Old, new, borrowed, blue: Wedding Traditions and Trends

something borrowed wedding veil

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue…

This traditional rhyme has been recited at weddings near and far. It outlines four objects that a bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries on her big day that will bring good luck to her marriage and the wedding itself. Whether it is in jewelry, attire or accessories, see how brides in 2016 have been displaying these good luck charms.

Something Old

Tie or pin a photo of the bride’s parents or grandparents to the base of the wedding bouquet.

something old wedding photo
Photo courtesy of weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk

Whether a brooch, hair pin or bracelet, wear a breathtaking piece of vintage jewelry on your wedding day.

vintage old bracelet jewelry
Vintage Gold Unlimited bracelet

 

Made from the mother of the bride’s wedding gown, this pearl-adorned clutch makes for a beautiful wedding day accessory. This “something old” is sentimental and gorgeous.

something old wedding
Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Something New

Always a fabulous reason to get a few new  pieces of jewelry, snag something original in the form of diamonds.

diamond earrings jewelry
Gold Unlimited diamond earrings
gold unlimited jewelry diamond necklace
Gold Unlimited diamond necklace

 

Something Borrowed

 A veil from a relative of the bride or a best friend is the perfect “something borrowed.” It symbolizes that marriage doesn’t mean the end of old relationships.

something borrowed wedding veil
Photo courtesy of bloglovin.com

Lipstick from the mother of the bride is a unique, quirky borrowed item.

best-lipstick-colors-wedding
Photo courtesy of womangettingmarried.com

Something Blue

Aquamarine and sapphire – blue stones in gorgeous settings of all sorts add a bluish hue without distracting from the bride and the dress.

aquamarine earrings gold boutique
Gold Unlimited aquamarine earrings
gold unlimited jewelry blue stone rings
Gold Unlimited blue stone rings

Blue shoes add a classic elegance to your otherwise all-white look.

wedding-inspiration-caribbean-beach-wedding-antigua-abbey-something blue
Photo courtesy of destinationweddingmag.com

2016 has seen some subtle trends like this light blue nail polish.

the-new-something-blue-5-creative-ideas blue nails wedding
Photo courtesy of en.paperblog.com

As you move closer to your big day, trust that your wedding accessories are unique, memorable and of the highest quality possible. Come meet our knowledgeable staff in person for any of your wedding jewelry needs, and we will choose a unique piece suited specifically to you. If we don’t have the perfect item in store, we can custom create a piece that is tailored to fit exactly what you have been envisioning.

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Sources

https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-traditions-the-meaning-of-something-old

http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/blogs/wedding-inspiration-kathi-and-joes-beach-wedding-in-antigua?src=SOC&dom=PIN

http://en.paperblog.com/the-new-something-blue-5-creative-ideas-for-your-wedding-578271/

http://www.weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk/article/2220/8-super-sweet-something-old-ideas-for-your-wedding-day

https://www.theknot.com/content/creative-something-old

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/dust-jacket-11619201/wedding-inspiration-rose-glow-4465338399

2016 Spring Wedding Trends

spring wedding couple kissing field flowers

According to the National Association of Wedding Ministers, 29 percent of weddings occur in the spring – a combined 23.3 percent of ceremonies are conducted in March, April or May. Spring is especially favorable in hotter climates like Texas where a summer wedding is often too warm for most guests.

If you are planning for a wedding in the coming year, here are a few 2016 spring wedding trends to get you thinking about your dream day. Get inspired for your spring 2017 wedding with some of these unique season-focused ideas.

 

THE DRESS

One of the more popular wedding gown details that we have seen this year are illusion necklines and backs that are pushing the envelope. This full-on illusion bodice combines a sexy sheer top with carefully placed lace appliqués. The romantic look is covered up in all the right places and the nude lining makes for an intriguing look. This re-embroidered, metallic lace long sleeve Reem Acra wedding dress with a circular tulle underlay is one breathtaking example of the trend.

bridal gown illusion bodice photo by brides.com
Photo courtesy of brides.com

 

THE RING

You already have your perfect engagement ring, and now it’s time to pick out something for your husband to be. This year, we have seen an increase in the unique and ornate detailing for your man’s band. Many options feature specific detailing like beading, engraving and sculpting to add more an an awe-inspiring aesthetic appeal. Visit our blog to view all of the options for your groom’s wedding band.

