Something Blue for the Bride: Earrings

Despite the evolving nature of wedding trends, most brides still follow the wedding tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  The wedding dress easily serves as a bride’s something new, and family heirlooms such as handkerchiefs, veils, brooches and garters are classic picks for something borrowed or something old.  The item that most brides struggle with is finding their perfect ’something blue.’

Our favorite way to incorporate something blue into the bride’s wedding day ensemble is to pick a stunning piece of jewelry with a blue stone. Sapphire, blue topaz and aquamarine are lovely blue hued gemstones for a bride to choose.  Brides who prefer a quiet, understated something blue should choose small blue gemstone and diamond earrings.  By wearing delicate studs or earrings with just a small drop, the ’something blue’ is not overpowering; it’s a subtle compliment to the wedding dress.

On that note, here are some of our favorite subtle – and gorgeous – ’something blue’ earrings for the bride:

Emerald Cut Diamond and Blue Topaz Earrings

These earrings are crafted in a classic vintage design with timeless appeal. Brides striving for that vintage, romantic aesthetic would be well served by the beautiful blue topaz and diamond studs on their wedding day.  We also love that these earrings are versatile enough to be worn everyday as well.

Oval Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Flower Stud Earrings

Like the earrings above, these delicate beauties also have a vintage allure (pictured at top left).  Dainty oval sapphires are surrounded by a burst of diamonds totaling nearly a half carat in weight – simply stunning, and perfect for the bride incorporating a vintage theme into her wedding attire.

Pear Shaped Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Earrings

For a little more flair, these pear shaped blue topaz drop earrings are an ideal pick. A small drop gives them extra oomph and the modern shape is great for brides who want small earrings that still make a statement. Best of all, they are a steal at under $200.

If we haven’t highlighted your favorite pair of gemstone earrings in this article, be sure to check out our extensive selection of gemstone jewelry. From modern cocktail rings to vintage inspired styles, Apples of Gold has pieces for the everday and the extraordinary.

Bridal Bouquet Rosary

There are many creative ways to inject meaning and religion into a wedding other than by having your ceremony in a church. Many brides wouldn’t dream of having their wedding outside the church they grew up attending, which makes honoring their religion inherent in the ceremony. But more and more modern brides are opting to have their ceremonies next the ocean, overlooking miles of vineyards or atop a hillside at sunset, far away from the traditional church ceremony. Regardless of whether you are a nature-loving barefoot bride or plan to walk down the church aisle with covered sleeves, incorporating symbols of your religion into the wedding day can be a powerful reminder of the sanctity of marriage.

One idea we love is the wrapping of a rosary around the bridal bouquet to carry down the aisle. Not only does it look gorgeous and really dress up the bouquet in pictures, it’s a great way to add personal meaning to your bouquet. Many brides choose to carry a rosary that has been passed down in the family, making it their something old or something borrowed. If you already have a lovely rosary that belonged to a cherished aunt or grandma, make sure you let your florist know you will bring it on the day of the wedding so she can secure it to your bouquet.

For brides who want to carry a rosary but don’t have one yet, Apples of Gold carries the most exquisite gold rosary that comes in three different varieties:

Solid 14K Gold Rosary Prayer Necklace

This rosary (shown at top left) is stunning up close and in person. It features detailed 14K gold rosary beads strung on a 14K gold chain, and an intricately crafted crucifix with Jesus’ body. This 29” long rosary is family heirloom quality, perfect for passing down through the generations to start your own rosary wedding tradition for future children and grandchildren.

Tri Color 14K Gold Rosary Prayer Necklace

The tri color gold rosary prayer necklace is two inches longer than the previous, and is a modern spin on the beautiful tradition of carrying a rosary. For brides on a tight budget, consider the smaller tri color gold rosary prayer necklace, which is a few hundred dollars cheaper but just as beautiful.

Platinum Wedding Bands

As mentioned in our article about Holiday Proposals, December is by far the most popular month for couples to get engaged. Despite the economic outlook, couples are still falling in love, pledging to spend their lives together, and planning weddings. The good news for today’s couple on a budget is that jewelry’s most precious metal, platinum, experienced a huge price drop during the year. Platinum started off the year at over $1600 per ounce in January 2008, but has steadily declined due to a slowing demand. On the final day of the year platinum closed at only $928 per ounce.

At a time when the prices of gold and platinum are so close to each other, it makes sense to  purchase a platinum wedding band. Since platinum is much rarer than gold, investing in a platinum ring when the price is depressed means that your investment will likely increase in value faster over time. Platinum wedding bands come in just as many styles and designs as gold bands, and are more durable as well. If you are interested in a platinum wedding band for you or your fiancé, consider checking out some of our popular designs. The wide selection has something for everyone; from hammered platinum bands to rings intricately engraved with Celtic crosses.

Hammered Platinum Band

The hammered platinum wedding band is for the traditional couple who appreciates a unique look. The band features beveled edges with a matte hammered pattern down the center of the ring. It is also a comfort fit ring, which makes a huge difference in its wearability.

Plain Platinum Band

Plain platinum wedding rings are handsome in their simplicity. They also come in a wide variety of widths so you can find the perfect fit and look for your finger. We carry all the way from a thin 2 millimeter platinum ring up to a big, thick 8 millimeter platinum band.  Often women will feel more comfortable with a slim, light band in the 2 millimeter size and men will choose the 5, 6 or 8 millimeter size so it looks proportional on their larger hands. This allows a couple to pick our matching rings without having to sacrifice the perfect look and feel of a ring on their hand.

Intricately Designed Platinum Rings

Platinum bands also come in a wide range of beautiful designs. Some of the most popular platinum wedding ring designs include rings with Celtic patterns, braided patterns, and brushed finished rings.  Within each of these categories, there is a plethora of styles, widths and sizes to choose from.

If you still have not found the perfect platinum wedding band in the above picks, try browsing through our entire platinum collection of platinum rings. There is something for every taste, and the prices are perfect for couples who want beautiful wedding bands within their budget.