Your LGBTQ+ Wedding Community

FIND LGBTQ+ JEWELRY VENDORS NEAR YOU

Are you looking for “LGBTQ+ friendly jewelers near me”? Browse jewelry stores by location, past experience and customer reviews. Find the best pride wedding bands and engagement rings in your area, both custom and off-the-shelf.

Advice From EVOL.LGBT

HOW TO CHOOSE LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY WEDDING JEWELERS?

Finding your perfect rings starts with knowing the style of your pride wedding rings. Be it engagement or wedding rings for lesbian or gay weddings, this process will help you find the right wedding jeweler in your area.

Start With Your Inspiration

At this stage look for LGBTQ+ jewelry inspiration. Check your family and friends’ photos. Review gay celebrity weddings. Search Pinterest for pride engagement rings. Ask your LGBTQ+ community for input.

Pay attention to ring pairing. Wedding ring designs that complement one another make all the difference. Clip the images of gay and lesbian couples with great ring pairings.

Don’t want your rings to be “like everyone else’s”? Searching for “unique wedding ring ideas” will give you plenty of inspiration.

Document your findings. Create a mood board of jewelry pieces you love. Add links, pictures, stories behind rings, etc. to your collection. It will help you in talking to wedding jewelers.

Understand the Options

Now that you have a general idea of LGBTQ+ wedding rings you’re looking for, it’s time to explore jewelers in your area. Google “wedding jewelers near me”, check the map to find closest to you.

Using this shortlist, check the stores’ business descriptions, customer reviews and product photos. A jeweler might be friendly to same-sex couples but may not carry LGBTQ+ rings. So, find if the store carries gay-friendly inventory.

Remember different types of wedding jewelry: promise rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, stainless steel, pride flag bands and fine jewelry pieces.

Consider the price range (i.e. under $500, over $1000), metal (white, yellow, rose gold, platinum, Damascus steel, titanium, etc.) and design options (diamond or gemstone, vintage, classic, contour, infinity, etc.).

Start a Conversation

The previous step should leave you with a handful of LGBTQ+ jewelry stores in your area. Now is the time to start reaching out to them. Use our “Request Quote” feature, which walks you through the key pieces of info to share.

When talking or meeting with the wedding jewelry stores, consider asking about the design, price and availability options for engagement and wedding rings. Many stores will have large catalogues, but only select models will be in store. It might take time to order your LGBTQ+ engagement rings.

Some jewelry shops will offer custom ring designs. Make sure you ask the manager about the delivery timeline. A custom design will take longer, so ensure it’s ready for your special day.

FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES

Review these best practices to buy or custom order your wedding jewelry (engagement rings, wedding bands, or wedding rings) from a wedding jeweler near you.

Research and Gather Recommendations

Start by researching local jewelers in your area that specialize in wedding jewelry. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or LGBTQ+ community groups who have had positive experiences with jewelers.

Inclusive Policies

Look for jewelers that have inclusive policies and a demonstrated commitment to serving diverse clientele. Check their website or social media presence for statements or indicators of LGBTQ+ friendliness and support.

Online Reviews

Read online reviews and ratings for the jewelers you are considering. Pay attention to feedback from diverse customers to ensure a positive experience. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, or specialized wedding directories can provide valuable insights.

Visit the Store

Plan a visit to the jewelry stores on your shortlist. Take note of the store environment and the attitudes of the staff. A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is important to ensure a comfortable experience.

Custom Design Capabilities

If you are looking for customized rings, choose a jeweler with strong design capabilities. Inquire about their experience with custom orders and ask to see examples of their previous work.

Transparent Pricing and Quality

Request pricing information from the jeweler, ensuring they provide detailed breakdowns for materials, craftsmanship, and any customization fees. Inquire about the quality of the materials used and the warranties or guarantees offered.

Open Communication

A good jeweler should be attentive to your needs and openly communicate throughout the process. Ensure they listen to your ideas, provide guidance, and are willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Work Samples and Portfolios

Ask to see samples of the jeweler’s previous work, especially if you are considering a custom order. This will help you assess their craftsmanship and design style, ensuring it aligns with your preferences.

Secure and Insured Transactions

Verify that the jeweler has appropriate security measures in place to protect your investment. Inquire about insurance coverage options for your jewelry and the store’s policies in case of loss, damage, or required repairs.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a jeweler. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable, respects your relationship, and genuinely cares about helping you find or create the perfect wedding jewelry.

FIND INSPIRATION

There are various sources to find inspiration before approaching a jeweler. Here's just a few options the get inspiration for your wedding jewelry.

Online Platforms and Social Media

Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding-specific platforms such as The Knot or WeddingWire offer a vast array of wedding jewelry ideas. Couples can explore curated collections, search for specific styles or themes, and save or pin their favorite designs for reference.

Wedding Magazines and Blogs

Bridal magazines and online wedding blogs often feature articles, editorials, and real wedding stories showcasing different types of wedding jewelry. They can provide inspiration, trends, and tips for selecting jewelry that complements the couple’s style and overall wedding theme.

Wedding Expos and Shows

Attending local wedding expos or shows can give couples the opportunity to see a wide range of jewelry designs in person. They can interact with jewelry vendors, try on various pieces, and gather ideas from the displays and presentations.

Celebrity Weddings and Red Carpet Events

Keeping an eye on celebrity weddings and red carpet events can provide inspiration for wedding jewelry. Celebrities often showcase unique and glamorous pieces that can spark ideas or serve as a reference point for the couple’s own preferences.

Jewelry Retailers and Websites

Exploring jewelry retailers’ websites or visiting their physical stores can give couples a sense of the latest trends, classic designs, and customization options available. Many jewelers showcase their collections online, providing images and descriptions that can help with decision-making.

