Wedding Jewelry Inspiration for Same-Sex and Non-Binary Couples, From Someone Who Struggled to Find It Themselves
Whether you’re having a gay, lesbian, or non-binary wedding, let these diamond jewelry pieces inspire what you decide to wear on your big day. Bonus: Many of them are designed by LGBTQIA+ designers.
With marriage equality slowly gaining recognition around the world, it comes as no surprise that the jewelry industry has increasingly made efforts to recognize these unions and create jewelry that’s specific to the needs of same-sex and non-binary couples. Still, I can promise you that if you’ve landed on this page seeking out your own ideal diamond engagement ring, wedding band, or other wedding diamond jewelry, here’s a little secret: the struggle is real.
I popped the question to my now-husband just before ringing in 2018, and I can tell you that, at the time—even after the U.S. Supreme Court made same-sex marriages legal in all 50 states—there was very little jewelry that spoke to me. Few pieces felt like they represented our commitment, both when it came to engagement rings, and the wedding day jewelry we would come to wear a year later.
While the jewelry industry has certainly caught up a little—with more wedding rings for gay or non-binary couples—there’s still a long way to go. Recently, Jaymes Vaughan—the fiancé of Jonathan Bennett of Mean Girls fame—shared his story about struggling to find the right piece of commitment jewelry. “When I went to propose to Jonathan, I couldn’t find anything. I couldn’t find the right rings, and I couldn’t find a tradition that I thought worked for us,” the influencer and host of Celebrity Page TV said. In a partnership with Kay, Vaughan and Bennett ended up creating a new ring, which is available for sale now. “It’s called ‘Our Ring’ because it’s a ring that is a statement for OUR entire beautiful queer family,” he added.
One of the more daunting tasks even after you have finally popped the question (with that special and very ultimate expression of love), is figuring out all the other wedding jewelry you and your significant other will wear on your big day. Much of this jewelry is still designed for a heteronormative world and doesn’t always feel completely “right” for same-sex couples. So, many new queer designers are starting to make lines specifically geared at LGBTQIA+ folks. Ranging from gender-free jewelry to more traditionally masculine and feminine pieces, here are some of the best wedding jewelry pieces for same-sex and non-binary weddings:
In an effort to highlight how you can support some of the incredible and innovative LGBTQIA+ jewelry designers working in the space, we have highlighted queer designers of same sex and non-binary wedding jewelry with an asterisk (*).
Wedding Bands and Diamond Engagement Rings for Same-Sex and Non-Binary Couples
Simple and elegant, this budget-friendly, solid 14k gold ring is complemented by a petite, 0.10 ct reclaimed natural diamond. Regardless of your pronouns, this classic shape will fit nicely on any finger—and that was indeed the intent by this queer-owned company, which has made it a mission to be for all genders as well as size-inclusive and diverse.
Tiffany T True Narrow Ring, $4,200
The more subtle, pave diamonds and gender-neutral quality of the T-shape pattern make this Tiffany & Co. band an ideal option for men and women. For more inspiration on wearing, see how one newly-engaged gay couple styled it.
Cartier Trinity Vendôme Louis Cartier Wedding Band, $4,100
Trois Ors, or three golds in French with a special guest star of diamonds, the Cartier Trinity collection is classic for representing love, fidelity, and friendship. It’s the perfect sentiment for the most joyous of unions, with this sparkling version made of fine yellow, white, and rose gold and featuring pave diamonds all along the center. It’s also the band my husband and I ultimately chose.
Single Stone Gayle Ring, $13,000
A prong-set stunner featuring a 2.40ctw Fancy Dark Brown diamond, this unique and unconventional diamond engagement ring is named “Gayle,” a nod to its gender-free approach to looking good on a bride, groom, or celebrant.
Whether worn as a band, or what the company playfully dubs an engaygement ring, this unique ring has an interlocking shape filled with 1ctw round pave white diamonds all the way around the band.
