Bario Neal Is an Inclusive Jewelry Designer for Every Couple
When it comes to weddings, there's an entirely too long list of supposed to-do's that we'd like to ban right along with any laws that dictate who can marry who. The very last thing you should feel on the happy occasions of getting engaged or your wedding day is uncomfortable or awkward or discriminated against. With Pride Month underway, we're calling out all the ways that the wedding industry pushes a story of "Mr. & Mrs." that excludes so many couples.
When our co-founders, designers Anna Bario and Page Neal, started in the fine jewelry business, they knew they wanted to work to undermine the heteronormativity of the wedding industry. We've been rejecting stereotypes ever since.
One direct action we take: We make everyone, whether you are a same-sex couple, trans, non-binary, or whatever your gender identity, whoever you're marrying, feel at home in our showrooms in Philadelphia and New York City, whether you're doing some early browsing, have a million questions about engagement rings, or are in a rush to make a purchase. We take this as seriously as we do the ethical sourcing and mining of gemstones and metals.
As we celebrate Pride Month and mark the third anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage in all 50 states, we know that fight's not finished. We also are certain that inclusiveness benefits every person. Studies show that more equality is good for society as a whole, but we see this as a no-brainer. In the world of weddings, for sure the old wedding do's and don'ts won't fit many couples whatever their orientation. Here, six ways we're crossing them all out.
1. We never make assumptions about your partner.
When you call, visit, or email Bario Neal's showrooms in New York City or Philadelphia to talk engagement or wedding rings, we welcome you to tell us about your relationship and why you're shopping. You might visit with a partner, a friend, or a parent. We don't assume anything about gender, orientation, or age and we look to clients for cues about what a wedding ring means to you and whoever you're marrying. Our team doesn't use the word "bride" or "groom," but of course, we're happy to have you refer to yourselves with any moniker you choose. We focus on getting to know YOU, who your partner is, which pronouns you prefer, and of course, we want to know when and where the wedding will be, and if you've picked out your dessert. (We have lots of opinions on cake.) We may even be able to connect you with an officiant or photographer you'll love. Everyone deserves to be who they are and experience enthusiasm for their proposal planning or their big day. We want these moments to feel special for everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of age, orientation, or gender.
2. Our inclusive jewelry designs don't have a gender.
For same-sex couples and heterosexual couples alike, we don't subscribe to gendered jewelry. Pro-tip: Rings don't have a gender. A subtle band of Fairmined gold. A vibrant cluster of gemstones. You'll find our cases divided into sections like "Rings with Stones," "Bands with Stones" and "Bands without Stones." We want all of our clients to find the rings and bands they love and that have meaning to them. For us, that's non-negotiable.
3. We don't believe an engagement ring needs to be a surprise.
Whoever is doing the proposing (maybe you both are!), we love when partners come into our showrooms to shop together for engagement rings and wedding bands. Don't get us wrong: Spontaneity gives us goosebumps too. If the two of you are into surprises, then we're on board. However, we understand that buying a ring is a big choice.
There is a way to get the best of both worlds. There's absolutely no reason that you have to have a ring for a proposal. One of our clients recently brought his partner into our Philadelphia showroom to begin custom designing a ring after they got engaged. He captured the upside perfectly: "Buying an engagement ring is a huge decision so why wouldn't I want my partner there with me? In the end, we couldn't be happier with the results, and I know I made the right choice by foregoing tradition and proposing without a ring."
4. We don't size up your wallet.
When you walk in our door, we're not calculating how much money you have, or how much you can or will spend. Yes, we're aware of the jewelry-industry-fueled myth that you should spend two to three months' salary on an engagement ring. We just have no time at all for it, and we stay true to our principles by designing affordable rings. Our mission is to make jewelry of lasting value, and we know it can be awkward to ask about prices and talk about budget. We always aim to make visitors to our showrooms comfortable enough so we can talk about cost plainly and presumption-free. Once we have your budget, we stick to it, and we won't push any rings on you that don't fit your budget. Seriously, who does that? Rude!
5. The word "upsell" makes us cringe.
When it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands, we want you to be free from rules. You might not be interested in an "official" engagement ring. You might love to have an engagement ring but pass on wedding bands. We're not going to try to sell you more rings, bigger stones, "care packages," or anything you don't want.
6. We won't sell you on a diamond if you don't want one.
We've made countless beautiful engagement rings without even so much as a glance at a diamond. There are so many other gemstones to embrace. We've made scores of "non-traditional" custom engagement rings over the years, and we love all their stories.
A belief in the right to love and marry whomever and however you choose is one of the core principles of Bario Neal's jewelry. That's reflected in our designs and in our showrooms. Stop into a New York City or Philadelphia Shop today to see how "at home" you can feel while shopping for jewelry.