Bridal Diamond Cross Pendants

Even as modern brides are choosing to hold non-religious ceremonies outside the church, many are still looking for ways to honor their religion and heritage.  Religious readings, rosary-wrapped bridal bouquets and group prayer are just some of the ways brides are adding religious meaning to non-traditional ceremonies.   For brides looking to incorporate religion into their wedding day with style, we think wearing a diamond cross pendant can be a stunning solution.

The beauty of a diamond cross pendant is that it doubles as lifelong jewelry as well as a wedding day religious symbol.  Because of this, many brides receive diamond cross necklaces as wedding day presents from their family or the groom. Wearing the new cross necklace for a wedding gives the piece a lovely sentimental value, and it comes to represent the beginning of the husband and wife’s new life together. It also serves as a reminder of the couple’s faith and their religious influences that helped them reach the point of marriage.

Though the notion of the wedding day being ‘the best day in your life’ is a bit trite, it certainly will go down in your life’s history as one of the most unforgettable days. There are so few times in our lives that we have the chance to be surrounded by all of our loved ones, family and friends, and even fewer times when we take the day to celebrate our love with the person we’ve chosen to spend our life with.

People might not remember what flavor the cake was served at your wedding, or the type of flowers used in the arrangements, but they will always remember the love in the air and the fact that they witnessed the beginning of your life together. So many things incorporated into modern weddings are fleeting, but by wearing a special piece of jewelry for the first time on your wedding day, you create a special meaning and symbolism every time you wear it for the rest of your life.

Pearl Earrings for Your Wedding Day

Other than diamonds, pearls are the most popular gem for wedding day jewelry. Not only are pearls beautiful and one of a kind, they have also long symbolized qualities that embody a woman on her wedding day. Since they have been used in fine jewelry for thousands of years, pearls have come to symbolically represent virtue, purity and beauty. They are also often used as a representation for faith since the Bible refers to religion as a pearl. For these reasons, choosing a gorgeous piece of pearl jewelry is perfectly befitting a bride.

Since most brides are already wearing their engagement ring on their wedding day (and will soon also be wearing a wedding band), additional ring jewelry is not commonly worn as a bridal accessory.  Although this convention has been challenged with the adorable trend of bridal cocktail rings, pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings are still far more common bridal accessories than pearl rings. We love the look of wedding day pearls and want to highlight some of our favorite options for pearl bridal jewelry. This week we’re focusing on the timeless pearl earring, which we think perfectly frames the face of a glowing bride.

Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Opera Dangle Earrings

When it comes to pearls, a Tahitian black pearl is the rarest and most coveted. For women infusing their wedding with vintage glamour, this pair of opera dangle earrings is sheer perfection. Just make sure to pair them with very simple additional accessories to let them take center stage and shine.

10 mm White Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings

These pearl and diamond drop earrings (pictured at top) are the ultimate classic. They could have been worn in the 1940s or 50s and have looked just as stunning and apropos as they would on today’s modern bride.  Even better, they are the kind of earring that can be dressed up or down and taken just about anywhere. When making a jewelry investment, wearability is a key influencer in the  item’s worth; precisely why this gorgeous pair of earrings is worth every cent.

Golden Pearl and Sapphire Earrings

Two golden South Sea pearls dangle alluringly from a clean row of amber colored sapphires in this lovely pair of earrings. Though this is the same design as the earrings above, they make an entirely different statement in the warm hue. The amber sapphires and golden pearls make these earrings an ideal choice for a cozy autumn wedding.

South Sea Pearl Diamond Pave Stud Earrings

These stunning little studs are perfectly ladylike. They would be absolutely lovely paired with a bateau neckline wedding gown or other high-neck creation, or worn as a set with a pretty white pearl necklace.  Like the white pearl and diamond drop earrings, this is one piece of jewelry that can be worn with anything and will stand the test of time.

Antique Style Sapphire Ring Wedding Set

The more we head into the future, it seems that style-wise we are looking to the past. This statement is especially true when it comes to jewelry, and wedding rings in particular. During the 1980s and 1990s, jewelry styles went from oversized and over-the-top to super sleek, subdued and modern. But during the 2000s, a subtle shift in taste occurred that led style backwards in time – all the way back to the Victorian era.

The Victorian era was the period in history that set many of the wedding traditions society still holds dear today, including the bride’s white dress, diamond engagement rings and elaborate cakes.  So perhaps it makes sense then, that the same jewelry style that defined that era will always be considered beautiful in the design of engagement rings and wedding bands. As we head towards 2010, everything old is new again with vintage inspired color palettes, fashion and jewelry, and wedding rings seem to have followed suit.

To celebrate the beautiful antique designs from history, we have created this gorgeous antique style sapphire wedding ring and wedding band set for the bride. Though antique in style, it still makes a modern statement with the stunning blue sapphire stone set in 14K solid white gold. To maintain an authentic appearance, the white gold ring is not rhodium plated to reflect the beautiful patina of vintage white gold jewelry. Finally, the detailing in the white gold ring is exquisite; paisleys and filigree adorn the bands for a truly unique (and very vintage) effect.

For couples who love to customize their jewelry, this antique sapphire wedding ring set is also available in 18K white gold, yellow gold and platinum. Since your wedding ring should truly define your style and personality, choosing the right rings is an important task. Check out Apples of Gold’s selection of wedding rings for men and women to get some wonderful style ideas.