Jewelry Guide

Wedding Jewelry – It’s more than just the ring!

The most basic piece of jewelry in a wedding is the ring, mostly because of the importance it holds in the actually ceremony. In fact, some people put more focus on the ring than on the actual marriage itself. But in regards to wedding jewelry, there are actually are more important pieces of jewelry than the wedding ring itself since they can be worn both before and after the actual ceremony. Wedding Jewelry has the ability to add a little sparkle to even the simplest wedding dress. Some of those pieces include earrings and necklaces, as well as beautifully crafted diamond or pearl tiaras.

It is a natural choice to coordinate each piece of a bride’s jewelry for her wedding. For this reason, it makes sense for the bride to wear a single type of gemstone on her jewelry. One of the most popular types of stones used in wedding jewelry is pearls, mainly because of its association with the symbolic idea of love. Pearls are naturally occurring, but their rarity make them precious to every owner. Just like finding a bride’s perfect groom, one perfect pearl is found after searching through many duds.

Diamonds are also popular for their beauty, rarity, and symbolism. Diamonds are an indestructible stone and when polished and cut well- their beauty is undeniable. Diamonds are associated with a certain unique feeling for the wearer, and they look beautiful next to any bride’s skin tone.

Another important thing to consider about wedding jewelry is the right amount to wear. Wedding jewelry can be quite expensive, so if you are looking to adorn yourself with gemstones, diamonds, and pearls, it may be wise to wear a few jewelry pieces rather than an entire set. If your dress is already intricate and detailed you may not even need any jewelry at all! In that case, you may want to consider a simple and classic set of earrings but there is no need to wear jewelry just for the sake of it. If you are looking to do something a bit special, you may want to consider a tiara! Some brides also wear a tiara, which was common in the middle ages, but has now resurged in popularity, simply because it has changed and looks fantastic on any bride.

One of the really popular trends in wedding jewelry is that of Celtic jewelry. This is most likely linked to a degree to marketing that stems from a new found popularity of Irish and Celtic culture that may be because of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and its popularity all over the globe. This is why there are now Celtic-style tiaras, wedding rings and necklaces. However, it is also linked to the supposed meaning behind many of these pieces of jewelry. Regardless, Celtic wedding jewelry makes the bride look like a fairy princess, which sometimes is exactly what the bride wants to look like.

2011 Collections

Sarantina by Sara Jassir- The Artistry of Couture‏

Since its debut last April, SARANTINA by Sarah Jassir has garnered praise from press and retailers alike. The collection offers a unique perspective on bridal that is both fresh and bold. Deeply rooted in couture traditions, the SARANTINA BRIDAL COLLECTION offers strong architectural silhouettes combined with subtle feminine detailing like hand-sewn flowers, exquisite beaded trims, and much more. With more than 20 years working for the likes of Amsale, Vera Wang, and Valentino, the designer Sarah Jassir clearly understands the modern bride and has created a collection that is truly innovative and inspiring.

The SARANTINA BRIDAL COLLECTION is currently carried in New York by the immensely popular Gabriella New York Salon located in the ultra-chic meatpacking district as well as the designer’s studio atelier. For this market, we are pleased to announce the expansion and introduction of the SARANTINA BRIDAL COLLECTION into the wholesale arena. The gowns range from $2950- $8,000 retail.

SARANTINA by Sarah Jassir is scheduled to hit the runway during New York Bridal Week on October 16th at 10am. In addition, the collection will be also be available for market appointments October 18-23.

Jewelry Guide

Diamond Heiress Debuts $70,000 RTW Bridge to Somewhere Diamond Jewelry Line

Halo

Diamond Heiress launched a new ready-to-wear collection of European-crafted diamond jewelry called Bridge to Somewhere today. With a collective price of $70,000, the Diamond Heiress Bridge to Somewhere collection retails exclusively at www.diamondheiress.com.

The economy may be stuck on a bridge to nowhere, but that’s not an excuse for anyone’s diamond jewelry to party like it’s 1999. The Diamond Heiress Bridge to Somewhere collection comprises modern, minimalist diamond jewelry pieces oozing with sophistication and long term investment appeal. The collection is named to remind everyone that there’s always a silver lining and that dedication and commitment will eventually bring us to the Bridge to Somewhere (Over the Rainbow). Every piece is designed with the modern woman in mind, easily transitioning from daytime to party time in no time.

Constructed with over 50 individual diamonds that have been carefully selected for uniformity and brilliance, Halo by Diamond Heiress is an eye-catching necklace with a feminine and streamlined silhouette. Retailing at $10,000, Halo complements today’s fashion trends and works perfectly when matched with bold and daring dresses or blouses that emphasize the décolleté.

Whirlwind

Retailing at $25,000, Whirlwind by Diamond Heiress comprises over 100 individual Diamond Heiress diamonds totaling 2.5 carats. A spiral of sparkling diamonds brought together by a structured and elegant architecture makes Whirlwind equally suitable for formal galas, dinner parties, and daytime wear.

The O by Diamond Heiress showcases the amazing art of European microscope pavé setting to full effect. Hand-crafted from over 600 uniform Diamond Heiress diamonds totaling 3.5 carats, the O by Diamond Heiress is paired with a genuine leather choker necklace that gives it a very fashionable appeal. The O by Diamond Heiress retails at $35,000.

