eco jewelry – Sweet Violet Bride

Moissanite Engagement Rings: Info and Inspiration

Naomi — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 15:40:08 +0000

There are many diamond alternatives, moissanite becoming an increasingly popular choice. As I’ve seen many moissanite beauties around the web lately, I wanted to gather a bit of info and inspiration on these stones for you. Firstly, most moissanite (silicon carbide) is lab grown today (it is a rare find and was originally discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona by the French chemist Henri Moissan). Because it is lab grown, it is more eco-friendly than mined stones, and is also much more affordable. It is important to note that moissanite is not colorless, but often gives off a slight yellow or greenish hue, but it has great sparkle and can actually be more brilliant than a diamond! So to sum it up, moissanite is less money, more sparkle, better for the environment. Here are a few of my favorites, and all of these just happen to be from Etsy shops, because supporting small businesses is yet another bonus!

InOurStar.etsy.com
Marquise Moissanite Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo Conflict Free 14k Rose Gold $699+

JulianStudio.etsy.com
1ct Brilliant Moissanite Engagement Ring 3 Ring Set Solid 14K Rose Gold $1,129+

onegarnetgirl.etsy.com
Sparkling Moissanite Engagement Ring 14k Palladium White Gold with Large Cushion Cut Solitaire $1998

OliviaEwing.etsy.com
Naples .25 Carat Moissanite Engagement Ring – 14kt Gold Customizable Twig $648

LaMoreDesign.etsy.com
14k Rose Gold Forever Brilliant Moissanite Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo Forever $1,498+

LaMoreDesign.etsy.com
Floral Moissanite Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold Scalloped Diamond Wedding Band $1,968+

SarahHoodJewelry.etsy.com
Coin Edge Engagement Wedding Ring Set – Sterling Silver and Moissanite Ring $265+

lolide.etsy.com
Modern wedding band set with Moissanite, palladium, sterling silver – his and hers $395

LoraKJewelry.etsy.com
5mm Moissanite Leafy Engagement Ring 14k Rose Gold $492

AdziasJewelryAtelier.etsy.com
Oval Forever Brilliant Moissanite Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold with Diamonds in Flower Buds and Leaves $3,195

RareEarth.etsy.com
18K Cluster Moissanite Oval Halo Engagement Ring Conflict Free Diamond Alternative $1,199

I hope this was helpful to those in the search for a diamond ring alternative. Which one of these pretty pieces would you love to wear? And if you have a moissanite ring, I’d love to know if and why you love it in the comments below.

Spotlight: The unique designs of Vena Amoris Jewelry

Naomi — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:16:19 +0000

Tesia Alexandra is the designer behind the jewelry line Vena Amoris and we can’t get enough of her gorgeous designs! Vena Amoris stemmed from her fascination with the idea of the engagement ring throughout the ages and her love of art history. Her romantic, bohemian style is inspired by the Middle Ages, Renaissance religious art, and Mideast and Mediterranean jewelry. Her whimsical and ethical, handmade jewelry has intrigued and inspired us here at Sweet Violet Bride. From hand formed eternity bands set with brilliant diamonds, to a pear shaped pink sapphire set in rose-gold, her work is beautiful in an unconventional yet timeless way – perfect for brides who appreciate natural beauty and the art of handmade.

Vena amoris is a Latin name meaning, literally, “vein of love.”

To learn a bit more about the woman behind these designs we had a little Q & A with Tesia Alexandra:

SVB: How did you get into jewelry? Did you always want to be a jewelry designer?

TA: Well, I started off as a blogger, originally for fun, while having a day job in motion graphics. My brother was the jeweler. I started the blog Vena Amoris (the vein of love), which was dedicated to unique or one-of-a-kind wedding and engagement rings for (hopefully) a reasonable price. It was based on my belief that you don’t need to spend a lot of money for an engagement ring to be special. I tried to examine and break traditions and beliefs behind the symbolisms we know. I hope the site helps people decide on their own traditions, and helps readers see there are more options when looking for a ring.

I then started making and learning jewelry as research to have a better understanding. But then turned into my jewelry line, following the same core ideas I began blogging with.

SVB: Where do you find inspiration? And what is your design process like?

TA: I draw inspiration from art and history. I’m always researching in books, looking online and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I don’t sketch as much as I should, as I tend to have a very clear idea in my head. And if it doesn’t work, I’ll just melt it and start over.

I have amazing friends in the industry of whom I can ask questions and can help me explore my ideas. My setter, mentor, friend and partner-in-crime Josef Klein of Top Quality Setting keeps me on my toes on technics. He will send me home if something is not right, and make me redo it right. My guru!

SVB: Do you approach bridal designs differently than your other designs?

TA: I think all jewelry is an extension of oneself and needs to work with you. If you’re an outdoor person then I’ll suggest you don’t get a prong-set ring, get a bezel to protect the stone or an engagement band. Make sure you have something that you don’t need to worry about ruining.

SVB: What kind of bride do you have in mind when creating your work?

TA: She is an adventurer, smart, whimsical woman with her own priorities. She could care less what her friends or family say about the stone’s size and kind, or if it didn’t cost enough.

It’s between her and the groom – this is just a token of their commitment to each other and is no one else’s business.

SVB: Do you have any tips for brides on how to accessorize for their big day?

TA: Be yourself, have fun.

We hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the world of Vena Amoris Jewelry! We love seeing brides choose jewelry that is unique to their personality – especially when it is handmade with ethically sourced stones and recycled metals. See more of her work on Etsy.

*This post is sponsored by Vena Amoris Jewelry. All images courtesy of Vena Amoris Jewelry.

Spotlight: Eco Friendly Rings by LilyEmme Jewelry

Naomi — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:42:16 +0000

Minimal, elegant, and eco-friendly are core attributes of LilyEmme Jewelry. For those who would describe their style as being classic yet contemporary, these designs will be just your cup of tea. The handmade artisan nature of these pieces also gives them just a hint of artsy edge – they’re certainly anything but average. Designed by metalsmith Valerie Madison, in Seattle, Washington, most of the jewelry is made by hand in her private studio. You’ll also be happy to know that LilyEmme ring designs are made of 100% recycled metal and any diamonds used are conflict-free. Now that’s something we can get excited about! Here are a few of our favorite rings:

Moissanite Engagement Ring in White Gold 14k

Black Rose Cut Pear Diamond Engagement Ring

14k Gold Petite Moissanite Ring

6mm Mobius Ring

Diamond Ripple Ring in Sterling Silver

LilyEmme Jewelry also has pieces you’ll want to add to your everyday wardrobe – we’re talking earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings that will be the little black dress of your jewelry drawer. Her line of personalized jewelry is also perfect for gifting your bridesmaids.

Be sure to follow LilyEmme on Facebook and Instagram to get first looks at new designs and glimpses of this artist’s studio. Also read what real customers have to say about her amazing work – you won’t be disappointed.

This post is sponsored by LilyEmme Jewelry