Did you know that more than half
of brides (57%) would change
something about their engagement
ring if they could, with the biggest
gripe being wanting a bigger stone
(19%)? Despite this, only 36%
actually would go through with
upgrading. So, as they say, ”Choose
your wedding ring wisely, I repeat
choose your wedding ring wisely.”
You have to live with it for rest of
your life, so you better love it.
I assume that your guy is the right guy because your
headed down the isle. As we know every person
has their own preferences. Bringing two individuals
together to purchase wedding rings can be a bit
challenging. The goal is to come up with the perfect
wedding ring that is suitable to the taste and lifestyle of
both partners.
Many factors come into play when choosing your rings.
You have to consider the quality of metal, type of stone,
and price range. You both have to remember what
the other one likes and doesn’t like. After all, wedding
rings are a daily reminder of the partnership and
commitment between two people.
For this feature, we interviewed Russell Kwiat, one of the
owners of Urbanette’s favorite jewelry line, Kwiat, known
for its unique and delicate fine jewelry.
Urbanette Magazine:
Wedding rings are primary
symbols of a marriage. How important is choosing the
right wedding ring?
Russell Kwiat: Your wedding rings reflect the emotion of
eternal love. I am often asked if the wedding ring should
exactly match the band of the engagement ring, which
hand do I wear the band on, or should the engagement
ring be worn on the right hand and band on the left.
People often get caught up on the “rules”.
Urbanette:
How did you get started in
jewelry creation and design?
Russell:
My great grandfather, Sam
Kwiat, founded Kwiat over a century
ago. From a small shop in New York
City’s original diamond district on the
lower east side of Manhattan, he built
a reputation for beautiful diamonds
and jewelry.
Joining the family tradition was a
natural step—diamonds and jewelry
are in my blood.
Urbanette:
What are the elements of
a truly symbolic wedding ring? How
should a wedding ring be different
from an engagement ring?
Russell: Tradition is important but we
have gone beyond the days that your
only option was a thin gold band. Our
clients have a variety of choices when
selecting their wedding bands. From
colored stones to intricate designs
to a secret inscription, the elements
customers seek are dependent on their
personal style.
Nothing has to match in the traditional
sense anymore. More and more women
consider how wearable a ring is when
selecting their band. Depending on their
profession and lifestyle, she may choose
a pave diamond band, a platinum band,
or a shared prong eternity ring. And
guys, be prepared, she is probably going
to want more than one at some point.
Remember, they also make beautiful
anniversary gifts!
Urbanette:
Couples have varying ideas
as to how their rings should look and feel. How do you brainstorm with your
clients to create the design that aligns
perfectly with their vision?
Russell:
The most popular shapes
today are the round brilliant and the
cushion shape. People love the classic
beauty of the round diamond and the
vintage elegance of the cushion. We
focus on customization and exceptional
craftsmanship in our bridal creations.
Our clients are discerning, and they
want to be actively involved in the
process of creating the ring from the
selection of the center stone to the
details of the setting.
Urbanette:
Should all wedding rings
have diamonds? What are the other
usual gems used for them?
Russell:
Many of our customers
prefer a ring that has a timeless feel,
which may mean a classic diamond
style. We have the occasional request
for sapphires as an engagement
stone, but diamonds have been and
will always be the primary choice.
Colored diamonds continue to be a
niche market for engagement rings.
Customers that choose a yellow or pink
diamond want something different and
reflection of what they love. They know
Urbanette:
What was the most
challenging customization you’ve had
to make?
Russell:
Each customer is unique and
has different requirements. We work
with together to create a ring that
is special to them. We are also very
discreet and dedicated to fulfilling
our client’s desires. Kwiat has a
superior team; there isn’t anything
that we can’t handle.
Urbanette:
Who was your most
memorable client?
Russell:
The best part of what we
do is having the opportunity to
share some of life’s most important
moments. From engagement rings
to anniversaries to welcoming a new
child, we want each moment to be
extraordinary. It is an honor and a
pleasure to have this opportunity and
each of our clients is part the family.
That said, some of the most
memorable clients I’ve worked
with are the couples who worked
with my grandfather when they got
engaged. Years later, their children
are engaged with Kwiat, and years
after that they are all visiting us at
the Madison Avenue boutique. I
love hearing their stories about my
grandfather and these customers
exemplify what Kwiat is about.
they want a colored diamond before
they walk through the door.
