Pink Jewellery

Vintage Pink

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:40:11 GMT

Sri Lanka and its Gems

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:20:32 GMT

Sri Lanka has long been known for its richness in gems. In fact, it was the first information about Sri Lanka that came to Europe: "An island on which the rivers are filled with gems." That, of course, is somewhat exaggerated, but the pioneers of those days needed good reasons to leave home for years on end, to convince investors and to get sailors to sign up for the long and dangerous trip. At any rate, it is true: Sri Lanka is blessed with rare earths. Only after the discovery of gemstone deposits on Madagascar could any country compete with the abundance found in Sri Lanka. Since a lot has been said about the famous rubies and sapphires, we would like to offer some insight into the 'new' varieties that lately entered the gem market, mainly via the Internet. With regard to the fact that these stones are widely bought based on photos, I have also added some remarks on how these less popular varieties behave in front of the camera.

Spinel: Spinel come in a vast variety of colors, but are not as confusing as the garnet family. The most famous colors in spinel are blue and red, but one will find fine purple, violet, pink, mauve, greenish, or black spinel. They also come with stars and color changes but have not yet gained much attention. What characterizes all spinel is their excellent lustre and durability. The king amongst blue spinel is a rare variety colored not by iron but by cobalt. This cobalt spinel is found only occasionally in Sri Lanka (and elsewhere). In the red hues, ruby-like colored spinel has sky-rocketed in price and popularity, directly followed by hot pink and padparadscha colors. It appears that in recent years spinel has made it from a sometimes hardly distinguishable, sapphire-substitute to a variety standing on its own. Thus, they do not come cheap anymore. Even our remotest miners have started to distinguish spinel as better than other 'non-sapphire-gems' and thus have started to ask much higher prices. However, they are still a comparatively reasonable alternative to ruby or blue sapphire. The less known varieties of spinel (purple, mauve, etc.) offer not only a superb visual appearance but are most likely also to be good investments in the long run. Like sapphire, spinel are quite photogenic. They do not deceive in color or lustre. As all gems, they are sensitive with inclusions in the lighter tones only.

Pyrope: Pyrope is typically described as blood or wine-red, while this name refers to the Greek word for "fire". Though pyrope does not have what one calls "fire" in a diamond it is definitely as red as it gets. How red is that? In case you are familiar with Spanish wine you might have a look at a Senior de Los Lamos '67, which will cost you much more than buying a pyrope, but tastes better (pyrope does not). You might also take blood samples from your neighbor's ox, but that too might not be a particular wise course. It is said that once upon a time pyrope has been more popular and much higher priced. Today pyrope is, behind the almandine, the best deal if one wants a red-red gem of significant size. In photos, pyrope typically shows blackish areas and little lustre. Their color gets across well, but they usually tend to show more orange or brown than they actually have. Darker pyropes simply refuse to be photographed yet look good in person. They are a fine color-bargain to hunt for.

Hessonite: Hessonite is always clearly distinguishable. See a hessonite through a lens and he will appear to be melting inside, while you can not see anything special without the lens. Melting? Some gemologists call it a "treacly" or 'swirly' appearance, which comes from inclusions that actually look like a petrified fluid. Hessonite is a wonderful stone in all yellow-orange to brown-red hues. Though not in line with the standard scientific gemology literature, hessonite is currently found in Sri Lanka in all red garnet colors from a fiery orange to a, simply, traffic light red. In any event, they make exquisite colored gemstones and are a true miracle when seen under the lens. Although hessonite is wonderful to look at in person, they struggle with serious problems in front of the camera. Unfortunately 'treacly' transfers on a photo to 'fuzzy'. One needs to experience a hessonite live to be able to capture the information hidden in a photo. As a rule, concentrate on the color and ignore the fuzziness of the photo. If you like the color you will have to test the luster in person.

