’re thrilled to be in such good company.”

Blackmon says he hopes to establish something unique within the men’s jewelry industry. “From a broader perspective, men’s jewelry is interesting because [some companies] see it as an afterthought. I like the idea of building something really focused on the masculine perspective,” he says.

Top: The Black Tux has acquired wedding-band brand Marke to expand its reach within the wedding industry. Marke’s products will be sold at Black Tux stores as well as online. (Photos courtesy of the Black Tux)

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A family member of mine got engaged with one years ago, and since then it’s been an option that I look to fondly. So each year when March comes along, rather than pore over the month’s birthstone in any other form, I look to those capable of passing as wedding rings.

This time last year, I compiled some of my favorite-ever rings featuring aquamarine, a roundup still completely obsession-worthy (the lead piece from Carter Eve is still a contender for my fantasy engagement ring collection).

This year’s roundup features a mixed bag of beautiful styles, some which are created with engagement in mind, while others are more subjective (Lizzie Mandler’s ring below, for example, was designed to be worn on the pinky).

For those getting married, those wanting a change or adding to their collection of engagement rings, or for those born in March, these latest aquamarine rings will put a spring in your step.

Top: Ring in 18k white gold with 3.25 ct. aquamarine and 0.27 ct. t.w. baguette diamonds, $4,007; Yael Designs

Of those options, diamonds from the bottom of the ocean might not have been your first thought. But that’s precisely what Azlee is doing with its latest collection.

Offering gems sourced from the seabeds along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, Ocean Diamonds—a specialist in marine diamonds that boasts its conscious sourcing where mining is not required—has partnered with Azlee to create jewelry for the last two years.

Azlee designer Baylee Ann Zwart has expanded on her collection of Ocean Diamonds to include a line of engagement rings. Below, JCK talks with Zwart about the collection, the stones, and more.

Can you give us more detail on how these diamonds are sourced? How were they discovered?

Ocean diamonds are a new category of natural diamonds sourced from the oceans of Namibia and South Africa. The very first ocean diamonds were found in the mid-20th century by fishermen who found them scattered in their nets. These diamonds are responsibly sourced and unlike traditional diamonds, there is no mining required. Over billions of years these diamonds have been created by the earth, and have naturally flowed from the mountains, through rivers, to then land in caverns in the ocean. Local divers dive to handpick these beautiful diamonds from the ocean’s floor, leaving no lasting impact on the environment. One of the few traceable methods of garnering diamonds, each diamond comes with a certificate of origin. The diamonds are then cut and polished locally, keeping the supply chain transparent. Azlee is honored to be the first U.S. brand to collaborate with Ocean Diamonds.

How do they differ from traditionally mined diamonds? Are there any noticeable differences in appearance?

Mined diamonds have environmental risks, and even lab-grown diamonds take a large amount of energy to produce. Ocean diamonds cause less ecosystem disruption, which is so important to the values of Azlee as a whole. In regards to appearance, there are no noticeable differences, and the diamonds tend to be very high clarity grades. If they have a lot of inclusions, they tend to break apart when flowing from the mountains into the oceans, and never make it the ocean. Each diamond also comes with a GIA certification.

How does the origin of these diamonds inspire your new collection?

A huge part of Azlee’s values are to support marine conservation and preservation. Through scuba diving and surfing, I have witnessed firsthand humankind’s impact on the marine ecosystem. In a continued effort to foster a more conscious relationship with the planet and craft a better future, a portion of each sale is donated toward an ocean-related cause. Finding this small team of divers to source ocean diamonds and hearing their story and background has made me immensely inspired. I designed the pieces to have movement to them to reflect their ties to the ocean. I envisioned a nuanced form of a wave that would be subtle but honor the concept and origin. That is where the shape of the pieces derived from.

What has been the customer reaction to this offering of diamonds?

Diamonds are already such special and incredible stones, so adding another layer to how they were found and the benefit this type of sourcing has on the environment has definitely intrigued clients. It is also a category of diamonds that most everyone, including the fine jewelry industry, isn’t aware of, so it has been super-special to be the one to introduce this concept to clients.

Have you noticed that more brides and grooms are looking for an alternative to the traditionally mined diamond? Do you also receive requests for colored gemstones in your custom work?

There has definitely been an increase in clients wanting alternative options that feel less traditional, and more personal. We have seen an increase in clients asking for colored stones in their engagement rings. As as brand we stick to precious stones, so we create a lot of emerald rings, and then second to that is rubies and sapphires. We have definitely seen an uptick in requests for sapphires in the last year.

What’s the most unique/unusual item of jewelry (engagement ring or otherwise) you’ve been asked to create?

