Mary Kay's Handmade Mother of the Bride Jewelry Inspiration

In the previous post on Lauren's Handmade Wedding Jewelry Details, I shared the details and inspiration for the Bridesmaids Jewelry and Maids of Honor Jewelry. This particular custom wedding jewelry group was large enough that it needed to be broken down into various posts. But, that works perfectly because then I get to individually highlight the jewelry and design details of both the Bridesmaids, as well as, the Mother of the Bride.

When Mary Kay and I first communicated, she provided me some details on her dress and also said she would be wearing her mothers' diamond ring and earrings (which were in white gold). She wasn't sure if she should have silver or gold custom jewelry created to coordinate with the white gold heirloom jewelry.

This was going to be the first time I've created handmade beaded jewelry to coordinate with existing fine jewelry pieces. To be sure I created pieces that would be perfectly paired, I asked for pictures, of both the dress and the heirloom jewelry -and it's a good thing I did.

It just so happened the diamond ring design was in the currently popular Halo style. While searching for those just right components I love to add to my jewelry designs, I happened across a clasp that I felt would be a perfect pairing to the ring.

Mary Kay's Mother of the Bride Jewelry would be designed around two elements: her dress and her mother's diamond ring and earrings. The dress was a combination of both soft chiffon and rich lace in a champagne color. I suggested Mary Kay go with the same pearl color that the wedding party jewelry was being designed with because: (1) it would complement the fact that she, as the Mother of the Bride, was connected to the bridal party, (2) because it appeared her dress was in the same color family and (3) the chiffon top of her dress was a direct complement to the chiffon bridal party dress.

Although I had seen a picture of her dress, I asked for a sample of the fabric just to be sure we'd chosen the right Swarovski Pearl color (plus I had a secret design idea brewing in my head....). The custom pieces Mary Kay requested were a crystal and pearl bracelet, hair pins and a brooch.

My goal with the beaded bracelet was to create a design that she could easily wear after the wedding, whether with casual or formal wear. It was also in my plan to incorporate both gold and silver into the bracelet design. This custom jewelry order will also be the first where I've been asked for hair pins (bobby pins) and a brooch!

Stay tuned to see how the jewelry turned out......

Lauren's Handmade Wedding Jewelry Details

In the Spring of this year, one of my favorite customers contacted me and I was so thrilled to hear from her and to hear the good news. Mary Kay's daughter, Lauren, was getting married! Both her and her daughter wanted to explore handmade wedding jewelry options for two Maids of Honor, three Bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride.

I've worked with Mary Kay many times over the past eight years for gemstone jewelry, as well as, custom handmade jewelry. I was so excited to be able to work with her again and to be a part of Lauren's, wedding planning. Working with Brides is so much fun. I love hearing about all the wedding details!

bridesmaids gown source
artist's rendition hand sketched necklace

Bridal Party Wedding details:

• 2 Maids of Honor
• 3 Bridesmaids
• Jewelry sets with necklaces and earrings
• Maids of Honor jewelry sets would be slightly different than Bridesmaids
• Allure Bridals chiffon dress #1369 in burgundy (shown above in champagne)
• Bridal party would be wearing nude shoes
• White Calla Lilly flowers
• Groomsmen will be in slate blue

While out shopping together, Lauren had found a necklace style that she really loved and wanted to use as inspiration for her custom bridesmaids jewelry. I had my close and dear friend, Barb Deuel of Bronson Hill Art and Photography create an inspiration sketch of that very necklace (shown above). Thank you Barb!!

When the three of us met, I presented Lauren with a narrowed down selection of Swarovski Crystals and Pearls that I felt best fit her wedding vision. We discussed various design elements and bead setups that would most closely resemble the inspiration necklace that Lauren had seen. The final detail was for Lauren to decide if she wanted gold or silver metal. With her wedding colors of champagne and burgundy, she decided on gold metal.

My only disappointment with the creation of these custom wedding jewelry pieces was that Swarovski did not have a larger selection of burgundy crystals. But, that didn't stop this creative mind!

There were so many beautiful details put into the design of Lauren's Wedding Jewelry that I am going to be breaking them up into separate posts.

Elise's Custom Ombre Cascade Crystal Prom Jewelry

While organizing photos to transfer to a new computer, I came across a gorgeous custom jewelry set that I completely forgot to post and share. So many designs -so little time!

A returning customer, who was happy with his last custom musical necklaces jewelry order, requested a custom crystal necklace design to give to his granddaughter for her birthday. We all met to talk about design specifics and what crystal colors she (Elise) might like.

Elise decided she wanted both blue and purple crystals in her birthday crystal necklace design and since Prom was quickly approaching...she asked grandpa for matching earrings. That way she could also wear the jewelry set for her upcoming Prom!

I presented Elise with three Swarovski Crystal color options to choose from. Shown above: Option #1 included sapphire, light sapphire and violet crystals. Option #2 included those same crystals, as well as, tanzanite and tanzanite AB. The final, Option #3, kept the blue crystals but switched out the violet for provence lavender.

Elise's Custom Ombre' Cascade Crystal Prom Jewelry Set

in blue and purple crystals

NC135 and EC297

SOLD

Elise choose Option #2 and the ombre' effect couldn't have turned out more beautiful! This gorgeous sparkling crystal jewelry set was designed in a various sizes of sapphire, tanzanite, tanzanite AB, light sapphire and violet Swarovski Crystals daintily dripping from an elegant sterling silver chain. The necklace is adjustable 17" to 18-1/4" and has a 1-3/4" center crystal drop. The sterling silver ear wire earrings are 1-1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

To order a similar set, customized with your crystal choice colors, contact us for your custom jewelry request.

