Why Buy Diamond Watches from Online Auctions
A Diamond is forever and a diamond watch is for a lifetime! A diamond watch is not just a luxury timepiece but is a perfect statement of style, value and sentiment. There was a time when you had to look for a diamond watch and affordability was an important question but things have changed considerably today.
With the advent of the internet, finding a diamond watch is easier and buying one is affordable. The internet has opened different avenues for e-commerce, which brings up the much debated significance of online auctions. Online auction is one of the most effective ways of selling rare jewellery, watches and other items. The underlying significance of an online auction is that it makes it easier for people to find rare and expensive items in a wider range and at an affordable price.
The entire concept behind a jewellery auction is to promote jewellery but the bigger picture boils down to just one thing: you have a higher chance of getting the watch or jewellery you have desired for a long time at your price. The main aim of an online watch auction is to bring to you authentic timepieces from different brands globally to one place. So an online auction becomes a one stop shop. At an online auction, you will find some of the most exquisite timepieces with intricate designs, studded with diamonds finding which at a watch store might be difficult.
Some of the brands with their top of the line diamond watches or other jewellery watches are made available through an online action. Some of the brands that you will see occasionally at a watch auction include Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Longines, Breitling, Movado, Baume & Mercier, Bulova, Ebel, Omega, Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maurice Lacroix, Bulgari, and Girard-Perregaux. These are not just top brands but have been timekeepers for more than a couple of decades.
You may have your eyes on a specific model by Jaeger-LeCoultre or Movado and it is probably unavailable at the numerous watch stores across your state or area. But you want the watch, so what are your options? The best option is a watch auction where you have a higher probability of finding your chosen watch model. A watch auction is an evolved market place where you can bid on a single watch or numerous watches and get to buy them for a price tag, which would otherwise be impossible to get at a local watch store. This is the single biggest advantage of a diamond watch auction.
At an online auction, you can find a Benny & Co men’s diamond watch with a price tag of $6400 for just half the price and hence auctions are the perfect statement for affordability. If you have been dreaming about a specific 2.6 ct., white and yellow diamond studded chronograph watch with ice dial and leather strap then you don’t have to look too far!
Wedding Jewellery Trends
Today’s wedding jewellery has left the old traditional standbys behind. Today’s wedding jewellery covers many styles and trends. Weddings are being used by bridal party members, and family to be creatively adorned with their favourite jewellery. Even the bride’s jewellery has heated up a bit from the traditional pearls. This season is seeing brides choosing rhinestones, collared faux pearls, crystals, and a host of other jewellery types.
Tradition would have wedding jewellery designed to complement the whites of a traditional wedding. Today wedding jewellery is being used to enhance a wedding theme, or to carefully match colour palettes on the bride’s gown. Today brides often change attire between the wedding and the reception, requiring two sets of jewellery for her wedding day. It’s not uncommon to see bride and bridesmaids wearing contrasting collared jewellery, or for beach wedding brides and bridesmaids to be seen wearing fabulous and funky beach jewellery. Even traditional weddings are seeing a more modern traditional style in jewellery.
This season the following trends are very popular for wedding jewellery:
Chandelier Earrings - These long dramatic dangle earrings make dramatic wedding earrings adorned with crystals, rhinestones, or pearls.
Chandelier Necklaces - have been transformed into elegance and are also make a very dramatic statement for halter style dresses.
The romantic styles of the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s from are great for an elegant wedding. Add sparkling faceted stones and rhinestones, or vintage glass beads.
Art Deco styles are also very popular this season. Bold can look very good with the right gown.
The trendy multi-layer necklaces are very popular this season.
Dangling layers of crystal beads, pearls, and moonstone are very popular.
This season pearls of all shapes, sizes, and colours are a big hit. Non traditional dyed colours have made it to the top of the fashion statement. We are seeing wonderful shades from lavender to pink to charcoal silver.
Traditional pearls are always popular. Traditional pearls don’t need to be cultured; you can buy high quality imitation pearls for a fraction of the price. Swarovski makes a terrific crystal pearl.
Hair Jewellery adds a very feminine touch to the bride and they are also perfect for the bridesmaids. Jewellery combs and beaded hair pins can add a more subtle look. Rhinestones, crystals, pearls are all making a full time appearance in hair jewellery.
