Jewelers: Changing trends in engagement rings may herald end of big sparkler

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For decades, American women have had a love affair with sparkly, shiny rocks --and the bigger the better. However, the rules of engagement rings might be changing, moving away from the enormous sparkler in favor or something a bit more unique and personal.

"Women generally want something really pretty, really unusual and really different and that's not just a large stone," said Marion Glober with Tenenbaum Jewelers.

"They want something with a style, a look that isn't the same thing that's walking around on everyone's finger," Glober said from behind a display case of antique rings.

Glober said many millennial brides are looking for precious gems, emulating Kate Middleton's sapphire, originally worn by Princess Diana.

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Other big sellers include antique rings with filigree, detailing, and personalization.

Houstonian Elizabeth Wilhite ended up with a traditional white diamond but her stones and design tell a special story.

"We ended up having a piece custom made with stones that were my mother's and my wedding band was my great-grandmother's so it was very sentimental for me," Wilhite said. "It's all about the story and having the generations represented."

Millennial lovers are also concerned with where their stones are coming from. The wedding website The Knot said 39 percent of brides and 36 percent of grooms said they would be willing to pay more for ethically sourced gems.

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Other younger buyers are steering clear of jewelry altogether, opting to spend their money on other luxury splurges like fitness and travel.

But at end of the day, this is still Texas.

"We sell a lot of big diamonds here," said Jay Freedman of Jonathon's Jewelers on Richmond Avenue. "One and a half to three carats is probably our bread and butter," said the jeweler.

Freedman's millennial clients like Amy Stargel, aren't going for the small or unusual, instead opting for the big, traditional diamonds, "It's classic, keep it forever, probably never change my mind about it," said Stargel.

As for those announcing the end of the enormous ring, Freedman said "Y'all haven't made it to Texas yet!"

Perhaps everything still is bigger in Texas.