Queer folks know the importance of wearing a rainbow or two, both to show their individual pride and also to pay tribute to those who paved the way for equality before them. While this tasteful rainbow diamond wedding band is more subtle than some other options out there, it’s impactful in doing just that. Featuring color-enhanced diamonds representing the LGBT rainbow in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, the ring is set in 18k white gold or platinum and can be engraved.
Sara Weinstock Isadora Eternity Petite Partial Ring, $2,650
Your love has graduated to the next level, and will continue to over time, which is why this graduated diamond eternity band from Sara Weinstock is a classic style couples never tire of.
JAR* Rare Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring, $150,000
The highly coveted jewelry line JAR, designed by legendary gay designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, is infamously exclusive. This vintage style engagement ring proves exactly why, and features a romantic, prong-set Old European Cut diamond of approximately 4 carats. Originating in France and resembling something that nobility might have once worn, it’s set in yellow gold and today is a splurge-worthy symbol of commitment for any kind of queen.
A slightly more overt take, rainbow sapphire eternity bands are having a moment in jewelry even outside the gay wedding scene. This stunning rendition, designed by Spanish-Filipino/Japanese designer George Inaki Root, and set in 18k yellow or white gold, is pumped up by a set of scintillating diamonds on the sides of the ring.
Our Ring by Jaymes & Jonathan: Diamond Wedding Band, $3,999.99
I pretty much wept when I read Jaymes and Jonathan’s design idea for this diamond wedding band, which they intend to create a new engagement and wedding tradition around: “The classic band showcases round-cut diamonds that adorn the profile of one side of the ring. When a couple gets engaged, the diamonds face out, so the world can see them. Once they tie the knot, the couple flips their bands to let the diamonds sparkle toward them. ‘The diamonds face us then because my world is exponentially more beautiful now that you are in it forever,'” says Jaymes Vaughan.
This gender-free, 3mm wide eternity band is a contemporary version of a classic wedding band, and is set with 1.20cts of sparkling diamonds.
Wedding & Bridal Accessories and Diamond Jewelry Styles for Same-Sex Couples
“The hex shape is one I use constantly and love in connection to marriage,” jewelry designer Cathy Waterman tells me over e-mail. “Each side represents one of the many facets to a relationship and meaningful partnership. These are all classics and and make for wonderful heirlooms,” she adds.
Jade Trau Vanguard Studs, $2,200
Featuring two .20 ct Forevermark emerald cut diamonds totally .40 tcw, these Jade Trau stud earrings are a contemporary take on a classic, and will look just as flawless with a wedding gown as they will a well-tailored tuxedo.
Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch, $26,300
Whether it’s a wedding diamond jewelry gift for your special person or a special gift to yourself to commemorate your special day, this Cartier Ballon Blue watch features over 52 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.06 carats, and the sharp rose gold and burgundy alligator strap make it a classic that you can also make a forever-in-your-wardrobe commitment to.
John Hardy Kami Chain 12MM Bracelet, $2,200+
“Balinese for ‘we/our/us’ and handwoven with all in mind, our most inclusive chain amplifies the transcendent power of human connection through exaggerated links,” John Hardy’s website notes, also saying that they intentionally use universal sizing based on wrist length to be inclusive of all wearers. Featuring sterling silver and pave white diamonds, it’s intentionally a loose fit with subtle sparkle.
Shaun Leane* 18 ct White Gold Diamond Talon Earrings, £4,600
Leane’s website mentions these striking, unisex, moon-shaped earrings are a modern alternative to diamond hoops, and we couldn’t agree more. Featuring light-catching clusters of shimmering diamonds, they’re a subtle statement piece you’ll wear well past your wedding day.
Refined yet playful, mixed cut diamonds—a notable 5 carats of them, at that—will feel fresh on your wedding day, especially with this beautiful diamond bracelet that’s all set in 18K white gold from New York City based designer Eva Fehren.
