Archive for the ‘Jewelry’ Category

Wedding Timeline Countdown

December 21st, 2011 | Rss Feed

There is a timeline tradition for any wedding.  This is a suggestion of when you should have particular details of your wedding completed (or at least started) by month.  Here is a guideline for your consideration:

wedding timeline

12 Months – Announce your engagement, choose a wedding theme, work out a budget, research wedding professionals (caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer) and venues.  You can also set appointments with the wedding pros at this time.

11 Months – Select a wedding consultant (if you are using one), meet with caterers and arrange tastings, select and book the caterer, select and book the music entertainment (band/DJ), decide on music selections, select and reserve your venue, (ceremony and reception), start thinking about your wedding dress.  If you are choosing a destination wedding, now would be the best time to send save the date cards.

10 Months – Choose and purchase your wedding dress and veil.  Choose attendants and discuss with them their duties and what you expect of them.  If choosing a park or recreational area for the venue, secure the proper permits.

9 Months – Register for your wedding gifts, decide on food for the reception, choose whether you will have an open bar, limited bar or no alcohol at your reception, make a playlist for your music, research places for guests to stay, reserve blocks of rooms at a local hotel for guests.

8 Months – Go to your first gown fitting, order bridesmaid dresses and accessories, look at wedding rings, confirm florist and discuss wedding theme and flower arrangements, start making a decision regarding invitations (style, color, font, etc),

7 Months – Review and finalize your wedding details with your consultant, set fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses, choose tux styles for groomsmen,  select a flower girl and ring bearer, choose and purchase wedding rings, finalize invitations.

6 Months – Review invitation proofs and make changes if needed, finalize invitations, discuss honeymoon ideas, meet with travel agent, work on wedding decorations (table decorations, favors, etc).

5 Months – Order place cards and programs, finalize honeymoon arrangements, make reservations for rehearsal dinner and menu.

4 Months – Get groom to try on tuxedos and purchase accessories, work on vow’s, make appoint with stylist regarding hair and makeup, address wedding invitations.

3 Months – Approve anything that is being printed for the wedding (programs, place cards, etc), decide about rehearsal dinner, next day brunch and reserve restaurants, discuss bachelorette party, review registry and make any adjustments.

2 Months – Mail invitations, purchase wedding gifts for wedding party members, go to second (possibly final) gown fitting, have groom make final decision regarding tux and reserve, arrange transportation for bride and groom to reception from ceremony site, purchase ceremony accessories (unity candle, wine glasses, etc).

6 Weeks – Send rehearsal dinner invitations, write thank you notes as you receive gifts, confirm music playlist with music entertainment, purchase any remaining wedding favors or table decorations, purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be, meet with stylist again for a practice run (take veil with you).

4 Weeks – Confirm with florist and arrange delivery times, meet with officiant to discuss details, determine any seating arrangements and reception layout, placement of cake table, placement of DJ or band, schedule an appointment for a mani/pedi  just before the wedding, schedule pick up of grooms tux, finalize photographer and videographer.

3 Weeks – Go over RSVP’s and finalize head count with caterer, call anyone who has not responded to get accurate count.

1 Week – Confirm honeymoon arrangements and start packing, pick up wedding dress and tux.

WEDDING DAY – Eat a good breakfast, attend hairstyle appointment and make up appointment.  RELAX and ENJOY  yourself!!

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How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring

December 12th, 2011 | Rss Feed

Diamonds are a girls best friend, but do you know the difference between diamonds?  There are many factors when considering buying a diamond ring.  There are multiple settings, cuts, and sizes.  The easiest decision is going to be what metal the setting is going to be.  There are only a few choices in this area, yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or titanium.

diamond engagement ring

The next think to think about is the shape, or cut,  of the diamond.  There are many choices in cuts.  Are you looking for a round, emerald, princess, oval, heart, pear, square and marquise?  A round cut, oval and heart cuts are exactly what they sound like.   Emerald cut is rectangular in shape with the corners truncated giving the stone an octagonal outline.   The princess cut is square and the pear cut is like a tear drop.  Last on the list is marquis cut.  This is an elongated diamond shape with two opposite sides rounded.