Almandine: Almandine is the most famous garnet variety in Sri Lanka. They seem close to pyrope but are of a more intense red mingled with pink and/or violet. Though often included with a very fine needle structure (which is a pleasure to see under the lens) they do have all the fire and luster one might desire. In fact, a good almandine can be so amazing under a spotlight that you will not want to take your eyes off that sparkle again. Almandine is more expensive than pyrope but still a fine deal compared to the price of a similar color thrill in spinel or ruby. The needle structure in almandine tends to look a bit fizzy on photos. Nevertheless, almandines are a pleasure to shoot - they glimmer and sparkle in fine red tones and transfer well on images. Like pyrope, almandine color usually does not vary much between with day or tungsten light. Also, like pyrope, they tend to show black-out areas which are not as dark as they seem in reality.

Rhodolite & Raspberry Garnets: Rhodolite and raspberry are red garnet with a strong pink and/or purple hue. Both are characterized by their color and one will find different definitions in the literature. However, if almandine and pyrope are wine & blood, raspberry and rhodolite are berry & flowers. They are the best deal in town for progressive color adventures. Both have excellent luster and a "juicy" color play that often mocks any description in plain words. Truly appetizing colors: Grading them sometimes makes me want to rush to the market to see whether I can find some berries. Both stones can be miraculous and nerve-wrecking in front of the camera. They are the chameleons amongst gemstones. We have seen furious discussions between photographer and grader about what is the "real" color. Truth seems to be that there is no truth. But that doesn't matter much because these stones always excel their photos.

Color change garnet: Color changing garnets are an exquisite rarity (and I mean rarity) in Sri Lanka. Most traders and miners in Sri Lanka consider (or wishfully think) any color change garnet to be an alexandrite and thus have dollar signs in their eyes when they get their hands on one. Therefore, most color changing garnets start their life as alexandrite, but somewhere down the supply chain somebody has a bad awakening. On the other hand, one must ask, why does a beautifully changing garnet have only 10% of the value of a dully changing pale alexandrite? That of course is a complex question of market mechanism. If one simply admires the magic of color change, hunt the last color change garnets before the deposits are depleted. Catching color change on photos is one of the trickiest tasks in gemstone photography. This counts not only for garnet, but also for all color changers. It is so tricky, that I can only warn of too good looking cheap color changers. A color change that is fully visible on photo without photoshop tricks is truly rare and will never be cheap (at least not in natural stones).

Zircon: Zircon has suffered much bad PR due to synthetic stones with the trade name "Cubic Zirconia". In addition to this, the use of zircon as a cheap diamond rip-off has led many people to believe that zircon is synthetic or some kind of fake. It is not! Zircon is a wonderful gemstone variety that has much more to offer than all the treated zircon in uniformed colors roaming the jewelry market. Zircon is the most brilliant of all colored gemstone (only thus could it be misused as an imitation for diamonds). Its brilliance and luster is unbeatable and its high birefringence is most unique. Naturally colored zircon can be green, yellow, brown, (rarely) blue, (very rarely) red and often colorless. In any color, it shows a stunning fire and magnificent luster. Mostly very clean and found in good sizes zircon is a yet little known opportunity for novice collectors and experimental jewelry makers. They offer adorable colors and excellent luster for every budget. A light yellow zircon is nearly as fascinating as a fancy diamond. Sri Lanka has for centuries been the best source of gem quality zircons. As a rule, zircons are even better in person than their images. The birefringence of zircon is so dominant that it is difficult to photograph clearly. Additionally, they are often so brilliant that they seem to simply mirror light on the image. The strong luster of zircon is rather hindering for the color show and when it comes to zircons, one shall rather trust the seller than the photo. Of course, this can be said as a general rule. Don't buy gems based on photos but on the reputation of the seller and based on the security of his return policy. It is not a pleasant shopping experience if you buy a bad stone with a super photo that can't be returned.