We specialize in unusual cut diamonds, and we had a client come to us wanting a yellow shield diamond ring. It is difficult to find full-cut shield diamonds in high color and clarities, so to find a cutter who has cut a high-quality yellow diamond into a shield was a lovely challenge. Then we complemented the shield with kite diamonds to create a beautiful, unexpected and balanced piece. [pictured above]

What’s ahead for Azlee in 2023?

We are developing more one-of-a-kind pieces, which I am very excited about. It’s a passion of mine to give clients something no one else has, and have the opportunity to work with really special precious stones and diamonds. The concept of jewelry as art is really where my heart lies, so we are leaning more and more into that. I am also focused on educating myself deeper about sustainability in our industry, so that we can continue to improve our practices, that is top of mind for me as well.

Top: Sea ring I in 18k yellow gold with 0.43 ct. Ocean Diamond, $10,900; Azlee

In the ’70s, the marquise had its moment. Pair it with a tall yellow gold setting and you had one of the most popular styles of the decade.

In more recent decades, a smattering of high-profile celebrity engagements have inspired demand for cuts such as oval and emerald, and in various colors to boot.

But in between, it was the princess cut that was all the rage—in white metals—in the early to mid-2000’s. Sandwiched in a three-stone setting, set alone as a solitaire, or even surrounded by a round or square diamond halo, the princess-cut was highly in demand by brides-to-be searching for the perfect engagement ring.

The only problem with being the “It” anything? That status doesn’t often last forever. When too much of a great thing keeps coming at us, we start to look for something else.

Such is the cycle of trends—even in jewelry—which is why we can so easily associate certain styles (and cut of diamonds) with certain fashion eras.

Then again, however unpredictable, we know this about trends: They always come back.

Perhaps the princess cut has been absent from the scene for long enough, because it’s beginning to look brand-new all over again. This time, its square shape is being given the modern treatment—sleek metal settings (yellow gold, in many cases), organic style, streamlined shapes. The look is less high-maintenance that it was a decade or two ago, and more refined—all grown-up, and ready for the role of forever ring.

Here are some of the latest engagement rings that give the princess cut its much-needed glow-up.

Top: Equinox ring in 18k white gold and platinum with 1 ct. t.w. princess-cut and 0.7 ct. t.w. baguette diamonds, $8,900; State Property

Because after the purchase of the engagement ring and subsequent wedding bands, wedding-day jewelry, and maybe an upgrade or two in between, longtime customers might just come back looking for an equally special token of love to celebrate a milestone anniversary.

According to Pinterest’s latest Pinterest Predicts report for 2023, milestone celebrations will be big this year. Searches for terms including golden anniversary party, 50th anniversary cookies decorated, and silver jubilee cake 25th anniversary were up big-time in 2022, leading the social giant to declare “The YOLO Years”—when boomers and Gen Xers plan epic bashes for major milestones.

Jewelers might not be the go-to place for cakes and cookies, but if a party is to be epic, how better to memorialize it than with jewelry? Whether it’s a 25th wedding anniversary or a 50th, these bands would make for a truly unforgettable celebration.

Top: Eternity band in 18k yellow gold with 13.4 cts. t.w. radiant-cut diamonds, price on request; Rahaminov

Inspired by the jewels she created for her daughter-in-law on her wedding day, Nancy Newberg‘s new capsule collection features a lineup of modern but timeless pieces for the big day and beyond. Shoulder-dusting earrings, a tennis necklace, bracelets, and even an ear-climber compose the collection that’s as beautiful for a wedding day as it would be for a Tuesday.

We asked Newberg a few questions on how the collection came to be, what today’s brides and grooms want, and more.

Can you describe the process of curating wedding jewelry for your daughter-in-law? What were you inspired by and how did you make your decisions?

My daughter-in-law is a minimalist—I just love that about her!—so for her engagement ring I sourced a stunning emerald-cut diamond and put it in a clean platinum prong setting. Her wedding band provided the perfect compliment to this: a micro–bezel-set eternity band with emerald-cut stones.

When it came time to choose a wedding gown, she wanted to be sure her look was timeless. She did not want her photos to feel outdated 10 years from now. I thought this made total sense and once the dress was chosen I got right to work. A thick duchesse satin Monique Lhuillier off-the-shoulder gown was purchased. Sculptural and elegant, this wedding gown did not need many accessories. I knew the look called for statement earrings with length and movement.

Mixing emerald, round, and princess cuts, I created lines of diamonds, each separated by a tiny bar allowing movement between stones. These platinum beauties were a modern take on the classic tennis bracelet and inspired designs to follow. A small collection was soon born.

The collection is wonderfully modern with classic touches. Have you noticed more brides and grooms looking for modern jewelry, vintage/vintage-inspired, or both?