A tiara can add the finishing touches to a bride. Tiaras are often made from wire and adored with beads, crystals, or rhinestones.
With all the watch fashions available today, you can truly use your watch as a jewellery accessory. Go from feminine to glitter, or match your colour theme. Watches are available in all sizes, styles, and shapes for very affordable pricing.
This season leaves your creativity wide open. Jewellery styles can go from subtle to glitter. From white to bold colour. Open up your imagination for the possibilities that await you! Make your fashion statement!
Wedding Gift Dos and Don’ts
When it comes to weddings, both the bride & groom, and the guests worry about wedding gift etiquette. These do’s and don’ts will keep you on the right gift giving track!
I bet your wondering where the idea of wedding gifts originated. You’ll have to travel back to the time when men no longer bartered for their wives. With the tradition of choosing your bride, also came the tradition of friends and family bearing gifts. In those days articles were functional and useful additions to the couple’s house, making their lives easier.
The Grecians were into presenting lush and lavish gifts. It was a big competition to see who could present the most lavish gift. Brides and grooms were presented with precious jewellery, gold vases, magnificent clothing or furniture.
These days things have really changed. Wedding gift etiquette of the past, simply does not work today. For couples who have been married before they already have all the household toys, so what is one to buy? Even if a couple has not been married before, most have run their own households so they still have everything they need. Many couples request no gifts. Some will ask for cash gifts, so they can put the funds towards a vacation, a house, or bigger ticket item. Is this okay? How big of wedding gift should one buy? It seems no matter what a person buys, they feel they’ve not spent enough, or bought the wrong type of gift. Relax!! And go with the modern day flow!
The best thing the bride and groom can do for their guests, it to let them know what you are looking for. Funny, brides and grooms feel bad playing the ‘what they need’ card, and guests are too uncomfortable to broche the subject for fear of offending the bride and groom.
First, it’s okay for the wedding couple to ask for cash only. The correct way is to include a little note in the invitation that reads something like. Because we are saving for [insert item] we would appreciate cash donations in lieu of gifts. Thanks so much! It’s simple and to the point and these days people understand. For many it’s much easier than trying to figure out what you need.
If you are blending two households that are financially set, and you don’t want any gifts or cash, then make a note of this on your invitation. Some people will feel uncomfortable with not providing a gift. So you could include a note that reads. We would like to decline any gifts. If you would like to give, please donate to our favourite charity [insert here]. Many thanks! Or, you can indicate they can donate to their favourite charity.
If you are going to be accepting gifts, then do your guests a favour and have several wedding gift registries set up at various stores. This will alleviate a lot of stress for your guests and insure you receive items you really need or want.
My daughter’s wedding is coming up shortly. Her and her fiancé are planning to take a 6 month backpacking trip into South America, right after the wedding. So their gift registry is made up of the camping supplies they will need. Be creative! Fine tune your gift registry to what you want and need. It will please your guests to know they are spending their hard earned money on something you will actually use.
These days, anything goes. The only big tip about wedding gift etiquette is to be polite in your requests. You’ll feel better and so will your guests!
Tips For Buying Jewellery For Your Mother
Jewellery is the perfect gift for your Mom whether it’s for Mother’s Day, her birthday, or Christmas. Mother’s will always enjoy a lovely piece of jewellery. But there are some things you should know before heading out to buy that jewellery to make sure you don’t pay too much or don’t land up with a fake piece of jewellery.
Jewellery is always an excellent choice because your Mom may have personal attachments to a certain piece or style. Follow these tips for buying jewellery for your Mother.
Check around! Quality jewellery isn’t cheap so before you even start shopping check around with co-workers, friends, and family and see which stores or web sites they recommend for purchasing fine jewellery from. Also take note of the ones they tell you to stay away from. Other people’s experiences are a great method of finding the best jewellery store available.
Get it Written Down If you’ve been talking with a sales rep then have them write down all the information they’ve given you including the stores policy on refunds and returns. If you are buying online then print out all the detailed information supplied on the web site including contact information, return policies, and refund policies.
Watch The Markings Gold plated is not 14 karat gold. Some might try to lead you to believe this but it’s just not so. 14K jewellery is made of 14 parts of gold combined with 10 parts of a base metal. Gold plated means that the cheaper base metal has simply had a layer of 10K gold bonded to it. Eventually the gold will wear away and leave you with the ugly base metal. How long it takes to wear away will depend on how well it is plated, how often you wear it, and how your skin reacts to it.
