My affection for Turtle Love Committee has been present for months. I’ve admired their rings, wished for their earrings and been inspired by their necklaces.

Turtle Love Committee was started by Adrianne Zahner. She worked at a Boston law firm and decided she wanted a unique engagement ring, when she couldn’t find one she started her own!

I love that the jewels on Turtle Love Committee works really hard to find small artisans creating unique pieces, they’re also focused on minimizing their environmental impact and focus on making sure the ring buying process is about the symbol of commitment couples make during marriage- not the cost or size of the ring.

The designs and the motive behind their concept are authentic and beautiful and something that inspires me.

Photos from Turtle Love Committee

Welcome to 2010 on Polka Dot Bride! I’m going to kick off the year with a very special guest, someone who is near and dear to me- Mr Polka Dot!

Mr Polka wrote this post last year and since the festive season is the time when most proposals happen, I thought this was a perfect time to share his words with you. So this is choosing a ring from a guy’s point of view!

Ring from Georg Jensen

So you’ve decided that you’re going to ask that special lady in your life to marry you.

That is going to mean getting an engagement ring. There are a couple of ways to go about doing this. First up is the traditional way, go out and select the ring yourself to surprise her with, or propose and take her with you to pick out the ring she would love.

There are pro’s and cons for both of these methods.

If you really want to surprise her with the bended knee and opening ring box you’re going to have to get it yourself.  My best advice for this method is to be observant.  If you know more about what her likes and dislikes are in this area you’re more likely to pick something that she is going to scream over and feel wonderful showing off to all her friends.

Ring from Cerrone

If she never talks about weddings or wedding rings you may not be able to get a perfect idea of the ring she would love, however you can garner plenty of information from the rest of her jewelery collection. What kind of colour does she like? Is she a gold, white gold or silver girl? Or if she has a lot, what does she wear the most on her hands. Also does she prefer subtle jewelery, or is she into the louder more extravagant items. This will all give you great insight into what to pick out for her.

Now once you have been observing this, my next suggestion would be to find a very helpful jeweler. It will be much easier for if you find a jeweler who will help you through the process of picking out the perfect ring. This may mean going to a few jewelers until you find the right one for you.

The other way of course is to ask the question without the ring and to pick out the ring together. This method of course means you don’t have to worry about getting the right ring on your own. Before you head down this path thinking it’s the easy way however it might be worth gauging from her how she feels about this way. It will require tact on your part to work this out without giving away your intention.

Ring from Jan Logan

We wouldn’t want you just come out and ask the question with out the ring if she really has her heart set on the question coming with the ring in the box.

Once you’ve decided on a method of getting the ring for her, the next major task for you is the proposal. That my friends is an art of it’s own, however I’m assured that rolling over on the couch, letting off gas and saying ‘how about it babe’ might not be the best way to go.

One of the very first posts I ever wrote was about the gorgeous jewellery by Sydney jeweler Jules Collins. Well she’s just launched a brand new gorgeous website and I thought it was time to share her new designs!

The new website showcases everything from rings and cuff links to pendants and earrings. Customers can now purchase creations from the Jules Collins online store.

I have always loved the slightly organic feel to the creations that Jules produces beautiful big gemstones framed perfectly.

Based in Sydney, Jules Collins also offers jewellery redesign, bespoke design, wedding rings, repairs and much more! Visit the Jules Collins Jewellery website for more- including her Woollahra store location.

Australian designer Lydia Jewels launched her bridal collection this week. I really like this collection. There’s a boldness in the designs that paired together can make a statement, but it’s also beautiful enough to be worn subtly as singular pieces.

Each piece is made by Lydia-Jane in Australia and named after a glamorous lady (I love Grace Kelly).

Lydia-Jane uses pearls, Swarovski crystals, diamante encrusted balls and clasps, sem-precious gems and metals and vintage pieces in her designs. Each piece highlights her attention to detail.

The pieces available to purchase through the online store, you can also use Lydia Jewels’ bespoke service and have Lydia-Jane design a custom creation just for you over a glass of champagne! Visit the website for more!

Photos from Lydia Jewels