Color craze
These days most of the brides-to-be are steering away from the traditional white and off-white bridal gown. Inspired by the catwalks, statement colors such as midnight blues and bold reds and oranges are becoming hot favorites.
Wedding dresses are nowadays selected by the couple’s favorite colors or those that best complement the skin tone of the bride. Even black has become a color of choice. Design sophistication is further enhanced with delicate details: from an abundance of lace in a portrait back to the ruffles of a peplum that accentuates the waist.
So with all these contemporary changes to the wedding gown, how do you select the appropriate jewelry for your wedding day – and beyond?
Gems with flair
I suggest that the modern bride makes the ring as much of a showpiece as the dress! A ring that’s been made just for you is especially personal.
Incorporate colored gemstones into your engagement or wedding ring and add a touch of theatrical brilliance to your finger. You could choose the deep blush of red rubies or the dazzling nature of the deep blues of sapphires and still ensure elegance.
Naturally, you want to opt for a ring that won’t clash with your usual attire, so think about what’s in your wardrobe and the main colors of clothing you tend to wear on a daily basis.
Jewelry with heart
There are many sourcing challenges in the jewelry industry. Everyone knows about the issues of blood diamonds but almost all raw precious gems and metals have their own challenges – from the extraction process that can cause damage to the environment and to the health of miners, to financing conflict in volatile areas in Africa, such as was the case with Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Even today child labor is still used in gem cutting workshops, but you can avoid this by opting for an ethical jeweler that has carefully considered its supply chain.
The good news is that there are better options out there, such as the recent unveiling of Fairtrade and Fairmined gold, as certified by the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation.
Ethical wedding rings that have heart are the ideal type of family heirlooms as you can pass them onto future generations with the knowledge that they have been made with love.
I recommend you consider an international ethical jeweler for designing your ethical wedding ring.
Ingle & Rhode has a passion for bespoke design and is always sourcing a wide range of gemstones ethically and with love. Each of its hand-crafted engagement and wedding rings tell a story, matching personal taste and character to ensure a long-term future.
Jen Marsden is an ethical expert and author of Green Guide for Weddings
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Image source: www.blog.weddingnotebook.co.uk