Watches. There are two different watch styles, the battery operated and the winding style. You’ll have to decide which type is best for your Mom. You’ll also want to find out how long the warranty is and what it covers. A personal experience with a higher end watch maker left me rather amazed. I had managed to wear the gold plating off the band which was listed in the life time warranty as covered. However upon sending it in for replacement I found out I had neglected to read the fine print that had a list of exclusions on the life time warranty. So the moral of the story is read and read it all. Don’t have a big surprise later on. That replacement band cost me half the value of the original purchase price. Ouch!
Understand Gems. You need to understand the different between a natural gem that comes from mother earth and a synthetic or laboratory created gem that is manmade. To look at them side by side you cannot visually see any differences. But the biggest difference is in the price. Natural gems cost a great deal more. So if you really want a natural gemstone then you’ll have to pay more. When buying a natural gem make sure that you understand what you are getting. Natural gems can have treatments that enhance their beauty. Enhanced natural gems are not worth the same money as a natural gem and they may also require special treatment so that they don’t become damaged or lose their lustre.
Pearls. You can buy beautiful real pearls and imitation pearls. Real pearls come from oysters or molluscs where imitation pearls are manmade. Cultured pearls come from oysters or molluscs but man intervenes by adding an irritant to cause a pearl to grow within the shell. Pearls that are natural and not cultured are rare and very expensive and there really isn’t any difference except for mans little bit of intervention.
Diamonds. Diamonds are forever is deep in meaning. One being that a diamond will quite literally last forever. You need to consider cut, colour, clarity, and weight when choosing a diamond. Each of these factors will affect the price of the diamond. Colour can be graded on a scale but the scales are not consistent as there is no industry standard scale so make sure you understand the scale for the specific diamond you are looking at.
Chains A chain is always a wonderful choice for a jewellery gift for your mother. Either gold or silver are excellent choices. Chains are available in many lengths so you can choose a length that is appropriate for your Mom. You can also boy many different styles from the very dainty to bold and noticeable. Add a pendant if you like.
Follow these tips for buying jewellery for your Mother and you’ll have purchased the perfect gift. So whether you purchase a new jewellery piece or a beautiful jewellery piece it will be treasured by your Mom for years to come.
This Season Has a Wonderful Mix of Cuts and Styles
Summer is here so it’s time to freshen up that wardrobe and make your fashion statement for the season. If you’ve had a look around the stores or boutiques you’ll notice some of the prettiest clothes and accessories are displaying fruit. Very upbeat and refreshing after the winter blah. Well placed appliqués, amusing details, juicy colours make these articles of clothing girlish and flirty. The perfect look for weekends and casual days. We’ve got cherry print dresses, pineapple topped shirts, and melon and kiwi print pants and host of other deliciously favourable garments. If your wardrobe doesn’t consist of a lot of fruit why not add some fruit jewellery, Lemons, grapes, cherries whatever you’re favourite, you’ll be in style. Some of our favourite designer fashion fruit picks this month are: A cotton graphic T from J Crews selling for $28.00 Satin cropped fruited pants from D&G selling for $365.00 available at Neiman Marcus stores A Silk cherry print skirt by Beth Bowley selling for $170.00 A cotton cherry print dress by Moschino Jeanna selling for $430 at Sloan Leather shoes with faux wood heal from Faryl-robin selling for $89.00 Rhinestone and Lucite lemon necklace from Alexis Bittar selling for $212 Straw hat with glass fruit charms from Hat Attack selling for $88 at Big Drop Canvas cherry wallet with strap from Louis Vuitton selling for $300
Yes my picks are designer picks and a little bit on the pricey side, but you will find similar garments for affordable pricing at your local shops. You’ll find affordable blouses, t tops, pants, skirts, and dresses that fit this season’s look. Affordable costume jewellery in the fruity theme can be found online at several different stores including JustJewellery.com.au. The fruity jewellery dating from the 1950s is a wonderful new addition for this season
This season is a season of nostalgia because the last time we saw fruity patterns so popular was back in the 1950s. Fruity in moderation is the key to wearing these prints. Here’s a good rule of thumb, if it looks good on a 5 or 6 year old then it’s not for a grown women. If you’re in your 20s-30s you can choose one item that is a big and bold fruit to make your outfit standout. Don’t get carried away. One will make a statement. If you’re in your 40s fruity sweetness can quickly sour. Avoid big and bold, rather opting for mini fruit motifs. Small delicate non overpowering fruit is the key here If your 50+ then no more than a hint of fruit is for you. How about a cherry tote bag or a pineapple brooch pinned to your blouse or some strawberries on your flip flops. Remember light is much tastier!