Vintage will never go out of style, but most of my brides are looking for stand-out pieces that are more unique and modern.

For those with the budget to do so, what advice can you share for selecting the perfect wedding-day jewels—aside from the rings?

Pearls are the perfect solution for brides on a budget. The pretty white luster of a pearl pairs well with most gowns and beautiful styles can be found at any price range.

What trends have you noticed in your recent custom projects? Are we seeing more color? Dainty versus statement?

Recently I’ve been doing more statement pieces. Crisp clean lines, bold shapes with the spotlight on diamonds. Sparkle is in.

How about for the grooms? Has men’s jewelry evolved in the wedding arena as it has in fashion?

Men are moving more slowly into the wedding jewelry category but it is happening. Currently I’ve been designing bolder bands for men. I’ve been doing cufflinks and studs that are more fashion-forward—even with the most conservative men.

Top: Extra-long drop earrings in platinum with 3.3 cts. t.w. diamonds, $12,400; Nancy Newberg

Take, for instance, the engagement ring. Like any consumer, Kiraly is faced with a massive array of choices. Unlike any consumer, however, the PR professional has a Rolodex of brands and designers to consult.

“My engagement ring was designed and made by my dear friend Jackie Kim,” Kiraly says. “It was important for me to have the ring made by someone that knows both my fiancé and me, and someone he is comfortable with and trusts. She guided us through the entire process and I could not be more thankful for her. I chose a yellow gold pavé band with an oval diamond she sourced for us—classic and timeless in my opinion. Our next project is wedding bands, which I think I am going to go a bit out of my comfort zone on so I am excited about that!”

While operating within the jewelry industry has its perks, Kiraly and the average jewelry customer have this in common: choices. Perhaps almost too many—not that options aren’t welcome, of course, but how do you narrow it down amid such a monumental amount of really good choices?

We talked with Jessica about that, as well as about the pieces she’s considering wearing for her big day and current wedding day jewelry trends.

How are you selecting pieces to wear for your big day—do you have any you’re already considering that you can share with us?
This is a hard one! I don’t have the dress just yet—which I know will play a big part based on the embellishments and neckline—however I have one in mind, which means I can start thinking about jewelry. I know I want to wear a tennis necklace, but with a twist—something like Melissa Kaye’s Maya tennis necklace or Octavia Elizabeth’s Micro diamond necklace—a classic piece of jewelry that isn’t going to overpower the rest of what I am wearing.

With the necklace, I would choose a pair of earrings that would complement it and not be overpowering, perhaps a stud or a little drop earring like this pair of huggies from Anita Ko.

Alternatively, I could ditch the tennis necklace idea and go with more statement earrings. I have a feeling it isn’t going to be an easy decision for me.

You’re in an enviable position when it comes to access to great jewelry! What do you recommend for brides outside of the industry looking for great jewelry for their wedding?

I truly am! Not only could I ask the designers I personally represent, but I also have so many friends in the overall industry that I could turn to, which makes me feel very lucky. If you aren’t in my position, though, my biggest recommendation would be to raid your family’s jewelry boxes! I used to hate all of my mother’s and grandmother’s jewelry as a kid, but now I can’t stop digging through it when I am home. Each piece is unique and tells a story.

You’re getting married in June—most likely you’d consider this a summer wedding? How might the seasons dictate your wedding style? What sort of jewels might a spring bride look for?

Yes! I always imagined incorporating lighter colors for a spring-summer wedding, so pieces with stones like morganite, tourmaline, and opal. I love this pair of drops from Mason and Books.

For a winter-fall wedding, I would suggest incorporating darker stones like emerald, sapphire, spinels. These earrings from The One I Love would be perfect.

How important are trends when considering your choices for wedding day jewelry? Do you find you’re influenced at all by the most popular styles currently on the market, or do you gravitate more toward classic styles?

I think I gravitate toward a more classic style, but with a trend mixed in—a classic tennis necklace but with interesting stone cuts. Or pearls, which are super classic, but updated in a fun style like Mateo’s Drip earrings or Renisis’ Solo pearl curl ring.

Whether or not you plan to wear them, what top trends for wedding jewelry do you see as standouts right now?

Hair accessories! Whether it’s wearing a bow or adding a brooch to your updo, I am seeing lots of attention to hair embellishments in my research. Which reminds me to search my mom’s jewelry box for one!

Do you have a theme or aesthetic style planned for your wedding?

Our venue is a bit more industrial, but overall the aesthetic of our wedding is leaning toward classic and tailored—kind of like both of our personalities. I keep seeing inspiration from other sources though, and getting sidetracked, so we will see what it truly ends up being!

Top: Jessica Kiraly (photo courtesy of Jessica Kiraly)

This according to Pinterest and its annual Pinterest Predicts report, a roundup of what the platform expects, based on user search data, to dominate the coming year.

