More than 2.4 million couples are expected to wed in the United States this year. Typically, they're older than they were a decade ago, she's 26 and he's 28; they have a combined income of more than $70,000; and they'll spend $19,000 on average for their wedding. They're also different in attitude, searching for distinctive ways of expressing sentiment, individuality and personal connections in life.

While the diamond remains a favorite icon for love, gemstones have become a popular choice in bridal jewelry. Such gems as sapphire, tanzanite, ruby and garnet are showing up as the main stone or accents to a center diamond in engagement rings, reports the Dallas-based American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). They're also prevalent in wedding rings, particularly channel-set brands in single and multiple rows of alternating colored stones and diamonds (part-way-round or eternity style), especially with sapphire and ruby. Be it for their color or properties, gemstones have historically symbolized such sentiments as love, passion, truth, friendship, commitment and fidelity. Sapphire, a particular favorite of brides, represents innocence and truth and was thought and was thought to bring peace, joy, wisdom and prosperity to its owner.

Tsavorite garnet, tanzanite and blue and fancy color sapphires were prevalent with diamonds in white metal or two-tone designs. Leading manufacturers are also featuring colored stones and diamonds in their bridal lines, a trend that has been gaining in momentum since Prince Charles gave Princess Diana a sapphire engagement ring 20 years ago. In fact, former Beatles star Paul McCartney proposed to model-turned-activist Heather Mills with a sapphire and diamond engagement ring. According to Douglas Hucker, AGTA executive director, colored gemstone engagement and wedding rings are often the choice for contemporary couples with more sophisticated tastes, who marry later in life, or are remarrying.

"Gems help personalized a piece, reflecting a birthstone, favorite color or attribute, "Hucker says. "They are found in a variety of price points and in every color of the rainbow with no two alike, giving bridal consumers endless options to express their own symbolism and style."

But bridal jewelry is not limited to engagement and wedding rings. During their engagement, brides-to-be will buy fine jewelry up to nine times more than the average consumer - for parties and showers, for her wedding day and for her bridesmaids. Victorian-style gem-carved cameos; gem-set earrings and pendants to match color schemes or birthstones; and cultured pearls of all types are the choice of today's brides for themselves and their bridal party.

And, don't forget the men involved in the big day. Gem-set tie tacks, shirt studs, and cuff links, especially in black onyx, mother-of-pearl and carnelian, as well as gems in red, white and blue color schemes are popular with grooms, their ushers and dads these days.

The pearl, a favorite accessory of brides and bridesmaids, has been closely associated with love and marriage since ancient times. The Romans believe pearls could promote marital bliss, often depicting the bond between Cupid and Psyche as a strand of pearls. Today's bride has a litany of options from Chinese freshwater and Japanese Akoya to Tahitian black and South Sea white and golden cultured pearls. Current trends point to diamond and pearl stud or drop earrings, single or multiple strand chokers and single or multiple row bracelets.

For more information about gem-set bridal jewelry, products and trends or AGTA call 800-972-1162.