The Audacious Agency
The rumours are true, modern couples are delaying marriage. Is it good, is it bad? Is it a sign that newer generations are carving out traditions of their own?
In 1960, 24 was the average age woman was married by. Today, the median age for marriage sits at 27 for women. It’s no longer a societal expectation to get married young, and couples are embracing their freedom. Another interesting trend that bends marriage tradition is the engagement ring. Many modern couples are discarding the pressure of spending a three-month salary on a traditional diamond ring. Now, we’re seeing a refreshing trend towards, varied colours, sometimes even in dark colours and a growing demand for sustainably sourced and ethically produced jewellery.
At the forefront of this trend is Fairina Cheng, a jewellery designer based in Sydney. Classic and traditional has its place, but reintroducing quirkiness and personality into bespoke jewellery designs is Fairina’s thing. It seems her talent has hit the market at the best time possible. Fairina revels in this trend and for a rule-breaking couple that wants to smash through outdated traditions, she might be the perfect fit.
Fairina combines unconventional jewels with bold designs making her work irresistible to the rebel who prioritise self-expression.
Fairina says: “The couples I work with want more than an off the shelf engagement ring. They want a piece that tells their story and speaks to their values around sustainability, with ethically-sourced gems and responsibly sourced metals.
“I’m seeing a clear shift in what customers are searching for. They’re stepping away from stock-standard, mass produced designs and looking for story-driven pieces that are created just for them.”
Fairina believes that jewellery, much like life, has no fixed rules. The perfect engagement ring should be a one-of-a-kind keepsakes that’s as unique as a couple’s own history.
“When a couple comes to me we start with their story. Instead of assuming that their ring will feature a conventional diamond, we might explore unusual gemstones like multi-coloured sapphires and rustic salt and pepper diamonds.
“Some couples love a statement ring that is distinctly different. Other couples prefer a ring that is more subtle in its uniqueness, with a hidden feature that only they know about.
“Alternative gemstones also offer an additional benefit – they’re often more affordable than conventional diamonds, so you can get a bigger gem for your budget or put your funds towards other priorities.”
Celebrities are also embracing this mindset. Actress Mila Kunis, for example, found her wedding band on Etsy for a mere $90. This frugal approach to wedding planning allows couples to save money for other aspects of their wedding, honeymoon, or even a down payment on a house or car. While the “Three months gross salary rule” may dictate that a person should spend three months of their salary on an engagement ring, many modern couples would rather put that money towards practical investments.
“Collaborating with incredible couples to turn their stories into keepsakes g these incredible couples work their story into their rings is why I do what I do. There’s something so special in a truly made-for-you-design. Everyone’s story is different. Why should your ring be the same as everyone else’s?”
Trends like this remind us that connecting with our story, embracing our authentic values and discarding the social pressure to conform if it doesn’t feel comfortable to do so, can benefit everyone.
/Public Release.
