page 99 X metropolitan weddings X WINTER / SPRING 2021
think outside the� jewelry box
written by X michaela Statterfield cornerstone fine jewelry
www . cornerstonejeweler . com 417.881.0667
Luisa Smith , the owner of CornerStone Fine Jewelry , is quick to list the current trends in wedding jewelry . She says natural gemstones are gaining popularity and , since no two gemstones are the same , they guarantee a custom look . Opal is among the most sought after . Timeless pearls are having a moment too ! As far as metals go , mixing it up is the way to go . You don ’ t have to choose between rose gold , white gold or yellow gold – mix and match to stay on trend . Light , layered pieces are the up and coming way to display all the pearly , mixed metal charm .
Before jumping on the bandwagon though , Smith has a word of advice . She suggests couples choose jewelry based on what is authentic to them , rather than based on what will look good on Pinterest or Instagram . “ Trends are things that come and go ,” she says . Going against the current of trends means your wedding will be different , which is exactly what will make it memorable and meaningful .
“ Think outside the box ,” Smith says .
Once you ’ re free from the chains of trends , the possibilities for wedding jewelry are limitless . One bride Smith worked with took apart an old necklace which had been passed down through her family . The pieces of the necklace were turned into pendants , and one was given to each of her bridesmaids . Smith also suggested this would make a great gift for the mothers of the bride and groom . Another bride gave her bridesmaids disc pendants engraved with each bridesmaid ’ s initials and completed with their birthstones . Bar necklaces engraved with names are another idea . If you want to get as custom as it comes – fingerprint pendants are the answer !
Grooms can go against the trends too . Cufflinks , pocket watches and wrist watches are typically customizable . Most of these have places to engrave something meaningful . Smith says initials or the wedding date are popular options .
Even if you ’ ve decided not to follow the trends , what about the rules ? Smith says to nix them all . “ I ’ m a person who believes that if you love it , you should wear it ,” she says . It ’ s not a hard and fast rule that you have to match jewelry with skin tones . She advises everyone to come in and try on the jewelry if they ’ re unsure whether something will look good . Bringing along dresses and tuxes may not be a bad idea , either . This will let you see how everything plays together to guarantee the look of the big day is flawless .
While it might be wise to follow the advice of a jewelry store owner when choosing wedding jewelry , Smith is adamant brides and grooms should ultimately do what they want . “ Never let anybody dictate ,” she says . “ At the end of the day , it ’ s your dream day and only you know your dream .” XmW