Brooches. Make an elegant statement.

Brooches. They've been around since the early beginnings of time. Often considered the “oldest type of jewelry,” you may have thought brooches were an extinct accessory that was only worn by ancient royalty – and you may have been right – until now. This season brooches are making a comeback.

Brooches offer a vintage feel. Sharon Stone wore one years ago at one of the red carpet galas on her hip; and fashionistas all over thought it was ingenious. Other celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, and Claudia Schiffer have all been spotted with statement brooches pinned to their outfits.

Brooches can give an extra dose of chracter to an already fabulous outfit. You can find a brooch at department stores, second hand shops, or even inside your mother or grandmother’s treasure chest of jewels.

It can be worn on a plain dress or something as grand as your wedding dress. Once you discover your dream brooch, which could be made from silver, gold, bronze, steel, pewter, brass or even wood, find a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe or your wedding dress. Wearing it on the upper left shoulder of your outfit is an easy way to start, but the more adventurous could try pinning it at the low point of a v-neck dress or shirt. The more conservative wearer could button her blouse all the way and then pin the brooch over the top button.

Pin the brooch on the hip of your solid toned dress to add a little glitter, or accentuate the slit in your skirt by pinning the brooch where the fabric first separates. If you have a dress or tee shirt that is too big you can bunch the extra fabric together and pin it in place with a brooch and you’ll soon have a fitted garment with eye-catching detail.

Your hair is also an excellent place to place a brooch. Simply pin it to two bobby pins, a barrette, or a headband and voila! A gorgeously shimmering updo!

And, finally, I was recently at a wedding where the mother-of the brie had a fitted black satin dress with a brooch pinned on one shoulder; the brooch of black and crystal jewels in the shape of a large flower really added to the elegance of the dress.

If you ever tire of wearing brooches on your clothes, you can pin them on clutch purses, bags, hats, and even fasten scarves with them. You can even pin one to your garter! Here are a few that I find to be quite attractive : ) Oh, and don't forget, they make a great gift for the attendants.

something blue brooch"Something blue" couldn't be prettier! This heart shaped brooch is set with sparkling blue crystals for romantic shimmer. Perfect to pin directly to your dress, or to your garter or bridal purse. 1 1/2".

En Vogue BR264

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR285

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR304

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR306

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR315

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR316

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR344

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

En Vogue BR449

Turn heads with the beauty and allure of this dazzling brooche and enjoy the adoring compliments entitled to a royalty on your wedding day.The En Vogue brooche is a picture perfect addition to your ... more info.

Bouquet Jewelry ... Add a Little Bling to Your Bouquet

Spice up your bridal bouquets with some bling. The newest trends for floral bouquets is bouquet jewelry. When you add "just enough" not too much it is gorgeous (not tacky). It adds to the flowers and adds a little shimmer. It's not expensive, and can make your bouquet unique in it's own right. Here are some examples:

Swarovski Crystal Sprays Bouquet Jewelry

This whimsical bouquet jewelry features sprays of silver wires and coils with Swarovski crystal beads. Sold as a set of 5 stems. Buy Now

Brilliant Crystal Bouquet

This beautiful crystal bouquet shines with brilliant faceted crystals on golden or silver wires. The sprays are all tied up with a perfect organza ribbon bow in your choice of pink or white.

Buy Now

Starburst Rhinestone Bouquet Jewelry

These gorgeous crystal starbursts add sparkle to your bridal bouquet. Sold as a set of 6.

Buy Now

Swarovski Crystal Monogram Bouquet Jewelry by Bel Aire Bridal

This is a fabulous and very personal way to decorate your bouquet, or your bridesmaid bouquets. Each silver tone letter measures 2" high and is set with Swarovski crystal accents.