Photo by glamour.com man wedding ring detailing
Photo courtesy of glamour.com

 

 

THE FLOWERS

Spring 2016 has seen many couples infusing the lush greenery of the outdoors, bringing it inside for the perfect oasis. Think texture when it comes to the bouquet, the centerpieces and even subtle cake accents.

greenery wedding spring 2016
Photo courtesy of http://chicvintagebrides.com/

 

THE COLORS

The Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2016 recently released their top ten colors this season, which they deemed A Transporting and Transformative Canvas. Colors this season transcend cultural and gender norms that are soothing yet bright and exciting. Some of our favorites include Rose Quartz, Peach Echo, Snorkel Blue and Serenity.

pantone spring 2016 colors
Photo courtesy of pantone.com

rose quartz wedding theme fab mood
Photo courtesy of fabmood.com

 

At Gold Unlimited San Antonio, we understand that planning a wedding can be an overwhelming process. As you move closer to your big day, trust that your wedding bands and groom’s gifts are unique, memorable and of the highest quality possible. Come meet our knowledgeable staff in person for any of your wedding jewelry needs, and we will choose a unique piece suited specifically for the recipient. If we don’t have the perfect item in store, we can custom create a piece that is tailored to fit exactly what you have been envisioning.

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SOURCES

http://www.majesticmixers.com/wedding_statistics.htm

http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2015/04/wedding-dress-trends-for-2016-spring#slide=1

http://chicvintagebrides.com/index.php/wedding-trends/top-wedding-trends-2016/

http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2016&pid=11

Fiesta Fashion: Colorful, Bold, Ornate Looks

Fiesta San Antonio Commission Photos by Jonathan Alonzo

Fiesta is one of the biggest events in San Antonio, and the week and a half of celebrating is almost here! Taking place between April 14 and 24 this year, Fiesta is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the rich, diverse history and heritage of San Antonio. Whether you will be attending the River Parade, Battle of Flowers Parade, Fiesta Del Mercado or Fiesta Flambeau Parade, partake in the grandeur and brilliance of these events and be sure you have your attire planned accordingly.

Fashion and Fiesta go hand in hand, so your clothing and jewelry selections should reflect the colorful, bold and eclectic parties and people you will encounter. Get ready to mingle and enjoy plenty of delectable food and drink. Take a look over a few of our Fiesta and Gold Unlimited-inspired pieces below to inspire your jewelry purchases for this joyous occasion.

Teardrop / Chandelier Earrings

Drop and dangle are attention grabbers that make a statement without appearing too gaudy. This aquamarine set features exquisite detailing that will have heads turning in your direction.

aquamarine earrings gold boutique

 

Vibrant, Vivid Rings

Fiesta colors are bold – reds, greens, yellows and blues adorn the entryways of just about every venue and storefront around town. Reflect that kaleidoscopic theme in some colorful rings in an assortment of gemstones. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and styles either – think eclectic.

green ring with diamonds

 

Beautiful Brooches

Brooches make the perfect centerpiece to your Fiesta medal collection. Add a bit of glitz and glamour to your blazer with a sparkling brooch.

 

 

brooch diamonds gold

 

 

 

Statement Necklaces

Make a statement with a brilliantly colored necklace. Gold Unlimited has an unmatched selection of necklaces – from different gemstones to different materials and metals, we will find the perfect Fiesta necklace for you.

purple stone necklace

 

 

Visit Gold Unlimited to receive professional advice on selecting your next breathtaking piece of jewelry. It is our pride and joy to send you home with the perfect piece, custom made or selected to suit your fine taste.

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Jewelry Trends on the Oscar’s Red Carpet

Charlize Theron Diamonds

The 88th Academy Awards ceremony was memorable to many; audiences had the opportunity to see all their favorite stars in one place on February 28. Glamour and fashion played mayor roles on this year’s red carpet – especially as reflected in the jewelry selections. While watching the ceremony, we learned that diamonds were again a favorite of the Oscars elite as a symbol of class and elegance. Here are a few of the other trends that we noticed and the Gold Unlimited pieces they resemble.

Diamond Earrings  Diamond Chandelier earrings

Shapes           

This year, a major trend included playing with shapes like teardrops and geometrical figures for earring, necklaces, hair ornaments, rings and bracelets.

Diamonds

When it comes to wearing diamonds, every star knows how to wear them in a unique manner. Diamond trends at this year’s Oscars ceremony included rose-cut, cushion-cut and diamond chandelier earrings.

Diamond Bracelet Diamond Bracelet

Masterpiece Selection

Diamonds took the spotlight by far at the 88th Academy Awards, but we also saw many of these masterpieces combined with yellow and white gold, platinum, pearls and sapphire. We loved seeing the distinct combinations of colors and materials.

gu-ruby-gem  diamond sapphire ring

Now it’s your turn to create a red carpet look. Visit Gold Unlimited to receive professional advice on selecting your next breathtaking piece of jewelry. It is our pride and joy to send you home with the perfect piece, custom made or selected to suit your fine taste.