This season has a wonderful mix of cuts and styles, from tunics to fitted blouses, to convertible halter dresses. There are choices for all ages, shapes, and sizes. You’ll find fruity prints from head to toe so enjoy and wear what feels right and looks good. Remember to you can always accessorize with fruity jewellery, belts, and shoes. Make your fashion statement!
The Perfect Bridal Makeup for your Wedding Day
It’s important that your makeup look its absolute best for your wedding day. Whether you plan to marry on a beach at noon or at night under the stars, by keep your makeup simple you will look and feel great. You don’t want too much, nor too little, a natural look is very important. This is not the time to be experimenting with new looks. Your makeup should enhance your beauty not hide it. Here are some tips to help with you achieve your perfect bridal makeup:
If you are having a facial done, make sure it is at least two weeks prior to your wedding.
If your skin is prone to breakouts, see your dermatologist 3 or 4 months before your wedding
Staying hydrated is important to keeping you looking refreshed. Drinking lots of water will also flush out impurities from the skin.
Eyebrows should be shaped 5-7 days before the wedding. Be sure not to pluck on your wedding day because you could land up with unattractive red bumps that are difficult to cover.
On your wedding day blend your makeup well and let set. You do not need extra makeup to please the camera - that’s a myth.
Choose a lipstick that lasts. Apply just prior to walking down the aisle. Go easy on the lip liner. Be sure to check that you don’t have lipstick on your teeth.
Line and fill mouth with a neutral pencil to make lipstick stay on longer. To lengthen wearing time of your lipstick, apply a light layer of powder over your lipstick then apply another layer of lipstick
If you are doing your own makeup, see a beauty consultant and purchase your make up at least 3 months in advance. Then practice until you’ve got the perfect makeup.
Waterproof mascara is a great idea just in case you get a little weepy.
A very light application of facial powder will set your makeup and reduce Keep your powder, mascara, and lipstick in your purse so you can freshen up at a moment’s notice.
If you discover that dreaded pimple on your wedding day, do not squeeze it! Just apply a drop of visene to get the red out, cover with concealer, and apply foundation.
Wear a button shirt when applying your makeup so you don’t mess up your makeup. When slipping into your gown put a towel over your face so you don’t get makeup on your wedding dress.
Avoid glittery or dewy looks, these are not very receptive for photographs and you may come out looking greasy
If your wedding is outside be sure to apply sunscreen first
Water based foundation looks most natural in photos
For eye contouring, apply a dark but neutral in the crease of the eye. You can line the upper and lower lids (optional) with brown or grey shadow, smudging the outer corners
If you need to make your eyes look wider or brighter, use a white pencil to line the inside of the lower lids.
Don’t get too much sun before your wedding. Sunburns, peeling skin and tan lines can sabotage your special day.
Make certain your wedding photographer is not using grainy film, because no matter how good your makeup is, with grainy film it will not look good
Make sure your wedding photographer is using high quality film so your photos do your wedding makeup justice
For your makeup to look good in your photos it must be completely matte and in neutral tones, brides usually prefer a little colour. Pastels look soft and pretty, but avoid glitter, shimmer and frosted eye shadows.
Shine is the #1 enemy for photos.
Don’t apply white or black eye shadow
Olive complexions should not use gray shades
Pale complexions should not use vibrant colours.
To relieve stress you can have a makeup artist do your wedding day makeup. If you enjoy doing your own makeup but need some more tips, visit a makeup consultant. It’s your day! You are going to look absolutely beautiful!
The New Wedding Band Styles
You’ve decided to tie the knot and now you’ve got some wedding band shopping to do. Your wedding band is a ring you’re going to wear all the time so it’s important to choose a ring you really like, one that truly touches your heart.
