Artisan, handmade jewellery is one of my favourite things. From that sense that you get a one off piece, and the knowledge that the maker  has put their passion into what you’re wearing. Epheriell is a jewellery label started by Jess Van Den – someone who is passionate about metals and creating beautiful pieces.

From economical, classic wedding rings using sterling silver to her gorgeous cloud necklaces (my favourite!) and exclamation mark earrings, Epheriell strives to be eco friendly. Using only recycled metals Jess’s pieces have a modern, fun edge to them. She even does custom work, just in case you have your heart set on a piece not in store!

I really think though, that my favourite pieces by Jess are her more unusual rings.That cloud ring? I would love to see someone rock it as an engagement ring and being such a big fan of stacking rings lately I love the square sets Jess has created. Which is your favourite?

Photos by Epheriell

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I am always a fan of the gorgeous bold jewels from Elva Fields and the newest collection- ‘Living History’ embodies jewel like colours. Designer Emily Wheat Maynard was inspired by the vintage pieces she includes in each design and her love of all things natural. Personally, I think these make for a beautiful wedding day accessory (perhaps adding colour to a simple gown, switching out a traditional style necklace for something fun and bold at the reception and even for your bridesmaids).

I love the range of bridal whites Emily has incorporated into the new collection- from bleached wooden discs, pearls, glass and and textured stones. They’re set off by vintage rhinestone brooches, vintage earrings and bold brooches. I can never go past the injection of colour though- vivid African blues, citrus yellows and sherbet oranges.

Elva Fields consists of three lines. June (limited edition earrings), Elva (necklaces made from a mix of vintage and new elements) and Deb (eco one-of-a-kind necklaces made from entirely vintage components) and then there’s my favourite- the custom, one of a kind option where the Elva Fields team design a piece (or a set of pieces!) to compliment your personal wedding style.

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Personalising the facets of your wedding is a huge reason I write Polka Dot Bride, in fact it’s a huge reason as to why I even started it. So I always love finding websites and artisans who can help you customise goodies to your own personal style, your own tastes, to really show off who you and your beloved are through your wedding.

I fell head over heels for Shoes Of Prey when they launched – customisable shoes? Why thank you dream business idea! And now? Inspired by Shoes Of Prey but very much a business built in it’s own right, I bring you StyleRocks an online, personalised jewellery experience tailored just for you!

Personalised jewellery has been around for a while, but it’s hard – it involves a lot of time with a jeweller and a lot of expense. StyleRocks is based 100% online and you’re able to design, visualise, order and have it delivered from the comfort of your couch. This concept is such a great gift idea! Customised cufflinks for the groom, earrings to match your bridesmaid’s gowns, special necklaces for your mother. A signet ring for your best friend.

The StyleRocks site has rings (and the best part? wedding rings that you can engrave!) bracelets, cufflinks and even earrings all available to customise (with more options being added constantly). Firstly, you choose your metal, whether you want it plated, solid gold, shiny or matte.

There are a series of “collections” of charms and adornments (which can also be engraved!), from “Nature” (with flowers, leaves and feathers) to “Romance”  with sweet words and blooms. There’s even “Fast Food” and letters and numbers.

The customised jewellery concept isn’t just about charms either. They’ve included an array of gorgeous gemstones (including of course, diamonds but also the beautiful coloured stones like citrine and topaz).

The site is packed with handy hints and tips – from birthstones (so you can choose a personal present for your bridesmaids) to engraving suggestions (handy for wedding rings). Each piece is made in Australia by professional Australian jewellers so you know the pieces are of high quality (which is always reassuring when you’re purchasing such a special piece).

The pieces in the entry are part of the Polka Dot Bride collection, which I am really looking forward to adding to as their range increases! I’d love to see what you come up with!

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These stunning couture jewellery pieces by Nomiki Glynatsis Couture would make a simple wedding dress into something really different. The stunning pieces are handcrafted by Nomiki takes inspiration from the “ornate elegance and timeless appeal’ of the 1920s and 1950s.

Each elaborate piece is created with Nomiki’s design philosophy. “‘Beauty, elegance and perfection, the distinction of fine couture creations’…” and uses different colours and textures – Swarovski crystals and pearls, vintage beads, metals fabrics, and laces are all incorporated into Nomiki’s strong vision producing pieces that are truly works of art.

Wearing a strapless ballgown? Why not choose a dramatic piece from the collection to take it to the next level? You could even wear it with a beautiful pair of matching earrings for the reception to really shine. A decadently beaded cocktail ring would suit a sleek 1920s style gown and the multicoloured hair combs would look beautiful, especially in rich chocolate coloured hair.

Photos by Nomiki Glynatsis Couture

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Claddagh Two Tone Wedding Band

Celtic wedding rings or Irish Claddagh rings are becoming an increasingly popular choice among couples today, but this style of ring has probably more significance and history attached to it than any other design. The style of the Celtic wedding ring closely resembles a type of ring dating back to Roman times which were called ‘fede’ rings, from the Italian phrase ‘mani in fede’ which means hands joined in faith or loyalty. These rings were used as love and wedding rings during Renaissance and Medieval Europe with the symbol of the clasped hands depicting the pledging of vows.

The Irish version, the Claddagh is more than three hundred years old and was named after a small fishing village. The word itself means ‘a flat stony shore‘ and there are two stories relating to the origin of the ring. The first tells of an Irish woman named Margaret Joyce who inherited a fortune from her late Spanish husband Domingo de Rona who had been a merchant trading with Galway. Subsequently, she married the Mayor of Galway, Oliver Og French in 1556 and put her fortune to practical use by constructing bridges in Connacht. As a reward an eagle is supposed to have dropped the first Claddagh ring into her lap.

The other story tells of a man coincidentally with the same surname, Richard Joyce. He was also from Galway and was captured by Algerians, sold as a slave and became the property of a Moorish goldsmith. In 1689 King William III of England secured the release of all British nationals and Joyce was released. He was evidently well thought of, because the Moor offered Joyce his daughter’s hand in marriage and a substantial part of his wealth if he would stay in Algiers. It is told that Joyce refused and returned to Galway with the first Irish wedding ring, the Claddagh.

Other styles of Celtic wedding rings are influenced by symbols such as the Celtic trinity knot, this depicts the Christian faith by meaning the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These designs had been included by the church from the earlier Celtic religions. There are also woven knots which are intertwined, depicting eternity, which is particularly suitable for a wedding ring.

Diamond Celtic Knot Wedding Ring

Modern Celtic wedding rings can be made of several different precious metals such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, titanium, platinum and silver. It is an attractive option to combine two different color metals in the design of the ring, for instance the outer bands in yellow gold and the inner twisted design contrasted in white gold.

Open Weave Infinity Band

There are two popular choices for Celtic knot rings, open weave and closed weave. The difference is that the open weave center has no backing to the ring, but the closed weave has the knot design set onto a solid band. There will be several different styles within these choices. Before buying your rings it is a good idea to find out the pros and cons of each precious metal, this way you can be sure of making an informed choice.

All images from Celtic Wedding Rings

Ms Gingham says: I have real envy for the Diamond Knot Wedding Ring. Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks to Catherine for this interesting article on the history of this stunning jewellery.

Catherine says: “I have worked with Celtic Rings Ltd for over 6 years contributing articles on jewellery and Celtic history.”

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