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Sources

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/03/10/interview-ten-years-afters-ric-lee-on-the-biz-of-music-woodstock-chaos/#36c05a954ebc

http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/25377/20160229/2016-oscars-top-10-celebrity-jewelry-pieces.htm#page12

http://www.today.com/style/jared-leto-s-flower-saoirse-ronan-s-earrings-oscars-2016-t76631

Best Jewelry Bloggers to Follow

Are you a lover of all things sparkly? What about gold? Do you drool over gemstones?

Stay current with the latest jewelry trends and keep up with some of the most noteworthy up-and-coming designers. There are some fantastic bloggers dedicated to covering jewelry in all of its forms and fashions. From bracelets to brooches, pendants to rings and everything in between, these knowledgeable bloggers have got you covered.

Here is a curated list from the Gold Unlimited staff on who is worth the follow.

 

GEM GOSSIP

This blog is chock -full of stylish photos and creative content including quriky Q&As with some of the latest and greatest jewelry designers as well as a dedicated antique section. The blog’s writer and editor, Danielle started the blog in 2008. She has education and experience as a gemologist and appraiser and is now traveling the world covering jewelry-related stories, visiting stores and collecting eye-catching. jaw-dropping rings with one of the most extensive collections we have ever seen. The blog has a large social media following as well with over 17 thousand Twitter followers, 101 thousand Instagram followers and over 6 thousand Facebook likes.

 

GEMOLOGUE BY LIZA URLA

Founded in 2009 by globetrotter Liza Urla, Gemologue is a feast for the eyes. The photos are beautiful and the featured jewelry is, of course, breathtaking. Liza is bringing the glamor from all over the world, including London Milan, Hong Kong, NYC, Rio and Moscow. She shares her thoughts on new collections, conducts extensive interviews and relays incredibly helpful information about buying gemstones. Get a peek inside fashion week or check out her “Street Style” section – Gemologue has something for everyone.

GEMOLOGUE BY LIZA URLA ring photo
Photo courtesy of http://gemologue.com/

JEWELS DU JOUR

One of our favorite blogs to reference for estate jewelry is Jewels Du Jour. Originally a professional figure skater for Ukraine, Natalie was a long time social media enthusiast who took a few consultant positions helping to promote jewelers online and fell in love with the work. She built Jewels Du Jour and never looked back. On her site, Natalie says that she, “seek[s] to explore every aspect of the jewelry world, from digging through archives of historic jewelry houses, like Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, to discovering the Fabergés of modern times, such as the reclusive Joel Arthur Rosenthal.” Her specialties are profiling important historical pieces and contemporary aesthetics. Jewels De Jour’s largest social media platform is Instagram, which boasts about 32 thousand followers.

 

For continual jewelry inspiration, explore the sites of the talented bloggers listed and don’t forget to stop by Gold Unlimited to put all of that accumulated knowledge and awareness to good use.

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Old World Charm With Vintage Elegance

A vintage piece of jewelry is timelessly beautiful, ecologically sound and fiscally practical. If you enjoy standing out from the crowd and are looking to make a statement that is authentic and meaningful, a vintage engagement ring, pendant, locket, brooch or avant-garde earrings may be perfect for you. Choose something completely unique with enduring allure.

The only question left to answer is – which era matches your personality?

 

JEWELS THROUGH THE AGES

 

Art Nouveau

Time: 1890-1910

Meaning: French for “New art”

Characteristics: Soft, mystical, romantic

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Click image for more.

Soft, arched shapes inspired by plants and feminine curves were prevalent during this era. Jewelers utilized free flowing lines known as “whiplash” lines that communicated a romantic style with breathtaking detailing like hand-forged filigree. Nature-inspired motifs were combined with an intense use of color and mixed metals. Stones such as agate, moonstone, garnet and opal were incorporated and a variety of enameling techniques were used.

 

Edwardian

Time: 1901-1920

Meaning: Named after King Edward of Britain

Characteristics: Embellished, extravagant, delicate

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Graceful and elegant, some pieces from this era are so detailed that it appears the gemstones are set in lace. Designs saw an abundance of diamonds and are extremely feminine in appearance. Milgraining (a technique creating a row of tiny beads along the edge or boundary of a section of jewelry) was used extensively during this period. The extravagant and sophisticated reign of Edward VII were reflected in the high society jewelry of this period.