A reader survey completed recently in Bride’s magazine found 80% of respondents wanting a “traditional” wedding. In today’s world what defines traditional is wide open for interpretation. Many weddings will have the traditional core but be customized to the bride and grooms personal tastes.
Traditional usually means white gown, church ceremony, and full reception, completed with a honeymoon getaway. When it comes to wedding bands tradition and modern style are quickly entwining to produce some fabulous new wedding band styles.
So you ask, what are the hottest styles in wedding bands?
Well, one think is for certain. Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend and are very quickly becoming a guy’s best friend too! In the past few years there have been a record number of diamond wedding bands being purchased for guys.
Men have finally figured out what women have always known about diamonds. Diamonds are elegant, classy, and sophisticated.
The most popular bands are flush settings in gold, platinum, or titanium. Usually the diamond is one carat or less. Another popular setting is small diamonds placed geometrically around the entire band. So they say what’s good for the goose is good for the gander right? That’s why today’s brides have no problem wearing matching bands to their new husbands. After all women have always had the finer taste for the beauty of diamonds.
Today brides and grooms have many choices. They can buy matching bands or similar bands that accent each other. Designers are now producing coordinating engagement rings and wedding bands.
So rather than choosing a set, you can now mix and match. This allows for more personal taste and for more uniqueness.
Both titanium and platinum are very hot. Both brides and grooms are jumping on the bandwagon for something different that the traditional yellow gold of the past.
Guys and gals alike appreciate the beauty of platinum and the wearability of titanium. Today’s platinum is no longer mixed with yellow gold. Today high polished platinum is a star all by itself.
The popularity of titanium wedding bands is also growing leaps and bonds. Titanium has the same look as platinum with two advantages it’s considerably cheaper, and it’s much more durable than platinum.
Jewellers today are borrowing design ideas from the past. Delicate scroll work and intricate patterns are very popular. Designs from the Art Nouveau and Edwardian period are very popular with their flowing geometric designs. Designs are no longer stiff but flowing and fluid.
Custom designer wedding sets have become very vogue. Today wedding sets are chosen with the same thought a woman puts into purchasing clothing. Women are much more in tune to their entire fashion statement and since their wedding rings are worn all the time they want their rings to reflect who they are.
They also like to choose wedding rings that will work with other jewellery pieces they wear.
The most popular diamond shape is the round brilliant cut, however many women are choosing some of the more non traditional cuts for their engagement rings. Emerald cuts, baguettes, and marquis cuts have grown in popularity in the last few years.
Today’s choices allow both bride and groom to combine tradition with choices that reflect their personal tastes and their own personalities.
Never has there been a time in history when the design of wedding bands and engagement rings was so intricately tied to the individual who would wear it. Price, selection, and style are as wide as the imagination.
The Mystery Of The Opal
There is no other stone that has the mystery of the opal. With its fiery colours and magnificent spectrum of colour it draws you in and you are helpless to look away.
Every opal is different. There are no two stones the same. And every stone reflects the light differently depending on its depth and personal characteristics. This stone eludes a mystical aura without even trying.
Opals are extremely popular for jewellery and it’s not hard to figure out why with that beautiful array of colour. Soft and feminine yet fierce and bold.
Opal has the honours of being October’s birthstone. Back to ancient times it has been associated with magical qualities. It was believed to bring both good and bad luck. Some cultures used opals in white magic and believed they brought good fortune. Other cultures considered them a third eye that would allow you to tell the future.
Opals are a semi precious stone but a black opal can cost as much as a diamond. The amount of fire in the opal and where it comes from will determine the price. Pale opals can be purchased quite cheaply but the more fiery or red the more expensive the opal becomes.
Opal jewellery comes in a variety of style and is set in both gold and sterling silver. Sometimes you’ll see triplet or stacked opals, other times they are set solitaire. They also come in a variety of different cuts.
There are several types of opals:
The fire opal is probably the most popular. It is translucent with fiery orange and red flecks. The colours are vivid and intoxicating. This opal is sometimes called the Mexican opal or the Cherry opal.
The white opal is an opaque milky white with light flashes of rainbow colours.
The boulder opal is a natural solid opal with a fine layer of opal deposited on an iron base.
The water or jelly opal is colourless and transparent and has no colour play.
The crystal opal is also transparent, but displays a rainbow of colour. It is so transparent you can see through it on a light surface.