You also have to decide on clarity and color of the diamond.  The clarity of the diamond is used to indicate the visual appearance of the diamond.  A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under ten times magnification.  There are eleven grades diamonds can fall into.  These range from flawless to large and extremely easy to see inclusions (flaws).  There is also the color of the diamond that you have to consider.  Diamonds are rated from colorless to light yellow (This grading system is for white diamonds).

Next on the list of things to consider is the setting.  A solitaire setting is just the stone and the band.  You can also choose a stone with a diamond band.  The diamonds in the band are smaller and usually sent into the band itself.  Another favorite is a three stone setting or a setting with side stones.  Both of these options have the main stone surrounded by two other stones.  A nice idea with the three stones is to have the birth stones of the bride and groom on each side of the diamond.    If choosing the three stone setting the side stones are smaller than the main stone but smaller than if you were to choose a setting with side stones.  Last but not least you may choose the pav`e setting.  This is a setting somewhat like the diamond band.  The difference is that with a pay`e setting ia that the stones are placed together so closely that no metal shows.

When you add all these things together, the seller will determine the cost of the ring.  Personal preference will dictate what style ring you choose.  Best advice is to consider the ring metal and shape of the stone first.  Then, think about the rest.

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Things to Consider When Selecting Wedding Rings

August 25th, 2011 | Rss Feed

Selecting the wedding rings or wedding bands is the most vital part of the wedding, as it is considered as the true symbol of a marriage. Wedding rings are exchanged by the couple when performing their nuptials, as a reminder of their love and commitment forever and ever.

wedding rings

There are several traditional rituals associated with wedding bands. A ring bearer, if there is any, has to walk down the aisle bearing the wedding rings on a wedding ring pillow, which is often intricately designed with embroidery to make it fancy along with ribbons to tie the rings down. The ribbon is usually used as the ring bearer is often a young boy, who might not be able to balance the rings properly on the pillow without fastening them with the ribbons. In some traditions, the best man takes care of the wedding rings and hand them over to the priest during the ceremony, who pass the rings to the bride and groom for the wedding vows.

Given that wedding bands hold so much importance and will be cherished for the rest of your life, due consideration should be given when selecting the rings. Whether you are choosing the ring from a family heirloom or an online website, you need to keep in mind the preference of the future bride or groom, before making the choice. You can also opt for wedding band sets, which are a rage these days for being a matching piece of jewelry; the band for the man is little different and is usually wider and thicker though, while the woman’s ring is sleek and thinner. However, make sure that you both like the design of the bands, when choosing the wedding band sets. Moreover, you might also want to ensure that the wedding rings matches with the engagement ring, but it may become difficult to select ring for the man.

When it comes to selecting the type of wedding rings, diamond rings are creating a buzz all over, and the most popular ones are bands with small diamonds set into it. Many couples often overlook the importance of engraving the wedding rings. Don’t miss the fun of getting something secret engraved and revealing it on your special day. You may choose, anything for engraving, like wedding dates, ‘I love you’, ‘eternally yours’, your pet names, small love quote etc.; just let your imaginations work for you. But, don’t forget to keep it a secret as no one else but your partner has to know about what you engraved.

Once you are done with the style of the ring, it is time to select the wedding band material. Although platinum and gold are commonly used materials for wedding rings, but gold is mostly preferred as platinum may be quite expensive and heavier. In gold, you have the option to choose from different colors, yellow gold, white gold, or the trendier rose, red or pink gold. Next is the selection of karat, wherein 10k, 14k, 18k and 22k are commonly used for wedding rings.

Last but not the least, is to ensure that the ring is comfortable as you will be wearing it forever. Always choose a timeless design that stays in trend forever.

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How to Find Perfect Wedding Jewelry

July 28th, 2011 | Rss Feed

Wedding jewelry is one of the few things that a bride adores the most in her wedding. Jewelry is an important part of bridal attire, which enhances bride’s beauty. Deciding on bridal jewelry is emotional as well as expensive affair which is why it is important to select it cautiously. There are various jewelry pieces a bride can wear on her wedding day, however, if she selects them according to her wedding gown then she can get the perfect look without going overboard.

