I’m not married.

But lately, I’ve had wedding rings on the brain. My partner, Jim, and I have been together since 2014, and we have a 1-year-old son. We’ve talked about getting married, but the baby and the house we bought last summer took precedence.

Now that I have those big things checked off the list, I’ve allowed myself to fantasize about rings. Like so many people getting engaged today, I’m not hung up on a diamond solitaire. Quite the opposite, actually. I’m looking at bezel-set diamonds in gypsy rings, yellow gold bands with a sprinkling of spinels, even pearls! (I know, I know—they’re delicate.)

I’m not alone in my ring preferences. Dig into “Marriage Story” by contributing editor Amy Elliott to digest the top takeaways from The Knot’s 2019 Jewelry and Engagement Study. While the results indicate just 1 in 10 couples want a non-diamond center stone, I’d put big money on that percentage growing. Millennial couples, to say nothing of their Gen Z counterparts, are famously budget- and environment-conscious, and the industry has no shortage of affordable, responsibly sourced gemstones to please them.

Speaking of budgets, have you taken a look at yours lately? I’m no Chicken Little, but last fall, when news sites started posting stories with headlines like “Here’s a list of recession signals that are flashing red,” I spoke to contributor Whitney Sielaff about writing a feature on how jewelers should prepare for an economic crisis. “Good and Ready” delivers great advice without sounding any (false) alarms.

Preparation of a different sort is the point of “What’s Happening in Vegas” by contributor Matt Villano, a travel writer who’s sussed out all the fun and fabulous new restaurants, bars, and entertainment options for those of you headed to JCK Las Vegas this year.

I’ll conclude this editor’s note with a giant hooray for all the winners of the JCK Jewelry Awards, the complete results of which appear in this ­product-packed spring issue (that also includes a sleek silver jewelry still life called—what else?—­“Silver Belles”). Special congrats go to Pocatello, ­Idaho–based Parlé Jewelry Designs, whose grand prize–winning ­tanzanite pendant looks  on our cover model. Hmm…perhaps a tanzanite engagement ring?

Top: Eleonore Suite No. 18 in 14k white gold with gray spinel Delicate Pavé ring and Triple Baguette Tiara band (sold separately); $6,770 as shown; Anna Sheffield; info@annasheffield.com; annasheffield.com

(Gomelsky photograph by Nicholas A. Prakas; hair and makeup: Claudia Andreatta/Halley Resources)