Jewelry Styles
In 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy
by offering her a diamond ring, he was unaware that he had begun a new
tradition. Today at least 82 percent of all brides in the United States
receive a diamond engagement ring. Of those, more than half choose a classic,
round, brilliant-cut diamond, but the array of options is more than exciting.
With fancy shapes like oval, pear, heart and marquise, today's brides
are realizing that there is a shape that flatters every hand.
A recent survey found that 82 percent of women prefer larger diamonds. "Women today really want to make a statement with their diamonds, whether they are diamond stud earrings, a glittering pendant or the all-important engagement ring. In other words, in this case, bigger is better," says Elizabeth Florence, executive director of the Jewelry Information Center, a nonprofit trade association headquartered in New York City. "Branded diamonds such as the Ashoka, Leo, Rand, Gabrielle, Lovefire and the Royal Asscher Cut are also gaining in popularity. American consumers are responding to the comfort level and element of trust that a brand name can add to the purchase of a diamond."
Trends in wedding gowns often influence what jewelry brides choose. The most up-to-the-minute designs are rich with romantic detail: embellished with dripping crystals and covered with lacy appliqus and detailed embroidery. The matching jewelry offers details just as intricate: hand-engraved designs on gold and platinum, botanical motifs such as blossoms, vines and leaves with diamond or pearl detail, and textural finishes on the metals such as satin, brushed or granulation.
Strapless and halter-style wedding gowns continue in popularity, as do upswept hairstyles. This sleek look leaves the ears, neck and dcolletage begging to be enhanced with glittering chandelier and pagoda earrings and multi-strand cultured pearl chokers. Vintage-influenced necklaces in diamonds and platinum with a nod to the Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco periods can be a bride's "something old."
As far as her "something blue," today's bride can choose from a variety of gemstones in the hues of sky and sea. If money is no object, how about a blue diamond - one of the rarest and most precious varieties of colored diamonds? A bride with eyes on her wallet can choose from aquamarine, lapis lazuli, chalcedony, Peruvian opal, sapphire, peacock blue Tahitian cultured pearls, iolite, tanzanite (a bluish violet) or blue topaz.
If a bride is "thinking pink," she's not alone. Some of today's trend-setting celebrities are sporting this rosy hue, which is feminine and flattering. Jennifer Lopez is sporting her $1.1 million pink diamond ring - a gift that fianc Ben Affleck found for her at Harry Winston. Both Julia Roberts and Gwen Stefani wore wedding gowns in a blushing shade of pink. How to show one's true colors without breaking the bank? Look for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in pink tourmaline, pink freshwater cultured pearls, apple jade (rhodocrosite), rose quartz or cherry quartz.
Religious Jewelry
Jewelry is often a very emotional statement. Whether a heart or clover
symbolizing love, a circle symbolizing eternity, or a diamond-studded
flip-flop sandal conveying a fun-loving attitude, jewelry often says something
about the person who wears it. So what more profound statement to make
with jewelry than that of faith? Many of the oldest existing jewels in
museums and collections are religious items, and even today crosses, crucifixes
and other religious symbols remain among the most popular jewelry selections.
So whether you want diamonds, gemstones, or simple gold, here are some
options to make a truly precious statement of faith.
Heart Jewelry
Need a last-minute gift for a special friend
or loved one? How about something special for Mom? Consider heart jewelry,
one of the few "can't
miss" gift choices in any season. Everyone knows that hearts are
the universal symbol of love, romance, passion, and devotion.
And jewelry is the ultimate gift of love.
Bridal Traditions
Love is definitely in the air these
days, judging from the record numbers of couples pledging their vows
of eternal love and devotion and "tying the knot" together.
Because of their beauty, strength and durability, diamonds for centuries
have symbolized the eternal love of two people that have pledged to
join together in marriage.
Circles in Jewelry
What are the meanings behind these geometries? The circle in almost
every culture represents the eternal whole the circle of life!
The circle has no beginning and no end. It also is linked by
its shape to the sun the moon and the stars, the earth, the wheel and
life. Representative of stability, some cultures revere circles as
the symbol of the universe and to signify love everlasting. Euclid
had it all figured out! His Elements brought order and harmony into
our chaotic world. Circles symbolize this balance and order in life,
nature and especially in the bonds of eternal love. Form follows function
with any of these stylish pieces whether emblazoned with gems, diamond
accents or in classic regal gold they are sure to make any fashionista
smile!
Geometric Shapes
What are the meanings behind these geometries? The circle in
almost every culture represents the eternal whole—the circle
of life! The circle has no beginning and no end. It also is
linked by its shape to the sun the moon and the stars, the earth,
the wheel and life. Squares are often representations of stability,
fenced in boundaries, and some cultures revere squares as the symbol
of the universe. Triangles designate individualism. Hearts signify
love. Stars embody celebrity. So, wear the symbol that signifies
you best! Euclid
had it all figured out! His Elements brought order and harmony
into our chaotic world. Circles, Stars, Triangles and Squares, these
elemental forms will help you find your balance. Form follows function
with any of these stylish silhouettes emblazoned with diamond accents
they are sure to make any fashionista smile!
Jewelry Gift Giving Magic
Buying jewelry as a gift for your
wife, girlfriend or significant other is one of the most thoughtful,
meaningful and romantic gestures you can ever make. Jewelry's magic,
mystique and enduring appeal make it a natural gift for special occasions
and milestone events in her life.
Valentine's Day Jewelry
It is Geoffrey Chaucer we must thank for
the invention of "St.
Valentine's Day". In his book Parliament of Foules, circa 1380,
he described this festival as the day on which every bird chooses
its partner. William Shakespeare too confirmed this by declaring
that the feast of love was to be on February 14th because on that
day the birds began to mate. GUYS: Remember that 85% of women in
a recent poll said jewelry was the "most romantic" gift.
Roses wither and chocolate lives forever... on her thighs! But
don't fret: We have dozens of jewelry options in diamonds, rubies,
pearls and other gemstones: Many starting at $99 or less.
Mother's Day Should Be Everyday
Whatever you may chose for mom, a gift of fine jewelry is
a profound expression of your love. Once Mother's Day is over,
and moms get back to the job of nurturing and caring, the gift of
fine jewelry will be a constant reminder that their hard work has
NOT gone unnoticed each and every day. Fine jewelry is a welcome
gift to any mother or grandmother and an instant heirloom. Fine
jewelry is a lasting symbol of love and is a powerful way that sons
and daughters can show appreciation for their mothers year round.
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