Tag Archives: gold

May 9 2012
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Antique Engagement Rings

Vintage 1.56 Carat Old European Cut Diamond. Circa 1935.

 

I adore antique and vintage engagement rings – especially if they include diamonds! It’s not just the cushion cut of the rock that makes them sparkle brighter than Angelina Jolie’s teeth, it’s the the incredible style of the actual bands and stone settings that make them stand out from the rest. It’s so boring to see modern rings with their plain bands; I want detail, height, filligree, engraving – you name it, I want to see it! If you’re looking to buy an antique ring, check out this link to the current offerings for sale on Etsy. If I won the lottery I’d scoop the lot, and wear a different one every day for the rest of my life. OTT? Maybe. Obssessed? Definitely. And very proud!

The stunning ring pictured above is on sale through the Erstwhile Jewelry Co. on Etsy. The listing for the ring can be found here. It will set you back $10,000 (so if any UK folks have a spare £6,000 lying around that they don’t know what to do with … Hi! Please buy this ring for me and make a stranger soooo happy.

 

Apr 21 2012

How Low Can You Go?

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One of the things I first notice when walking into a wedding reception are the table centrepieces. Usually, the greatest visual impact comes from taller designs, standing over the seated head level of guests. That may be so but there’s nothing more annoying than being sat at a circular table with an obstructed view of those seated opposite. It restricts conversation across the table and can create a “them and us” environment.

So, I ask you… How Low Can You Go?

Having been to scores of weddings throughout my lifetime, I’m becoming increasing fond of low centrepieces. They open up the feel of the venue, creating the illusion of space.

From stacked mini plant pots to water filled bowls topped with floating flower heads and candles, I’ve seen an array of shorter centrepieces to suit every budget.

If you’re stuck for an idea, use the image above as inspiration. It’s actually a Christmas design, which was made by the florists in John Lewis’ flagship store on London’s Oxford Street. I think it would also work well for any Autumn wedding, where arrangements using flowers, fruit and spices (such as cinnamon sticks) are more common and bring to life the colours of the season (reds, oranges, rusts, greens, golds and caramels).

This particular John Lewis beauty cost £60 but your local florist can produce something equally show-stopping for less using seasonal flowers and alternative accessories. And, best of all, it will create a stunning visual impact without impairing your guests’ ability to see one another!

Jan 5 2011

Art Deco Decadence

It’s a New Year, a new start and for plenty of couples across the globe it’ll be the start of their wedding planning. If your partner wasn’t armed with a gorgeous ring before getting down on one knee on Christmas morning to pop the question, count yourself lucky. Yep, I said lucky! What could be better than shopping for your own beautiful, shiny, diamond ring? Let’s face it, you’re almost always more likely to pick a bigger and more expensive band if you choose it for yourself, plus it’ll be to your personal style and you’ll get to spend a romantic day or two with your partner to either hit the shops or trawl the internet to find your perfect Sparkler. Bliss!

Before you opt for a modern, solitaire diamond showstopper please ask yourself this? Do I really want a ring that looks mass produced and just like everyone else’s? Surely not. Don’t you want something that has more style, sophistication and glamour? Yes? Good.

Check out this inspiring Art Deco Wedding Ring Set from the 1930s, now on sale on Etsy for just over £1,200… even if it’s not quite to your taste, the stunning detail should give you enough inspiration to think outside of the box (and straight onto your finger) when it comes to picking out a beautifully crafted, antique ring.

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And for two gorgeous bands, the price tag shows that you can get a lot more for your money with a classic creation than a brand new, boring solitaire.

As I like to say, “If it’s old, I’m sold.”

So, what are you waiting for? Get shopping on sites like Etsy, eBay and PreLoved to find your dream ring for your dream wedding.

Sep 5 2010

Picks of The Week – Vintage Wedding Glamour

Check out this show-stopping gown from the 1950s… perfect for a retro themed wedding or special occasion:

With its gold brocade, sweetheart bodice and a wide, champagne chiffon skirt, this dress will give you a beautiful Marilyn Monroe shape without the need to spend hours in the gym. Priced at $380 US dollars, it’s a steal for this mint vintage gown.

Even sweeter is this beautiful antique-styled wedding cake from Little Venice Cake Company:

It’s their ‘Baroque’ cake, which has drawn on Faberge in Russia for inspiration so expect superb hand-piping and ornate detail. Quality comes at a price (three tier 3”, 5”, 7” & 9” extra deep serves 100, for £1,000) – but it’s well worth spending because even celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey apparently finds his mouth watering at the Little Venice Cake Company’s yummy creations – wow!

Mar 13 2010

Gorgeous Vintage Jewellery – FOR SALE ONLINE

I love vintage jewellery and accessories. Whenever I see a second hand ring or brooch, I find myself wondering and speculating about the stories behind each unique item. I imagine the loving couples who must have shared intimate moments of joy when picking out their wedding rings, or a weepy daughter who must have been overcome with emotion to learn that her mother or grandmother had bequeathed a treasured keepsake. Whatever their stories, there’s no denying that vintage jewellery is far more beautiful and ornate in comparison to today’s mass-market offerings. Here are my favourite finds for this week, selected because they are simple enough to wear in this modern age without looking too kitsch or dated.

This 1940s ring set boasts a stunning diamond engagement band. This kind of beauty – and history – doesn’t come cheap so the price tag of $800 initially seems on the high side but when you stop to think that you get two rings for that price, it’s not half as much as you would expect to pay for separate engagement and wedding bands…

1940s wedding & engagement ring set

Check out this gorgeous, sparkly 1950s goldtone ribbon brooch currently on Ebay. It’s only £11.90 so it won’t break the bank but will certainly pack a punch on any coat, top, scarf or blouse:

1950s Ribbon Brooch

This lovely rhinestone hair comb would be perfect for a vintage-style bride on her big day. Priced at just $9 (around £5.50), it’s an absolute steal!

Vintage Rhinestone Hair Comb

I’m in love with this beautiful, elegent Van Dell brooch from the 1960s. It’s priced $26, so a UK buyer can snap this up for around £16. A bit expensive, I know, but well worth it for a timeless piece of jewellery:

Van Dell Ivory Flower Brooch with 12k Gold Filled Leaves

Mar 6 2010

Vintage Weddings – More Top Picks From Etsy.com

Sequined Evening Gown For Sale on Etsy.com

I did a double-take when I saw this Dynasty-esque sequined evening gown; haven’t seen anything this extravagant hit the market at such a cheap price in years ($325 – nearly half that price in UK pounds sterling!).

Vintage 1930s Wedding Gown

For those looking to burn a hole in their pocket, this vintage 1930s evening gown above screams Hollywood glamour. At $950, so it should!

Of course, having the perfect vintage dress for your big day would be nothing without the necessary bling to seal the deal. Check out this stunning vintage wedding ring set - perfect for a stylish bride who respects the environment through the purchase of second hand engagement and wedding bands:

Vintage Diamond Wedding Band Set

These are priced at just $450 dollars so a UK buyer would get this for just over half the cost, thanks to the great exchange rate at the moment.

Feb 17 2010

Nothing feels better than a bargain…

I love a good bargain, I do. I spend hours scouring charity shops and surfing websites like eBay, Preloved and Etsy to find any vintage shiny bargains that would  send Gollum into a frenzy.

This lovely brooch is a piece I purchased recently from eBay:

 It’s an elegant 1950s goldtone metal brooch, set with real turquoise cabs and tiny faux pearl cabs. The price? A mere £3.99. Bargain! Hooray!