RINGS & PRETTY THINGS

Dress to impress - and don't forget to accessorize

By Shelley Waugh

Toronto jewellery designer Terri Michael offers bridal consulting and will help to create a one of a kind piece to match a dress or create matching accessories for the wedding party.

This sterling silver cluster necklace, left, can be wrapped around or worn long. It features 10mm and 12mm creamy white pearls, milky opalites, brushed silver nuggets and clear Swarovski crystals, held together by a toggle clasp. The silver chain is handmade for in Bali, Indonesia. This piece can be worn in a single strand or doubled around the neck as seen in photo. Length: 31" $430.00 CDN.

The bracelet, left, has a timeless, elegant look and is made from sterling silver with pave cz diamonds studded all over it. There are two figure 8 locks on the clasp, and it closes with a seamless finish. It measures 1-1/4” wide. Length: 7”. Website price: $615.00. Visit www.stonedoriginals.com.

t's a busy time when you are getting married, there are engagement parties, showers and bachelor parties, and more parties, but there is always time to look your best when you are accessorizing your outfits. A piece of jewellery is not simply an accessory, it is a reflection of you. And little satisfies like being able to make that purchase knowing it is money well spent. Here are some tips for looking sensational.

Go for Gold
Metallics are both festive and fashionable. Whether it’s a silk blouse paired with trousers or an all-over sequined dress in bronze, silver or gold – it’s sure to heat up a cold night.  But sparkle and shine doesn’t need a lot of accessorizing – it can make an outfit look too busy. Instead wear one fantastic piece, such as a gold mesh cuff with diamond closure or an oversize yellow diamond ring, pictured. 

Touchably Soft
Evening attire is all about texture – silk, satin, velvet, lace and fur make even the simplest silhouette look luxurious. But careful not to overdo it with accessories! Wearing a fur capelet to keep warm? Use a jeweled brooch to keep it closed or pin the brooch in your hair. 

Get Romantic
For a softer style, look for empire waistlines, full skirts, or anything with ribbons and lace. Concentrate on the earrings, where delicate enamel flowers surround diamonds and other precious gems, or for something a little more traditional such as the South Sea pearl and Tahitian diamond stiletto earrings pictured above. 

 The Little Black Dress
A wardrobe staple. It is elegant and understated. This is a great opportunity to go big – with a large cuff bracelet. If the neckline will allow, make a statement with a multi-strand diamond necklace with delicately feminine bow or add a splash of colour with floating diamonds and floral-pattern jewels. If your dress is red, diamonds and pearls are a good choice. 

Wear with Everything
The cocktail ring with oversize stones – think three carats – in any colour – ruby, amethyst, emerald or sapphire – can stand alone or make an even bigger statement when surrounded by diamonds, pictured.  

Heirloom Pieces
Diamond pendants in yellow or white gold are simple enough to wear every day yet exquisite enough to be family heirlooms and can be set with any size diamond. Customize a pair of earrings to match, like the yellow and white diamond studs, pictured, set in any size diamond, the removable ‘jackets’ are available in a variety of stones such as pink or blue sapphire.

Tips and photos courtesy Serli & Siroan, Toronto. For information call 416.944.3863 or visit www.serliandsiroan.com.

HEARTS AFIRE RING WINS     
Vancouver ... Award-winning goldsmith, Andrew Costen Hearts Afire ring, left, won the 2007 Canadian Diamonds, Excellence in Design Award announced at the Toronto World Jewellery Expo in August. The ring is valued at Cdn$16,785 and has a 1ct Polar Bear Diamond surrounded by swirling, thorned hearts encrusted with diamonds. A panel of industry leaders selects the finalists, which are then voted for by attendees at the Expo and on-line by the public.

Andrew and his business partner, Mary Ann Buis, have a boutique and workshop in Vancouver, where their designs are handmade. Visit www.costencatbalue.com.

SEAHORSES WITH DIAMONDS
Los Angeles ... If you are planning a destination wedding take a look at the new, one-of-a kind collection Rhonda Faber Green has created exclusively for six-star Crystal Cruise Line for their two ships, the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  Several Hollywood celebrities wear Green’s designs including Paris Hilton and Priscilla Presley. Visit www.rhondafabergreen.com. Green incorporated the Crystal Cruise logo -- the seahorse, into many of her designs including earrings, pictured, valued at U.S. $2,275.00. Visit www.crystalcruiseline.com.

PEARS ARE ALWAYS A SAFE GIFT.
Pictured are 10-11mm AAA Black Tahitian Pearl Pendant 18k Gold and Diamonds US$420 and 9-10mm AAA Black Tahitian Pearl Earrings 18kt gold and Diamonds US$580. Visit www.premiumpearl.com.