 

Art Deco 

Time: 1920-1935

Meaning: Name taken from The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925 (Decorative Arts and Architecture)

Characteristics: bold, geometric

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This style continues to be a source of inspiration in art, fashion and jewelry design today. The use of sharp lines, clean shapes and large gemstones was influenced by the architecture of Egypt, Greece and Rome. There was a strong desire to eliminate the flowing lines reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period, thus eradicating seemingly unnecessary ornament. The association of art and modern industry was illustrated in plentiful Cubism and Fauvisim-inspired pieces. Advancements in cutting techniques during this time also allowed for diamonds to sparkle brighter than ever.

 

Retro

Time: 1935-1950

Meaning: Surrogate royalty / Art Moderne

Characteristics: Bigger, bolder, glitz, glamour

retro jewelry

Jewelry from this era saw yellow and rose gold pieces return to heightened popularity and transitional cut diamonds were common. Set against the drab realities of World War II, these pieces incorporated the fantasy and glamour of Hollywood. Cocktail jewelry, as it is sometimes called, became bolder, brighter and more lighthearted. Popular gemstones included aquamarines, topaz and citrines as well as rubies and sapphires. Huge rectangular cuts, oversized bracelets and patriotic-themed color combinations were popular.

 

Modern

Time: 1950-Today

Meaning: Contemporary, a break from the traditional

Characteristics: Flashy, dramatic designs

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Following the 1950s, jewelry designs underwent radical changes as customers sought fresh styles to distance themselves from the tumultuous past. Atomic designs reflected the nation’s focus on space exploration. Textured gold, Florentine finishes, twisted rope and braided wire were heavily used techniques. Economic growth and prosperity from this era is reflected in dramatic designs and a focus on diamonds. Other popular stones included amethyst, turquoise, coral and cultured pearls. Platinum, yellow gold and silver became the metals of choice.

 

At Gold Unlimited, we showcase a wide variety of vintage jewels in excellent condition. Explore the possibility of acquiring a show-stopping vintage piece to add to your collection.

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Sources

http://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Deco

http://www.trumpetandhorn.com/jewelry-time-periods

http://www.brilliantearth.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/fine-jewelry/art-nouveau

http://www.greenlakejewelry.com/gallery/style.aspx

http://eragem.com/vintage-engagement-rings

http://www.lj24magazine.com/article/article_000246/1.aspx

http://university.langantiques.com/index.php/Art_Nouveau_Jewelry

http://www.studiosoft.it/AntJewelryEdwardian.htm

http://university.langantiques.com/index.php/Art_Deco_Era_Jewelry

http://www.macklowegallery.com/education.asp/art+nouveau/Art+%26amp%3B+Jewelry+Terms/antiques/Jewelry+Periods/education/Retro/id/56

http://www.macklowegallery.com/education.asp/art+nouveau/Art+%26amp%3B+Jewelry+Terms/antiques/Jewelry+Periods/education/Mid-Century/id/65

7 Jewelry Trends for 2016

Multiple rings at Gucci Vogue

If the top fashion and jewelry designers have taught us anything in the final months of this year, it is to definitely not shy away from drama in 2016. Spotted on the final runways readying for Spring 2016, these trend-setting designs are making statements.

Some pieces were like a breath of fresh air, while others were recycled classics from decades past with a new twist. Visible influences for some of the top designers included sleek architecture, the industrial revolution, 60s glamour and modern conveniences.

Look over these up-and-coming trends to prepare yourself and your jewelry box for the coming year.

 

Jeweled Brooches

 

Jeweled brooches at Prada Vogue
At Prada, photo courtesy of Vogue

 

Multiple Rings                       

Multiple rings at Gucci Vogue
At Gucci, photo courtesy of Vogue

 

Structured Gold Pieces

Greg Lauren photo courtesy of elle
Greg Lauren, photo courtesy of Elle

 

Locks and Chains

 

Alexander Wang photo courtesy of Harper's Bazaar
Alexander Wang, photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar

 

Bigger is Better

 

Big Earrings Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta, photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar

 

Short and Sweet

brestplate Necklaces fashionisers.com
Breastplate necklaces, photo courtesy of www.fashionisers.com

 

Pixelated

Kara Ross national jeweler
Kara Ross, photo courtesy of www.nationaljeweler.com

 

See how you can adapt these latest looks by stopping by Gold Unlimited or giving us a call today. Let’s find something that suits your taste or create a custom piece designed and inspired by you.

 

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Sources

http://wwd.com/accessories-news/trends/jewelry-trend-2016-gold-bold-10201586/

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g6423/spring-2016-jewelry-trends/

http://trends.jewelry/top-7-jewelry-trends-for-2016/

http://www.fashionisers.com/trends/fall-winter-2015-2016-accessory-trends/