The Mosaic opal is just what it says. Small irregular pieces of opal tightly fit together. It’s a great way to use chips and is very affordable.
The opal doublet is made of sliced layers of natural opal that is too thin to be used in a single set. It is bonded and set on black glass or ironstone which enhances its colour. The doublet opal is much cheaper because you are buying less true opal.
Synthetic opals are created in a lab and although they basically have the same properties as a natural opal, by law the jeweller must tell you if it is a synthetic stone.
Contrary to what you hear opals are no more difficult to take care of then other stones. You should not knock or bang them and you should keep them out of direct sunlight or heat.
One thing you need to know is that opals cannot be cleaned in commercial jewellery cleaner or any other harsh chemical solution. Rather use a soft brush and water with a dab of vinegar, then rinse thoroughly.
Water will not hurt your opal unless it is a doublet or triplet then you should not immerse in water. Solid stones are fine. See that’s not so difficult.
So the next time an opal draws you in and wants to go home with you why not add this beautiful mysterious stone to your jewellery collection. Only then will you experience the mystery of the opal.
The Mystery And Essence Of The Pearl
The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewellery, classic and steeped in tradition that never goes out of style. Well things they are a changing! This year not only has the pearl is had a very glamorous makeover it’s a front and centre fashion statement! Yes, the classic strand still exists as it always will. But we warned we are seeing some vary daring looks from the pearl this season. Extra long lengths, tasselled multi strands, pearls with semi precious stone accents, pearls on gold or silver chains. The pearl has been transformed into a fun and fashionable accessory.
The glow or radiance of a pearl is the most important quality. Avoid pearls that are chalky or dull as they will be weak and may crack or peal. The surface of the pearl should be blemish free, no bumps or cracks. Inspect under a bright light. Baroque pearls are the exception to this rule; their charm is in their irregularities.
Pearls are measured in millimetres. The larger the pearl the higher the cost. A 6 mm pearl is going to be much less than a 12 mm pearl. The least expensive pearls are the freshwaters which mainly come from China. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Average size is around 7 mm
The best way to care for your pearls is simply to wear them. The natural skin oils keep them moisturized. Do not put them on until you are done with your cosmetics. This includes hair, facial, and perfume. The residues from these products will ruin your pearls. Do not wear your pearls in the water, chlorinated and salt water will damage them. Polish with a soft cloth and never use jewellery cleaning products on your pearls.
Quality pearls are not cheap but they will last a lifetime. Freshwater pearls are becoming very affordable. Not all of us will be in the market for ‘Real Pearls’ and lucky us there are plenty of options. Swarovski makes a crystal pearl that is of the finest quality and quite difficult to tell from a true pearl for a fraction of the cost and they are available in a variety of colours. There is an endless supply of imitation pearl or costume jewellery pearls on the market. These are offered in a wide variety of styles and colours. Great fun at affordable prices.
So you ask what’s ‘In Style’ this season? Well I’m glad you asked! Pearl rings get the green flag, from low settings to monster large solitaire pearls, they are all the rave. A pearl ring can go from romantic and simple to sleek and stunning. The Bib Necklace makes a very dramatic statement. A broad necklace that tapers towards the back just like a baby’s bib [thus the name]. This style works great with a simple black dress or strapless neckline.
The multi-strand necklace is ever so preppy. They range from 12” to 18” and pearls are usually small to medium. The object of these necklaces is for every pearl to be in perfect placement. Very versatile and fashionable. The opera length necklace simply never disappears from the fashion scene. They measure 36” or longer and they can be worn as a long single lean line, doubled up, tied in a knot, wherever the moment takes you. These long strands are terrific for dressing up a pair of jeans or semi casual look.
The tassel necklace from the footloose and fancy free1920s has made a comeback, and rightly so! Today tassels are often made from tiny seed pearls or irregular baroques. They range in length from short at 16” to navel length at 36”. The tassel necklace swings and sways with your movement making it a must have for those night of dancing.
This season for first time, we are seeing pearls mixed with collared gems such as amethyst, peridot, or topaz. They complement each other nicely, pearls with their soft and subtle shades mixed with semi precious gems with their vibrant and bold colour. Picture it! What a fashion statement!