Aquamarine: Unfortunately, we do not get many aquamarines in Sri Lanka. Those we get are of light colors (untreated of course) with a greenish blue hue. The most expensive color in Sri Lanka is a sky blue. In former times, the most wanted color was actually (in line with the name) the greenish blue. However today the sky blue is higher priced. Even more than amongst sapphires, aquamarines are generally heated to get stronger blue. If you have decided to stay with natural gemstones, look out for light colors. I personally think the greenish blue ones are very beautiful and make for unique stones. Light colored stones are notoriously difficult to capture in photos. Especially in stones of good luster, the light thrown back out of the stones tends to override the stone's color. Hence, even if an aquamarine has a solid clearly visible blue hue, it might in the photo show nearly colorless. Light colors also make inclusions look much more serious on the photo than in reality. Again, trust the seller not the photo.

Amethyst: Amethyst is a very popular purple-violet quartz. It is available in fine colors and good sizes but does not demand high prices. A lot of amethyst is burned into citrine but the original stone is much more attractive. In fact, seen in color/price relation, amethyst might compete with garnets. The deep purple cross-over to violet is just delicious. Amethyst is no problem in photos. Amethyst is grateful in front of the camera and makes easy realistic shots.

Tourmaline: Tourmaline is the most versatile gemstone family. Not only do they show themselves in all colors from brown to pink, but they are also famous for bi- tri- and multicolored varieties, and rare color changers. In Sri Lanka, we rarely find pink, blue and red tourmaline but are blessed with green, yellow and brown in all mixes and variation. For those who dislike today's flashy fancy colors, tourmaline with his mellow autumnal hues offers superb alternatives. Turning a bi- or tri-colored tourmaline in the sun and watching his playfully change between reddish brown, yellowish green and mellow orange is most delightful! Pure green tourmaline can be an alternative to emerald and is thus often cut in baguettes and emerald shape. Tourmaline comes in good sizes, is clean and often used as healing stone. We predict that tourmaline will gain more fame after the recent run for flashy colors has settled. Mono-colored tourmaline does not cause any problems in front of the camera. The color comes out realistic and they are not too light sensitive. Multicolored stones (showing different colors in different zones) are also no challenge. But things get more difficult when it comes to bi- or tri-colored stones. Sometimes it is possible to capture all colors in one angle. But more frequently the photographer gets sore fingers and a heart attack before he leaves it to the grader to describe the color play in words.

Topaz: Natural untreated topaz is rarely available, and a lot of consumers buy all kinds of cheap synthetics, citrine or treated and irradiated stones. This has led to much confusion and a devaluation of the original topaz. However, naturally colored topaz is an exquisite rarity and a true collector's item. Colorless topaz (which is often taken to be radiated) is a reasonable alternative to white sapphire and a good place to start a collection. The light blue stones we find in Sri Lanka are a delightful brilliant sight. Unfortunately, we rarely get yellow (the "true" topaz) or pinkish topaz. Natural colored topaz is notoriously difficult to photograph. Topaz, with their naturally light colors, outshine themselves and (like aquamarine) tend to look colorless even if the eye clearly captures a nice color. In any case, an untreated light blue topaz is a terrific stone with a dazzling luster surpassing many much higher priced stones. If you see a fully colored topaz on a photo, it is either heavily treated or heavily photo-shop-faked. If not, it should cost a fortune.

Chrysoberyl: The famous color changing alexandrite is a sub-variety of chrysoberyl. Normal Sri Lanka chrysoberyls come in light to fully saturated green and fine yellow hues. They are hard and durable and thus much appreciated for jewelry. Generally of good clarity and fine luster they are a unique alternative to green or yellow sapphire. The fabulous cat's eye is one of the miracles in the world of gemstones. Fine parallel needles throughout the stone break light in a way that the stone displays a ray moving across the stone. While garnets, quartz and other varieties might show the same effect, only chrysoberyl is correctly referred to as the cat's eye. Basic parameters to judge the ray is the definition (look for full and clear), position (should be centered) and the movement (should be flawless) across the stone. While faceted chrysoberyl is easy to capture, a cat's eye needs a strong single light source to display the ray. This is difficult without changing the color of the stone in the yellow tungsten light. Therefore when buying cat's eye on the web, one should also pay attention to the 'official' color description and grading.