2011 Collections

Jennifer Gifford 2011 Bridal Collection

 

Jennifer Gifford is one of Brisbane’s most well regarded Dressmakers. With over 10 years experience in the Bridal industry Jennifer has worked for some of  Queensland’s best Bridal companies including Kym Scott Couture, BiBowden Bridal Designs and Wendy Makin.

      

Jennifer Gifford Designs offers a full range of services from basic alterations to a complete Design and Dressmaking package. She offers an Obligation Free Consultation to all her new clients which includes a free sketch of their Wedding/Formal/Bridesmaid Gown Design, Fabric Samples and a quote for all services.

2011 Collections

Novissima 2011 Vintage Bridal Collection

 

Since it was founded more than four decades ago, Novissima has established itself as one of the most important companies in Spain with regard to design, manufacture and marketing of bridal gowns and ball gowns. Novissima is present in almost very city in Spain as well as in Lisbon and Porto, Portugal.

      

A year ago, the company began to expand throughout Mexico by opening six outlets there. Charo Peres heads the design team at Novissima’s Madrid headquarters.

2011 Collections

Ana Torres 2011 Bridal Collection

 

Anna brings all her creative genius and expertise to bear in order to enhance the beauteous traits of woman, which she achieves with her painstaking design and patterns and particular eye for detail, such as bows, drapes, lace applications, feathers or embroidery work that afford the garment a special touch.

      

2011 Collections

Colette Foubert 2011 Bridal Collection

 

Style and Elegance is the reason why Adelaide brides have come to the CALECHE BRIDAL HOUSE since 1973 to select a Colette Foubert gown for their wedding.

 

A Colette Foubert design is one of the most renowned wedding gown designer labels in Australia, with National and International acclaim. Our reputation guarantees excellence in the quality of our designs and the level of our customer service.

 

2011 Collections

biBowden 2011 Bridal Collection

 

With years of experience designing gowns for Australian brides, biBowden Bridal gowns represent the best of couture finishing. Elegant designs seamlessly blend traditional bridal wear with modern styling and fabrics. biBowden gowns are designed and manufactured here in Brisbane and are 100% Australian owned. biBowden distinctive gowns are sought after throughout Australia.

      

2011 Collections

LaRichi 2011 Bridal Collection

 

Each LaRichi dress is individually fashioned with meticulous attention to every detail. Classic yet dramatic bridal and evening gowns that compliment all brides. They create a glamorous vision while enhancing the brides natural figure creating a perfect bride and wedding event!  

      

Interviews

Fashionbride Interview: Old Soul, New Heart by Shea McGee

 “Tamara is Shea’s mother. She taught Shea that accessories never make you feel fat. She also taught her that well-placed ruffles, chains, sparkles and bows put you on the fast track to feeling pretty.

Shea listened.

So together they have scoured estate sales and shops across the globe, gleaning inspiration from decades past and present, to form Old Soul, New Heart – a collection of meticulously hand-crafted accessories that breathe new life into vintage finds and unique pieces.”

FashionBride also listened. A story about love, passion and… ruffles. Enjoy!

1. When did you decide to become a designer and why did you find this domain interesting?
Tamara studied fashion merchandising and worked with boutiques for many years. Both of us have always had an interest in fashion. We have always found accessories to be the perfect finishing touch to make a woman feel feminine and pretty. Designing accessories was a natural fit for us.

2. Talk us through the first years of you work. Maybe you could tell us what did change in time? Are your designs different from the very beginning?
Designing jewelry and hair accessories started merely as a hobby for the both of us and grew into a business after receiving much interest. When we first started, we focused mainly on creating pieces to dress up everyday wear. However, because have a weakness for sparkles, we had many requests to design wedding pieces. Our wedding line is our newest addition to our collection. We have stayed true to our original aesthetic – a modern take on vintage glamour.

3. Why should a bride-to-be choose one of your designs?
Our pieces are handmade and unique – many have a sense of history to them as we incorporate vintage materials. We understand that brides are looking for the best materials and a piece that will stand out without being a distraction on their big day. We believe we have mastered the art of subtle glamour with our bridal collection.

4. Do tell us a bit more about your inspiration sources.
We love looking through old family photos of my great grandmother – she loved costume jewelry and fancy headpieces. We also find inspiration looking through vintage wedding books and magazines. Last but not least, we love reading blogs to see what brides now are wearing.

5. Have you got any piece you’ve created and that has a very special meaning for you? Can you describe it or can show us a picture?
The Lily fascinator  is made from vintage organza petals found in an old factory and pieced together with wispy ostrich feathers and a beautiful rhinestone brooch. We love the detail of this piece and mix of old and new.

6. From your point of view, how should a perfect bride look like?
The perfect bride should be the very best version of herself. Your wedding day is a day to shine, but still be yourself. We love when brides look effortlessly glamorous. We think this is best achieved with a little more makeup than everyday – a soft, subtle smoky eye, a little blush and the perfect lip-gloss. When a bride feels beautiful and confident, that really shows through.

7. And tell us what would you give her and, maybe, other brands can’t.
Because all of our products are handmade and made-to-order we can offer customization for the bride that other mass-produced brands cannot.

8. Last but not least, do you have any advice for FashionBride readers?
Stay true to your personal aesthetic on your wedding day. Too often we see brides trying so hard to be what everyone else wants them to be on their wedding day. We say just be yourself and wear a beautiful gown that accentuates your best assets and accent it with a headpiece or veil that complements you without being a distraction.