Pearls mixed with silver are also new this season. Long silver chain dangle earrings accented with pearls, or freshwater droplets set on silver. This season the pearl is all about the colour. Pearls are available in many hues but this season the ‘hot spot’ is lavender and the lavender family ranging from pale iris to plum.
If you already own a beautiful classic pearl necklace it’s very easy to transform it into something from this season. Try adding a group of charms or pendants, fastening a vintage brooch or clip-on earring at the bottom. You could mix various lengths or sizes of pearls together or entwine a silver or gold chain. How about mixing your real pearls with your fake pearls? The options are as endless as your imagination.
Remember, when you freshen your wardrobe for the spring, freshen your costume jewellery too and Make Your Fashion Statement!
The Modern Bridesmaid Has Style!
It’s a whole new day, and there is a whole new look for bridesmaids. It’s a welcome change from the past years. At it’s not just the bridesmaids look that has gotten a facelift, the brides are sporting a whole new look too.
Traditional wedding gowns and traditional white will always be a choice. That’s a tradition that’s just not going to disappear. And that’s okay. But the choices now available for the modern bride are welcome change, allowing those creative juices to flow, and one’s own personality to stand out.
The history of the bridesmaid’s attire is quite interesting. In past centuries brides wore elaborate colourful gowns, and bridesmaids wore similar gowns. This was to disguise the bride and protect her from being kidnapped by evil spirits. By the Victorian era things had changed producing brides that wanted to stand out in the crowd. Thus the formal elaborate white wedding gown entered the wedding fashion scene. However the bridesmaid’s attire didn’t change, remaining bold and frilly.
Well this century bridesmaids have a lot more to say about what they wear. Not only have the traditional dresses taken on a more sophisticated and elegant look. Many brides now let their bridesmaids choose their own dress based on the chosen colour scheme. All bridesmaids weren’t created equal. By allowing them to choose a dress that flatters them, you have happier bridesmaids and better photo ops.
Gowns and dresses worn by the modern bridesmaid are often functional enough for other formal events and gatherings. A much smarter alternative to the expensive gown that’s worn once then buried deep in the closet never to be seen again. We all remember wearing one of those ‘awful’ dresses at some point.
There are also no longer fast and set rules on how many bridesmaids you must have. The size of your wedding often relates to how many attendants, and these days the choice is entirely up to you. Tradition has gone out the window, a pleasing thought for many future brides. You can even have more than one maid of honour if you wish. The rules you must play by are your own rules.
The same new rules apply to your flower girl[s] and ring bearer[s] choose more than one, have only one, have one of each. The best age range for this very important little people’s job is between 5 and 7. Younger children have a harder time staying focused. Now if you don’t mind if they mess up a little bit, then by all means you can choose a younger child. After all they can be a great source of amusement! Older children will also be thrilled to be chosen to man the guestbook or help guests. It makes them feel extra special.
The more bridesmaids you have the more coordination and communication you’re going to have to take care of. Remember you’ll have plenty of issues to deal with from dresses, to nails, to hair, to jewellery. So don’t choose more bridesmaids than you think you can handle. This is supposed to be a happy time for you and stress doesn’t make a person happy.
Forget the old theory that if you don’t include everyone that’s close to you, there will be hard feelings. Most women have outgrown this childish thought pattern, and recognize that the modern bride has tough choices to make to stay within budget and fulfil her special day. Sometimes a future bride just has too many close friends to have them all in the wedding party. Relax! Invite them to the wedding, and if you want ask them to do special favours such as perhaps your nails or your hair, depending on their own unique talents.
The maid of honour has a role to play besides in the wedding party. She needs to be the bride’s right arm and help with any wedding tasks she can. She can help select the wedding gown, get the invitations in order, arrange a wedding shower, help with choosing a reception location, help decorate, or even help prepare the food. The duties that can be assigned to your maid of honour are endless, just be sure not to overwhelm her with too many requests. Your maid of honour is like the brides personal first aid kit. Ready to fix anything that’s broken.
Bridesmaids also play an important role by planning the bridal shower, preparing munchies, cake, or sandwiches for the shower. They are also there to support and help the bride whenever they can.
For the modern bride these are happy times, choices are endless, you can make your fashion statement and let your bridesmaid’s make theirs. No more having to follow traditions unless you want to. Planning the perfect wedding has never been easier!
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