Buy Now

Wendy Culpepper Jewelry For Yourself and Charity

Looking for a great gift for the bridal attendants and perhaps yourself that can also give to charity? Here are a classic set of earrings that can be worn at your wedding and for years to come - available at Wendy Culpepper.com called the Fire Drop 14K Gold Vermeil Earrings. She offers free shipping on her jewelry and all jewelry is handmade.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

- Metal Options: 14K Gold Vermeil brushed matte finish
- Semi Precious Gemstone Options: 5 mm - Peridot, Blue
Topaz, OR *Rhodolite
* Please note Rhodolite has a slightly increased price due to its
rarity of quality and clarity in this size
- Length from the top of the earwire: ~ 3/4 Inches, width: ~
1/4 Inch

CHARITY DONATION: 15% of total based on Stone Color
Peridot: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Blue Topaz: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
Rhodolite: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation


WENDY'S WORDS:

The Fire Drop 14K gold vermeil earrings are engraved with unique flames around the bezel. I wanted a design with effortless style that would accent the semi precious gemstone that represented each charity while having a distinctive twist to let you know you are doing more to help those around you. The large blue topaz, rhodolite, and peridot make for a stunning pair of inspirational handcrafted earrings.

INSPIRATION:

“Ignite Change” for charity – need we say more? Ignite is a collection all about giving back. We want to continue our efforts of supporting charities by donating 15% of the proceeds of each piece from this collection directly to charity. Three main charities currently benefit from the “Ignite Change” campaign, and we look forward to adding more in the future. To learn more about why Wendy chose these specific causes, feel free to read more on our Inspirations Page. If you would like to visit the specific charities we are donating to, please visit:

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation: www.komen.org.org
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:
www.pdf.org
The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: www.aspca.org.org

Bride's Lucky Sixpence ... For Luck : )

Looking for a special gift for the bride? How about a Lucky Sixpence? One you don't have wear in your shoes ... For hundreds of years brides have worn a sixpence coin in their shoe to bless their marriage with wealth and prosperity. This pendant puts a new spin on the tradition and allows you to wear your lucky coin long after your wedding day. Each pendant features a hand selected coin that is at least 50 years old and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain. And it makes a great heirloom....

Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaids Gift

Bridesmaid gifts can be fun, practical, useful or all of theabove. Your bridesmaids have known you through all the good times aswell as the not so good times; therefore, your choice of bridesmaid gifts will symbolize yourhistory with each other and your appreciation.

The traditional bridesmaids gift is to choose matching jewelry for each
bridesmaid; such as: earrings, necklace, bracelet and/or hair accessories for the bridesmaid’s to wear during the wedding ceremony. Jewelry functions well as a gift of thanks for each bridesmaid and as a way of making sure that the bridesmaids’ jewelry is uniform in all of the wedding photos. Bracelets or anklets are another good selection for bridesmaid gifts as are little evening purses. Taking the jewelry concept one step further, consider having the bridesmaid gifts handmade by you or someone else. Visit a local craft store for ideas and take a swatch of the bridesmaid dress with you. Look at the various beads and see what complements the dress colors. If you think you are handy enough to make the bridesmaid gifts, do it! Or can ask the store manager for contacts of people who could craft them for you.

Some brides chuck the idea of traditional bridesmaid gifts and go for something else. Keepsake photo albums and picture frames are popular, especially if engraved with something personal. Elegant compact mirrors are treasured bridesmaid gifts because they can be carried in their purses and used forever. Those particular bridesmaid gifts are definitely unique and special. Plus, your bridesmaids will remember you every time they use those items. Another unique choice; a day at the spa; a massage; a day of pedicures and manicures or even a bridal tea with just your friends.

The next question is, when do you give them their gifts? Generally, the bride gives her gifts right before the ceremony. But, ifyou want to break tradition; here are some great ideas to show your friends how much you appreciate them:

• A new trend that is really taking off is the bridesmaid proposal. Insteadof calling your friend and asking them to be in your wedding, you can create an elaborate request with a card, a poem, and the bridesmaid gift itself. Not only will this inspire your bridesmaid to accept your invitation, it will
  free you up from having to worry about bridesmaid gift buying later when your wedding planning becomes more intense.


• Another option is to give them their bridesmaid gifts at the bridal shower. As you know, all of the attention is on the bride at the shower; but, honoring your bridesmaids during the shower will be a selfless way to honor your maids when they are least expecting it. Since the bridesmaids usually plan the shower, there's no better time to than to say thanks then. Destination or beach wedding? Try giving them tank tops, wedding flip flops or even personalized bags.