“So long, something blue. Hues of terra cotta, copper, and burnt sienna will be frequent guests at weddings this year. Based on rising searches from millennials and Gen X, you’ll see this smoldering color everywhere in 2023, from floral arrangements to bridesmaid dresses. And hey, if a big wedding isn’t your thing, you can-elope (sorry),” reads the report. (Seriously, who doesn’t love a good fruit pun?)

While we played with saturated, tangerine-like shades in the summer of 2022, this tamer but no less gorgeous version of orange still drips with optimism, and marks a nice departure from the traditional color palette of so many weddings.

Don’t expect orange to be the subject of many a bride or groom’s wedding and engagement rings—color trends are too fleeting to warrant centerpiece status such as that—but one can predict it to show up among other wedding attire, including jewelry and accessories.

Featuring gemstones such as orange sapphire, carnelian, fire opal, and spessartite, these wedding day-ready jewels are attention-grabbing and memorable, while versatile and earthy enough to flow right into a newlywed’s daily attire.

Top: Limited-edition puffed heart necklace in 14k yellow gold with 0.88 ct. orange sapphire and 0.18 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,400; Gigi Ferranti

As shoppers seek to assert their individuality, some want less classic, more outside the realm of what’s considered massively popular. Hence the existence of alternative engagement rings.

Still, you can’t deny the power of a good halo, and for those shopping on a budget, it’s a brilliant way to up the perceived size of the diamond.

The hidden halo may be the new It-engagement ring, for shoppers of all budgets and preferences.

“My clients love the hidden halo because of the added sparkle that doesn’t necessarily distract from their center stone,” says Nikki Swift, founder of Nicole Mera, whose ring is pictured at top. “The solitaire will forever be classic, but I think this is the modern touch women are including so they can have that bit of pavé sparkle that you would normally see in a traditional halo, but now it’s just hidden. And because it’s hidden, it’s creating this surprise element that the bride-to-be can show off to her friends and family—and, of course, on social media!”

Here are 12 of the latest hidden halo engagement rings to amp up your sparkle.

Top: Hidden halo solitaire engagement ring in 18k yellow gold with 3 ct. round brilliant diamond and 0.09 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Nicole Mera

The company released its first-ever men’s collection in 2021, and its fine jewelry collection—touching on popular current themes such as yellow gold, pearls, hoop earrings, and more—is as relevant as ever.

With a fantastic assortment of wedding jewelry to choose from, Gabriel & Co. seemed an ideal source to gather insight concerning what retailers and their customers are eyeing this year, both in terms of engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as the jewelry they’ll think to wear on the big day.

“We create designs around diverse personalities and lifestyles to allow all people to celebrate their love: ‘Who are you?’ ‘What’s your style?’ These questions are our starting point,” says Dominick Gabriel, the company’s co-owner, senior vice president, and chief design officer. “We design around the answers to these questions so that each person can find a ring that speaks to them. And for those who want something completely unique, our custom design service can create a one-of-a-kind ring that fits them perfectly.”

A few members of Gabriel & Co.’s team had just the answers we went looking for, below.

The most popular engagement ring style the company sold in 2022? “A delicate hidden halo in an oval with a narrow straight shank,” according to bridal merchandiser Inna Kushnirski. “Brides are opting for feminine, delicate styles they can layer with other bands. The hidden halo has replaced the long-reigning halo in demand.”

While it sounds like demand for the hidden halo will reach long into 2023 (and perhaps beyond), Kushnirski says there are other styles to keep an eye out for: “Setting stones east-west is becoming popular and is definitely a new bridal category, right up there with hidden halos.”

As far as metal type is concerned, while some engagement ring shoppers have made the leap to yellow gold, demand for white metals remains strong as ever. “White gold is still number 1, even with the rise of the yellow gold trend—consumers are still gravitating to the timelessness that white gold gives,” Kushnirski says.

With a new focus on men’s jewelry, Gabriel & Co. might have gained more insight into what they’re shopping for—but how has the recent rise in men’s, or even gender-free, jewelry affected what guys are looking for wedding rings? “Men are willing to do rose gold with diamonds and also two-tone, which was once considered to be quite daring,” says Kushnirski. “They are not just gravitating towards the same-old en masse—they’re straying away from the classics and embracing unique designs with their wedding jewelry, which was not the norm before.”

As for the perfect jewel to wear on your wedding day—aside from the rings, of course—fashion merchandiser Robin Lefkowitz-Huska tells us, “We are true believers in family heirlooms. And what better time to buy or receive one than on your wedding day?”

Top: Delphi engagement ring in 14k yellow and white gold, $1,050; Gabriel & Co. (without center stone)