Kornerupine: Kornerupine is a fine new opportunity for the collector of natural colors. Until recently, quasi non-existent in the gem market, kornerupine has now found attention as a nice untreated gemstone in very unique hues: From mellow green mingled with yellowish and brown tints to forest green. Depending on the cut, some stones show different colors from different angels but they are not as unpredictable as tourmaline (with which they are often confused). Though kornerupine has entered the gem market only recently, we have so far always received positive feed back from those who ventured to buy this unknown variety. Similar to other green stones kornerupine likes to be photographed. When it comes to pleochroic effects, things get more difficult. Since stones are cut him one color, this should not be much trouble.

Diopside: Though soft, diopside has raised some attention from jewelry makers for its strong but reasonable priced green hues. Chrome diopside has actually become quite famous and expensive for its emerald green. However, it is soft and has to be protected in jewelry. In Sri Lanka, we mostly find the mellow green hues mingled with some lively yellow. Together with kornerupine, diopside make the most exciting new discovery in the world of green gems. Especially the cat's eye variety seems to have huge potential as an alternative to the more expensive chrysoberyl. Due to his strong birefringence, diopside tends to come out slightly fuzzy and light green hues present inclusions stronger that the lens shows them.

Sinhalite: Sinhalite is the Sri Lankan stone (in regard to the origin of the name). It is usually found in fine yellow brownish colors and highly priced in honey yellow. Sinhalite is a rare collector item that was identified only a few decades ago. Though uncommon in jewelry, it has all the qualities to be mounted and we would love to see more of it. As long as the color is not too light, sinhalite poses well in front of the camera.

- Edward Bristol

It's all in the Accessories...

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:34:26 GMT

With the party season almost upon us, us ladies are already conjuring up mental images in our minds about how fabulous we intend to look at each and every event. However, December is already a very expensive month for obvious reasons and it seems slightly unpractical for us to be buying a whole new outfit every time we step out of a taxi and into a Christmas party. So, what is the alternative? Obviously we cannot attend every party looking the same- heaven forbid! The answer then - accessories! Wearing the same dress in different ways with different jewelry, shoes and even hair and make up can really open you up all manner of outfit opportunities.

First of all, we need to find the dress. Before you head out hunting for a new 'goes-with-everything' frock, check your wardrobe! The four dresses you bought last year maybe up for the job. Once the dress is decided upon, the fun really starts. Perhaps you have stayed safe an opted for a little black number which has always served you well? That's great, the options, then, are endless.

For look no.1, think Audrey Hepburn. Simple and elegant, her iconic style still inspires many even today. So, what do you need to achieve such a look? Well, its pretty simple really. You need an immaculate up-do (perhaps watch a few online video guides), you need a fabulous pair of sparkly earrings and, you need a set of pearls and, for the extravagant among you, a lavish cigarette holding prop might be the perfect finishing touch.

For look no. 2, think festive. Color and sparkle can work wonders
alongside that staple black dress; these are Christmas parties after all! The easiest way to add a bit of color to your outfit is in the shoes or the tights. Perhaps you could team your black dress with a pair of show stopping shoes; the amazing women's shoes available this season should provide you with many options. Following such, a few pieces of costume jewelry - a few coloured bangles and a ring or two - and perhaps even some hair accessories - bows and flowers, etc - will really set off the outfit.

For look no.3, think natural goddess. This look is all about making the most of what you have. Beautiful, natural make up, loose wavy hair, and a few understated pieces of jewelry can sometimes be the boldest statement of all.

So, enjoy the party season, and make the most of that little black dress!

- Emily Patterson

A Superb Pink Diamond

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:01:13 GMT

From last year, but worth watching:

Types of Sapphire Jewellery

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:46:16 GMT

Sapphire is a kind of mineral known as Corundum. There are many types of sapphires, depending upon their colours and other properties. When a sapphire is red, it is called Ruby, and a pinkish-orange sapphire is called Padparadscha, which means lotus blossom. A sapphire other than blue is called a fancy sapphire.