There is a wide array of wedding jewelry available in the market ranging from wedding rings to bridal tiaras. Wedding jewelry is an element that makes a bride looks beautiful and elegant. A bride can make her choices from various options such as diamond jewelry, pearl jewelry, or other stones. One can choose from precious or semi precious stones, jewelry does not need to be very expensive. Keeping style and looks in the mind can help you land on the right kind of set for your special day.

While choosing jewelry for your wedding, keep the neckline and dress details as the top most consideration. The wedding gown decides whether you should go for simple or more elaborated jewelry. If you have an open neckline gown then wearing a heavy necklace will work beautifully to complete your look. If the gown has high neck then wearing earrings and a bracelet would be enough.

Next, while selecting other accessories for your bridal jewelry, you should consider the color of your wedding gown. Whichever jewel you go for, it should match with your gown and not overshadow it. You would not like to select something which makes your wedding dress less attractive.  If you are wearing a beaded and sparkly gown, then go for a subtle necklace and earring, not to take  attention away from the gown. The other most important tip is to keep your skin tone and hair color in consideration before making your pick.

Keep it as simple as you possibly can. Simplicity can add elegance and style to your looks. Go for pearls, as they look classic and beautifully complement a white gown. Pearls look simple and flatter easily with almost every type of skin tone. Pearls do not look flashy in day time weddings as other stones may look.  Another important tip, choose your jewelry according to the time of your wedding. Go for diamond or stone jewelry to add bling to your whole attire.  Vintage jewelry is also in trend right now and can add exclusive dimension to your bridal look. You can also go for rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, precious or semi precious jewelry sets to look beautiful and elegant.

Last but not the least, jewelry is an essential part of you wedding day, but make sure that it does not overpower your beauty. Keeping it subtle and simple can make you look one in a million. You can add earrings, necklace, bracelet, ring, and tiara with your wedding gown. However, wearing all these jewelries at the same time can make you look like a Christmas tree. So, wisely select your jewelry to get that oomph factor and spellbound your groom.

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How to Choose a Wedding Brooch

October 4th, 2010 | Rss Feed

How to choose a wedding brooch

Necklaces, earrings and bracelets have long been a staple of wedding jewelery; however, a less common wedding accessory is the brooch. Brooches come in many different beautiful styles and designs and can really enhance a wedding outfit. Whether you’re having a traditional wedding or something a bit different, the chances are a brooch will work very well with your chosen wedding dress. Here is a guide to some of the different kinds of wedding brooches and how to choose the right one for you.

Uses for a brooch

Brooches are a very flexible accessory. If your wedding dress is quite simple with little decoration, then a brooch can be worn to add a bit of detail and sparkle to the dress. If you’re getting married in autumn or winter, a brooch can be worn on a shrug or bridal jacket. When the weather gets cooler during your evening reception you can use a broach to fasten a pashmina around your shoulders.  Brooches can also be incorporated into bridesmaid and mother of the bride outfits. Brooches also work very effectively when worn in the hair as they can add bejeweled detail to an up-do.

Diamond and crystal brooches

Diamond and crystal brooches can add glamor and dazzle to your wedding dress. These kinds of brooches can be very lavish, with intricate and detailed designs. If you have chosen a neutral palate for your wedding dress, such as ivory, cream, or white, then a diamond or crystal brooch will work very well as the transparent stones will coordinate with the neutral colors. If you ‘re planning for your wedding to be large, lavish affair, then a diamond or crystal brooch can add the dazzling detail needed to compliment a striking wedding outfit.

Floral brooches

Floral brooches can add beautiful floral detail to your wedding dress. A wide variety of designs can be found from roses, to orchids, to daisies. A floral brooch is a great chance for a touch of color and can be coordinated to match your bridesmaid dresses or other colors in your wedding theme.

Vintage brooches

Retro style has been in fashion for years so why not incorporate it into your wedding outfit? There are a huge range of period brooches for sale in a great variety of places. If you like the style of the 1920s and 30s then an angular Art Deco brooch may be a good option for you. For something a bit more opulent you could go for a large Edwardian or Victorian brooch. Vintage brooches incorporate a wide variety of stones and colors so you should be able to find one which exactly matches your wedding tastes.

About the Author: Vanessa Barlow works for www.olivierlaudus.co.uk which specializes in luxury wedding accessories, such as wedding tiaras and wedding ring cushions.

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