Bridesmaid's Gifts that are a Shore Thing!

More than just a thank you, try to personalize your bridesmaid gifts to convey your enduring admiration for their role in your wedding.

BeachMemories Photo Album wedding favor. Our photo album is decorated with textured paper and handcrafted shell and starfish charms for a natural, yet elegant look. Measures 6.5" tall, 5" wide and holds forty 4" x 6" pictures.

Personalized Charm Flip Flops. Show off perfectly pedicured toes with these fashionable flip-flops -- great for getting comfortable at the reception or a fun-in-the-sun accessory brides, bridesmaids and flower girls too. The removable charms slide on and off and you can even order extra charms for versatility. Each flip-flop sandal includes adjustable buckle straps for a comfortable fit.

Pearl and Crystal Earrings. Accessories with an aura of Old World romance. A pearl in a variety of color choices dangles carelessly from an antique-looking stud of pave crystals. Each pierced earring measures .5" long and is available in your choice of silver or gold findings. Not sure which pearl color will be best? Order our pearl sampler to get a perfect match.

Exboyfriend Jewelry - It's Brilliant!

Someone was really thinking when they created the ExboyfriendJewelry.com site! Their tag line..."We don't want it, he can't have it back!" It's brilliant.

Now ladies, be real : ) one girls cast off is another girls treasure. It's worth the look-see to check out the diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and pearls to catch a great deal for yourself.

The idea came from a woman's broken relationship and she didn't know what to do with the loot. She did know she did not want to give it back. She concluded, "Pawn shops are icky. And, according to every bad 70’s cop show we’ve ever seen, they never give you what something is really worth. Consignment shops are even worse. You have to give up a percentage of the total cost AND they always smell like your great-aunt’s house. Eeew. So, what’s a girl like you to do? You have all that jewelry sitting around that you loved so hard to get (that sounded dirty, but you know what we mean) and will never wear again... "

Something Borrowed, Something Blue ... try Blue Pearls

Think outside the box... why not "blue" pearls for your "something blue?" They are pretty and unique.

Blue Mia Pearls Necklace

This contemporaty style fresh water pearl necklace is absolutely divine. Each necklace has 7-6mm fresh water pearls in a sterling necklace with a T toggle clasp. Available in cream white color. ... more info.

Blue Quartz with Pearls Bridal Necklace

Freshwater pearls and a whisper-thin silver chain accent this blue quartz necklace, which is perfect as a gift for your bridesmaids. We also love this necklace as a bride s something blue on her ... more info.

WOW! Pure Pearls ... great styles AND prices.

Looking for Bridal Pearls? So many choices ! I was looking for pearls for myself and came across this wonderful site. Lots of choices in both style and pricing. They have very expensive, down to very discounted. And, I love the styles they offer. I put a few different ones up just to show how versatile this company is with their fashion styles.

PurePearls.com offers high-quality, fine pearl jewelry at exceptional discount prices. Their pearls are both breathtaking and inspiring. At PurePearls.com you will find earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, custom strands, bridal jewelry, loose pearls, clasps, cufflinks, and much more at up to 85% less than anywhere else. Each piece of pearl jewelry purchased from PurePearls.com comes with a Certified Appraisal certificate verifying the 100% authenticity of the pearls. PurePearls.com only offers cultured pearl jewelry and are cultivated in oysters. These pearls are harvested in the waters of Japan, China, French Polynesia, and Australia. They are meticulous in their pearl selection and only offer the world's finest pearls. Pure Pearls guarantees the quality of its fine pearl jewelry and offers free shipping on all orders over $75.

Freshwater Inspiration 5-Tier Choker Set - 16", 5.0 mm, white
Freshwater pearl choker set will inspire! Retail Price: $775.00. Our Price: $155.00.

Akoya Pearl Necklace - 18", 6.0-6.5 mm, white
Simple yet stunning 6.0-6.5mm AA+ Akoya pearls! Retail Price: $950.00. Our Price: $195.00.
200.00.