Pink sapphires are usually known as girly sapphires because pink gives a feminine look. Sapphire jewellery became very popular after Paris Hilton was seen wearing a pink sapphire ring and a yellow diamond pendant. After this, people are taking interest in sapphires and the demand of sapphires is increasing day by day. The current trend is towards the large knuckle-type rings that are paved with tiny pink sapphires.

Sapphires come in about all colours depending on the quantity of impurities in them. Elements such as Titanium, Chromium and Iron can all change the hue of the transparent mineral into variety of colours such as green, pink, orange, yellow and variety of blue. Sapphires are also available in black and grey colours as well.

Sapphire is a hard mineral. It has a melting greater than 2000 deg C and is also insoluble and infusible. It is widely used in sapphire rings and other jewellery items. Besides this, it has other practical applications as well.

Sapphires come in two different varieties: synthetic and natural. As it is clear from the name that natural sapphires are mined naturally, synthetic sapphire is grown through different procedures developed in 1902 by Auguste Verneuil. Due to the advancement in the creation of large scale synthesizing of sapphires, sapphires today are available at very cheap rates. Due to their affordability, they became more valuable for use in both jewellery and industry. Different types of sapphires are available all over the world.

Besides the colour differences, sapphires are also differentiated due to their shapes and appearance. A star sapphire is named due to the appearance of the star-shaped pattern. This star-shaped pattern is the result of asterism. Asterism is a phenomenon which can be found in different types of gems. In star sapphires it is due to intersecting needle-like impurities. Star sapphire jewellery is dependent upon the colour and the asterism intensity.

Usually the sapphires used in jewellery are synthetic sapphires because they are more affordable. Natural sapphires are expensive because they are rarer. Both types of sapphires look the same. Only jewellery experts can distinguish between natural and synthetic jewellery. The price of the sapphires also depends upon the clarity, size, cut, quality and colour of the sapphire.

Sapphire jewellery exists in a wide range of forms. But the most popular of them are sapphire jewellery rings, such as engagement rings and eternity rings. The most valuable sapphires available on the market are blue sapphires. Sapphires having a cornflower blue shade are the most popular stones, known as "Kashmir Sapphires". Besides this, Padparadscha sapphires are also high in price and popularity.

You can find details of the latest sapphire jewellery at The Jewellery Channel

- Imran Ali

Antique Unheated Pink Sapphire Ring

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:34:37 GMT

Morganite or Pink Beryl?

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:29:48 GMT

In the first decade of the twentieth century, several new gemstone varieties were discovered in Pala, California. They include kunzite, the pink variety of spodumene; and morganite, the pink variety of beryl. Kunzite was named after the famous American gemologist, George Frederick Kunz, who spent most of his career as the chief gemologist at Tiffany and Co. Morganite was named in honor of the legendary financier and gem collector, J.P. Morgan. In fact it was Kunz who suggested naming the newly discovered beryl after Morgan, who was Tiffany's largest customer.

Morganite belongs to the same gemstone family as emerald, aquamarine, golden beryl and bixbite. Among these beryls, morganite and the raspberry-red bixbite are the rarest. In fact bixbite is only found in the state of Utah in the USA. Morganite is not quite as scarce, but still counts as a rare variety.

There has been some attempt in the jewellery trade to change the name of morganite to "pink emerald." But this should be seen as just a marketing ploy to bring pink beryl to the attention of the public. The official mineral name for pink beryl continues to be morganite.

Like the other members of the beryl family, morganite is aluminum beryllium silicate. The source of the pink colouration is not well understood. Some scientists attribute morganite's colour to traces of manganese, while other sources attribute the colour to the element caesium. Morganite's colour can vary soft pink to violet to salmon or peach.

