On the Vineyard, jewelry is more than sparkle – it’s a symbol of love, commitment, and Island traditions. For couples preparing to say “I do,” Sarah York, general manager of CB Stark Jewelers, has become a trusted guide. With more than twenty years in the industry and a Graduate Diamonds Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, she helps brides and grooms find or create pieces that feel as timeless as their vows. And when it comes to engagement rings, there’s no need to travel off-Island – the expertise and craftsmanship are right here at home. Whether it’s designing a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, reimagining heirloom jewelry, or selecting classic Vineyard cufflinks for the groomsmen, York and her team at CB Stark bring both skill and heart to the process. In the conversation that follows, York shares her best advice for couples, from timelines and trends to the sentimental touches that make wedding jewelry unforgettable.
You offer custom designs – both for engagement rings and wedding bands. How long does that process typically take, and what can couples expect along the way?
It can vary widely depending on the type of custom work, but we like to tell people to plan on six to eight weeks – more if the design is complicated, or they don’t really know what they want. There might be a lot of back and forth with decisions.
How far in advance should someone proposing start to design/shop for a custom engagement ring?
I think people should start to think about it two to three months before they would like to propose.
What about wedding bands?
To be safe, it’s a good idea to get your wedding bands out of the way two to three months before the wedding so there are no disappointments.
What engagement ring styles are most popular right now? Any styles you wish would come back?
We are seeing back-to-basics right now. A lot of solitaires and yellow gold. Classic styles. I wish for everyone to get what they dream of and to not fall for trends or styles!
What advice do you give couples when choosing a wedding band that complements their engagement ring, especially if their styles are different?
My advice for people is to get a band that they love and not to worry about them matching. Most couples I see are not worried about them matching, and want their partner to have something that makes them truly happy when they look at their finger and think of them and their love.
Are there any unique or up-and-coming gemstones that couples should consider beyond traditional diamonds?
There is a reason diamonds have been used for so long for engagement rings and that is because they last and wear incredibly well for modern-day wear and tear. When we have clients that want to use a pearl or a stone that doesn’t wear as well as an engagement ring, we always warn them of the downfalls. Most of the time we see them back very soon for repairs or replacements. Sapphires and rubies are really the only other stones that hold up the same way that diamonds will.
What should people understand when choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds?
A lab-grown diamond is still chemically a diamond, so it will have all the attributes that a mined diamond will have, but it will have no future resale or trade-in value.
How often should rings be professionally cleaned or checked for damage?
Every three months. We offer free checks and cleaning services for all rings, whether they were purchased at CB Stark or not!
Are there particular settings or precious metals you recommend for durability, especially for active lifestyles or beachside living like we see here on Martha’s Vineyard?
We recommend your diamond be set in 14k white gold or platinum as yellow gold prongs will wear much faster, but the more important factor is making sure the rings are being maintained and checked and cleaned on a regular basis and service done as needed.
What trends, besides rings, are you seeing in wedding jewelry for this upcoming year?
Martha’s Vineyard tends to avoid trends and always goes towards the classic and timeless designs.
Are you noticing any shifts in how couples are approaching wedding jewelry, stylistically or emotionally?
For us it’s always been – and seems to still be – all about the Vineyard.
What role does heirloom jewelry play in today’s weddings? Do you see many couples reimagining family pieces?
We do a lot of redesigning of family pieces. Sometimes a couple will pull a diamond out of an older-style engagement ring to reset into something more current, and sometimes we will restore antique engagement rings to give them new life.
What’s one thing you wish every couple knew before shopping for their rings?
That you don’t need to go off-Island to shop for your engagement ring! We have over 175 years of combined experience at CB Stark, and we can create the ring of your dreams!
Cufflinks can be a subtle but stylish detail. What tips do you have for selecting cufflinks for the groom or groomsmen, and do you carry any classic or Vineyard-inspired options that work well for weddings?
We make a large selection of Vineyard-specific cufflinks from the shape of the Island to specific venues like the Whaling Church or the Edgartown Lighthouse.
Beyond the couple, what jewelry or accessories do you recommend for the wedding party? Are there favorite earrings, bracelets, or necklaces that make thoughtful gifts for bridesmaids?
For the women, we have many sizes of our Vineyard necklace that everyone loves in multiple lengths, which makes it easy to find the right size for everyone from the flower girl to the mother of the bride in both silver and gold. Our Island tie bracelet on the colored cords is also a favorite. For the men, we have cufflinks, money clips, and keyrings.
What about gift ideas for the mother of the bride or groom? Are there timeless or sentimental pieces you carry that feel extra special even without a custom design?
Since we make so many different Vineyard pieces, it is never hard to find a piece that will feel perfect for the special moms!
For more information, call 888-227-8275 or visit cbstark.com.