Tahitian Pearl and Leather Neck Piece, AA+, 12-13mm, black
With the combining elements of strong character and urban sophistication, the Tahitian pearl, leather, and 14K gold makes a stand-out piece with unrivaled wearability. Retail Price: $2,000.00. Our Price: $400.00.

3-Tier Golden South Sea Pendant with Diamonds, (3) AA+ 10-11mm Golden South Sea Pearls
Retail Price: $11,000.00. Our Price: $2,200.00.

Pearl Jewelry ... Why it's traditional for your wedding day.

Bridal Jewelry~ With an emphasis on pearls . . .

Since the beginning of time, pearls have been a symbol of unblemished perfection. They are the oldest known gem. Pearls symbolize purity and innocence which is why they are so much a part of wedding jewelry. In the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu book dating back to 1000 B.C. Krishna, the preserver, brought forth pearls from the depths of the sea to give to his daughter on her wedding day. Thus started the tradition of giving pearls to the bride.

Did you know . . during the Crusades, gallant knights returning from the Holy Lands would bestow pearls to their "fair ladies" for their wedding days; and that pearls were at the height of wedding fashion with royal weddings in the French House of Burgundy in the 14th and 15th century? Everyone from the bride to her male guests were adorned in glowing pearls.

From Queen Elizabeth I to our modern Queen Elizabeth II, the tradition of wearing pearls on the wedding day has continued. At the beginning of the 20th century, pearls were as much a nuptial gem in the United States as diamonds are today.

Today, the tradition of bestowing pearls upon the bride continues. Often the father of the bride or the groom gives the gift of pearls. Many brides give their bridesmaids pearl necklaces, bracelets or earrings too. In addition to being able to wear pearls for pretty much any social event (they are a staple) they make a great heirloom, keepsake to pass down. Visit LaptopBride.com for some great links to pearl jewelry - at both affordable and extravagant prices.

Mother of the Groom Bracelet.... "Get in the door with this great gift : ) "

Don't forget the Mother of the Groom! Give this bracelet as a thank-you gift to your fiance's mother. The heartfelt Mother of the Groom poem explains the significance of each Swarovski crystal - one represents mom's birthstone, another is for the groom and the third represents the bride. Also made with sterling silver and genuine freshwater pearls . The bracelet closes with a toggle clasp and is available in three sizes so mom gets a perfect fit. Your bracelet arrives tucked inside a silver organza bag, and along with the poem is placed inside a clear top gift box. The box is then tied with a bow for a pretty presentation. Available at Heat's Treasure

Lladro Magic Forest -- Beautiful Jewelry That Makes an Elegant Statement

I fell in love with this whole set ... if you are truly looking for a spectacular look, you can't go wrong with the Lladro Magic Forest collection. Sophisticated. Unique. Elegant. Simple. AND, Bailey Banks and Biddle is having a sale. Again, everything is just magically unique and beautiful. This jewelry works well with a lacey dress as well as it does a simple gown. AND, if you are having an outdoor wedding... what better jewelry than jewelry that reflects nature in it's simplicity?

Lladro Magic Forest Choker Necklace This Lladro open necklace comes from the Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection and features three porcelain birds on an 18K gold-plated sterling silver circle. It measures 6" x 6". The Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection takes certain existing fragments of the Lladro classic creations and evolves them into
stunning contemporary classics.

Lladro Magic Forest Hair StickThis Lladro hair stick comes from the Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection and features
three porcelain birds on an 18K gold-plated sterling silver branch. The Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection takes certain existing fragments of the Lladro classic creations and evolves them into stunning contemporary classics.

Lladro Magic Forest RingThis Lladro ring comes from the Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection and features a porcelain bird on an 18K gold-plated sterling silver circular branch. The Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection takes certain existing fragments of the Lladro classic creations and evolves them into stunning contemporary classics.

Lladro Magic Forest CufflinksThese Lladro cufflinks come from the Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection and feature porcelain birds in a sterling silver setting. The Re-Cyclos Magic Forest Collection takes certain existing fragments of the Lladro classic creations and evolves them into stunning contemporary classics.