In common with other beryls, morganite has very good hardness, with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Unlike emerald, which tends to have significant inclusions, morganite is usually quite clean.

Morganite is routinely heat treated to improve its delicate colour and remove any yellow tones. Heating is done at relatively low temperatures (about 400 degrees centigrade) to achieve this effect.

Morganite deposits are found in Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the USA (California and Maine).

- AJS Gems

Pink Diamonds Trade Secrets

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:33:46 GMT

Choosing Wedding Jewellery - 10 Top Tips

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:46:52 GMT

You've chosen the wedding and bridesmaid dresses, the venue, the flowers and even the table settings. The band has been booked and the menu tasted. At some point your thoughts will inevitably turn to the finishing touches, and so to what accessories and jewellery will complement your wedding outfit.

The choice can be confusing. White gold or yellow gold? Diamond jewellery or a mix of pearls and diamonds? Can you wear gemstone jewellery for a little colour? Should you keep it simple or opt for a regal look? Our handy 10 Top Tips will help you choose.

(1) Do you prefer white gold or yellow gold?

Naturally the gold colour of your engagement ring and wedding ring will influence your decision here, but it is also worth bearing in mind the style of your dress. Generally, white gold or platinum gives a more contemporary edge, while yellow gold is seen as more traditional. Two tone gold offers the best of both worlds � why not try a pink and white gold pendant instead of the more usual yellow and white, for a slightly more romantic look?

(2) Do you have a preference for diamonds, pearls or gemstones?

Traditional brides may prefer white pearl jewellery, but it's a misconception that pearls are necessarily old fashioned. Indeed, a white gold pendant featuring a single pearl and accent diamonds can work well with a minimalist, contemporary look.

Diamond jewellery is a popular alternative, and can be the most glamorous option. It's also a plus point that the choice is vast � you're sure to find something you like, from a pretty floral diamond pendant to a rubover diamond tennis bracelet or diamond chandelier earrings. Diamonds do of course have the benefit of adding a touch of sparkle to your dress, and most styles are readily wearable in everyday life (for example, diamond stud earrings are one of the staples for every woman's jewellery box and look great at the office; while a fancy necklace can be worn on nights out).

For something a bit different, it might be worth considering some subtle gemstone jewellery. Even if you're going to wear white, you could add a single piece of gemstone jewellery, which will go well with other diamond pieces. Indeed there can be positive benefits of adding a touch of colour � a particular gemstone can be used to tie in your own outfit with that of your bridesmaids and wedding colour scheme in general; your birthstone could be worn to add some special hidden meaning to your accessories (or even your husband's birthstone for an extra romantic idea); or a sapphire or topaz item could take care of your "something blue" worries!

(3) What will your hairstyle be on your wedding day?

You will probably have an idea of how you will wear your hair very early on in the process, either when you choose your dress or even before. Although the actual hairstyle may not be settled on until you have a trial run at the hairdresser's a week or two before the wedding, all you really need is a general notion of whether you're more likely to wear it up or down.

If you're planning to wear your hair completely up, you have the most options open to you in terms of earrings � diamond studs, half hoop earrings or even full blown dangle chandelier earrings will all work (depending of course on your dress neckline etc).

Wearing the hair down doesn't necessarily prevent you from having long dangly earrings, especially if you're prone to brushing your hair behind your ear every now and then. However if your hair is long and will be in ringlets or tight curls, it might be easiest to avoid chandelier or other particularly moveable earrings, since they can get caught up in the hair (especially when dancing). Simple stud earrings or French clip half hoop diamond earrings would be a good alternative, with the focus instead on your necklace, pendant or bracelet.

In a way, a half-up and half-down hairdo falls somewhere in the middle of the considerations for a fully up or fully down style. You can show off your ears since it's unlikely that hair will be falling over them, save for a couple of loose curls. However as this type of style can be the most romantic and graceful, it can look great with minimal diamond stud earrings as well.

(4) What is the style of your wedding dress?