Personal Style and Interests

Couples can find inspiration by considering their personal style, hobbies, or cultural backgrounds. They can incorporate elements that hold special meaning to them, such as birthstones, symbols, or materials that represent their relationship or heritage.

Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms can serve as a significant source of inspiration for wedding jewelry. Couples can reimagine and incorporate sentimental pieces into their engagement rings, wedding bands, or other jewelry items, creating a meaningful connection to their family history.

Art and Nature

Drawing inspiration from art, nature, or specific themes can help couples create unique and personal wedding jewelry. Elements like floral motifs, geometric patterns, or abstract designs can be translated into beautiful and symbolic jewelry pieces.

ASK YOUR WEDDING JEWELER

Great, you scheduled a consultation for your custom jewelry or just decided to stop by the store! Here's a few questions you should your jeweler to ensure you pick the right one. Save the page or print it out and bring the list with you.

  • What is your experience working with same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ clients?
  • Can you provide examples of previous work you’ve done for same-sex weddings?
  • Do you have any inclusive policies or statements that demonstrate your commitment to serving diverse clientele?
  • What are the different types of wedding jewelry you offer, such as engagement rings, wedding bands, or other accessories?
  • Can you show us a range of designs and styles that would suit our preferences and budget?
  • Are your jewelry pieces customizable? Can we incorporate our own ideas or personal touches into the designs?
  • How long does the customization process typically take, from design to delivery?
  • Can we see examples of your craftsmanship and the quality of materials you use?
  • What is the pricing structure for your jewelry? Can you provide a breakdown of costs, including materials and any customization fees?
  • Do you offer any warranties or guarantees for the jewelry? What is your policy on repairs, resizing, or maintenance?
  • How do you handle the security of our jewelry during the design, production, and delivery process?
  • Can you assist us with choosing complementary pieces for both partners, ensuring a cohesive look?
  • Do you provide options for matching or coordinating wedding bands?
  • Can you explain the differences between various precious metals and gemstones, helping us make an informed decision?
  • What is your payment policy?
  • Do you offer any payment plans or financing options
  • How far in advance should we place our order to ensure timely delivery before our wedding date?
  • Can you provide references from previous clients who have purchased wedding jewelry from you?
  • Do you have any recommendations for proper care and maintenance of the jewelry?
  • What is your return or exchange policy in case we are not satisfied with our purchase?
  • Are there any additional services you offer, such as engraving, resizing, or cleaning?

WEDDING BANDS STYLE GUIDE

Know your wedding/engagement ring styles prior to your conversation with a wedding jewelry vendor. It will get you on the same page and will help explain what you want.

Solitaire

A solitaire ring features a single, prominent center stone, typically a diamond, set on a simple metal band. This timeless and classic style puts the focus on the center stone’s brilliance and beauty.

Halo

A halo ring features a center stone encircled by a “halo” of smaller diamonds or gemstones, enhancing its appearance and creating a dazzling effect. This style adds extra sparkle and can make the center stone appear larger.

Three-Stone

A three-stone ring symbolizes the past, present, and future of a relationship. It typically features a larger center stone flanked by two smaller stones on either side. The side stones can be diamonds or other gemstones.

Vintage or Antique

Vintage or antique-style rings are inspired by design elements from a particular era, such as Art Deco, Victorian, or Edwardian. These rings often feature intricate filigree, milgrain detailing, and unique gemstone cuts.

Pavé

Pavé rings have small diamonds or gemstones set closely together on the band, creating a “paved” appearance. This style adds sparkle and texture to the ring, emphasizing the brilliance of the center stone.

Channel Set

Channel set rings feature small diamonds or gemstones set into a groove or channel in the band, securely held in place. This style offers a sleek and modern look while providing additional sparkle.

Tension Set

Tension set rings hold the center stone in place using tension between the band’s metal ends, creating an illusion that the stone is suspended. This style showcases the center stone with minimal metal visibility.

Eternity Band

An eternity band is a continuous ring adorned with diamonds or gemstones all around the band. This style symbolizes everlasting love and is often chosen as a wedding band rather than an engagement ring.

Contemporary or Modern

Contemporary or modern designs feature unique and innovative styles that break away from traditional aesthetics. These rings may incorporate asymmetrical designs, geometric shapes, or alternative materials.

Custom Designs

Couples can opt for custom-designed rings to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects their personal style and preferences. Customization allows for unique combinations of stones, metalwork, engravings, and more.

WEDDING RINGS METALS GUIDE

Knowing your wedding/engagement ring metals will help explain what you want at a meeting with your prospective wedding jeweler.

Gold

Gold is a classic and popular choice for wedding jewelry. It is a durable metal that retains its value over time. The most common gold options for rings are:

  • Yellow Gold: Known for its warm and traditional appearance.
  • White Gold: Created by alloying gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or silver. It has a silvery-white appearance and is often rhodium-plated for added brightness.
  • Rose Gold: Achieved by mixing gold with copper, giving it a warm, rosy hue.

Platinum

Platinum is a naturally white metal that is highly durable and hypoallergenic. It is prized for its strength and rarity. Platinum rings are known for their lustrous and elegant appearance.

Palladium

Palladium is a precious metal similar to platinum but more affordable. It has a silver-white color and is known for its strength, durability, and hypoallergenic properties.

Silver

Silver is a more affordable option for wedding rings. However, it is a softer metal and may require more frequent maintenance and care to prevent tarnishing.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight and durable metal often used in men’s wedding bands. It has a grayish-white color and is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.

Tungsten

Tungsten is another popular choice for men’s wedding bands due to its durability and scratch resistance. It has a gunmetal gray color and a sleek, modern appearance.