In very broad terms there are four styles of wedding dress (or indeed bridesmaid's dress), namely:

(a) classic elegant dresses (e.g. a simple white satin a-line dress nipped in at the waist);

(b) princess style dresses (e.g. boned with netted underskirt);

(c) flowing and romantic dresses (e.g. empire line, perhaps with chiffon or lace); and

(d) figure hugging dresses (e.g. fully fitted with a fishtail).

Jewellery works best when it either subtly accents your dress or acts as a stunning feature against a simple background. It's best not to, for instance, overpower a traditional lace ornate dress with heavy diamond jewellery when an elegant pearl pendant would look more in keeping with the style of your dress.

Again as a very general guide, dresses falling within category (a) are the simplest to accessorise as they look great with almost any jewellery. For a full on princess effect (category b), chandelier earrings or a fancy diamond necklace are probably the order of the day, since you're likely to be a fan of sparkles! For dresses in category (c), these team best with pearls or more subtle pieces; and for (d) you can either keep the jewellery to a minimum by wearing smaller or non drop earrings and no necklace or go all out and wear a showstopping piece of jewellery or two.

(5) What neckline will your dress have?

Next to your hairstyle, this may well be the deciding factor for you in choosing your jewellery. Round necklines look beautiful with pearl necklaces or diamond tennis necklaces whereas v-necks emphasise a pendant more.

The easiest to accessorise is a sweetheart neckline, which goes well with almost anything. On the other side of the coin, you may be wearing a high necked dress � the very fact that this isn't seen much nowadays means that it will be stunning enough on its own, without any necklace needed (though a pair of earrings would look fantastic with it). Modern one shoulder dresses, or those with a halterneck, may not work as well with a line necklace, though again offer the perfect backdrop to a beautiful pair of earrings.

(6) Will your wedding dress have straps or sleeves?

The majority of formal dresses seem to be either strapless or with spaghetti straps, neither of which should pose any problem for your jewellery choices. If however you have a dress with long sleeves, you'll almost certainly have to forego any bracelet or bangle since this could catch on the fabric of the sleeve. Mid length sleeves (around elbow or three quarter length) are the opposite: since they draw the eye down the arm, a diamond bracelet or gold bangle will add the perfect finishing touch.

(7) What material will your wedding dress be made from?

There are two reasons why this might matter. Firstly, if you intend to wear jewellery over or very near to the material of your wedding dress, you should avoid items which might catch on the fabric. For instance, a diamond chandelier necklace or a particularly fancy pendant can have several dangling parts which move around as you do, whereas a single pearl pendant with little or no claw set diamonds will be smoother against any fabric. So if you have a lace or chiffon dress, it would be easiest to wear the pearl.

Secondly, the fabric of the dress goes a long way towards determining the overall look you're trying to achieve. So a wedding dress with a lot of lace or chiffon would suit more traditional jewellery, whereas a contemporary ruched satin dress would look great with funkier diamond or gemstone pieces.

(8) Will your dress be embellished?

If there's already a lot of embellishment on the dress, by way of beading or embroidery, you should take this into account too (you might want to avoid overdoing it, or you may be going for the full on princess effect � either way, accessorise accordingly).

(9) What other accessories will you have?

Probably more than you think! But the most important in terms of complementing the jewellery you'll have will be the veil (especially in terms of earrings), the handbag (if you have a bangle or bracelet near it) and any hair accessories (tiaras suit the princess look; flowers are more romantic and look fantastic with pearls).

(10) What is your price range?

Not every bride's budget will stretch to a full wedding jewellery suite with a diamond necklace, tennis bracelet and chandelier earrings. It can be tempting just to wear the same jewellery as you wear to the office every other day.

Yet it's worth considering at least one new piece of special jewellery to enhance your wedding dress: not only will you feel like a princess on your big day, but you can wear it on your wedding anniversary the following year. Just remember that one stunning item can transform the whole look, with other pieces taken from your existing jewellery box (or that of a kind relative!).

Lab Created Gemstone

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:03:44 GMT