Courtney's Final Ball: Custom Jewelry Design Process

This year marked Courtney's final year in school as she will graduate this month. How exciting for her, she has so many opportunities ahead of her! I wish her much luck and prosperity. It has been a pleasure to work with Courtney for all her custom prom jewelry and custom ball jewelry.

In her final Senior Ball 2015, she chose a full-length, strapless aqua City Triangles prom dress with ruched bust and beading detail at the waist.

This dress posed a slight challenge in that it really only had one (1) crystal in the design and, it was a very difficult color to match.

Courtney also provided some, much appreciated, feedback on her past prom jewelry designs and how they worked for her.

For this new custom prom jewelry she requested a slightly lighter weight earring. She told me that the previous earrings, for her, were a little 'heavy' when she was trying to dance (which involved jumping up and down).

I would have to agree with her. Some Swarovski crystals can feel 'heavy', especially when grouped together, and for those with sensitive ears. I know this from experience and when you pair sensitive ears with earrings that feel 'heavy', it doesn't make for a great night.

We decided to make the necklace stand out a bit more with either a 2 -or 3 strand design. Also, the earrings would be kept super simple which would lend them to be more comfortable with her sensitive ears. Courtney's mom, Dawn, requested a coordinating crystal anklet, as well.

To start this design process, I began looking for a similar crystal cut that would match or come close to the one in her prom dress.

It was oval in shape and was actually a sew-on crystal because it had openings on both ends of the crystal. I found just the crystal to meet this need. It was a Swarovski Elements owlet sew-on rhinestone crystal. It's a beautiful bead that although sewn onto the prom dress, I will be using as a pendant to Courtney's custom prom necklace.

The remaining detail in the dress showed a heart-shape along with silver-lined seed beads and sequins. Luckily Courtney lived close by because I decided to meet with her to try and find a matching or coordinating blue crystal. I was surprised to find that out of the nearly 26 different shades of blue Swarovski Crystals, only 1 stood out. That color was light azore.

Shown above is a foiled, owlet sew-one Swarovski Elements crystal, light azore Swarovski Crystals, silver cable chain and silver-lined glass seed beads strung on beading wire.

Now that I had all the elements I needed and a few design ideas, I got to work. Courtney attended her Senior Ball in May 2015 and her pictures, showcasing her custom prom jewelry, will be added to the prom album soon.

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Courtney's Senior Ball Custom Jewelry Design Process

Image Source: Crystal Allure Creations

Just a short month after Courtney's Junior Prom last year, she was going to be attending her boyfriends' Senior Ball.

And, you guessed it -she needed prom jewelry to coordinate with her dress and she chose Crystal Allure Creations again! Yea!

I was so excited to do this custom jewelry set for her! This time she decided instead of a bracelet, she would need hair combs because she planned on an elegant updo for her hair.

This dress was a little more complicated because although it was white, it had the slightest hint of pink shimmer -but only under certain lighting and when you got close to it. And to me, the details always matter!

But, roadblocks have never stopped me in my design tracks! Lol. I didn't even consider it a true "problem" -more of a challenge -and you know me with a jewelry challenge.

Courtney's design specs were:
1. Her dress was a one-shoulder dress but she still wanted a necklace.
2. Her shoes would be silver. In fact, they were the same ones she wore for her Junior Prom.
3. She needed hair combs.
4. She wanted her earrings to be not as long as the earrings from her Junior Prom.

I was given the freedom to come up with any design I thought was best, taking into consideration her specs. The first step, as always, is to find a complimentary Swarovski Crystal to go into the jewelry design. The pink crystals I narrowed it down to were:

Pink Swarovski Crystals for Custom Prom Jewelry

The Swarovski Crystals I ended up choosing included light rose, light rose AB and crystal AB. The final jewelry design turned out perfect for Courtney and it was my privilege to have been part of a very special twist on their special day! Stay tuned for details...

Courtney's Custom Lavender Prom Jewelry Design Process

It's always exciting and an honor to create custom crystal jewelry whether it be for brides, weddings, prom or senior ball!

Recently, a lovely young lady, Courtney, requested a jewelry set to compliment her lavender prom gown. In our initial conversations, she mentioned the dress was a sweetheart neckline and was lavender in color. I suggested with that type of neckline, a drop necklace always looks nice. Of course, chandelier earrings are always stunning!

It wasn't until weeks later that I was able to finally see the dress...and I was a little surprised. The dress was loaded with crystals on top! Courtney had never mentioned the top of the dress was that embellished. This was going to be a challenge. But, I love a challenge!

I gave some style advice that with a dress that embellished, it's always a better option to go with a nice pair of chandelier earrings and maybe a cuff style bracelet. But...the customer had other ideas. She was set on a necklace.

Fioni Night Metallic Pumps

Finishing off her outfit were silver shoes.

Courtney told me she would not only be wearing them to her prom and her boyfriends' senior ball (a week later), but also to an August wedding she is in!

Now that is getting your use out of one pair of shoes!! You go girl!

The shoes were absolutely lovely and were perfect for the sterling silver metals I planned on using in the jewelry pieces.


Armed with this information, I focused on the detail at the top of the dress. It took me many, many times to get a decent enough photo to showcase the variety of crystal cuts in the top.

Of all the crystals in the top of the dress, none of them were true Swarovski Crystals, so it was unlikely I'd find anything like them to create complimentary jewelry.

So, I instead focused on (1) the lavender color of the gown and; (2) the cut of one crystal on the top of the dress (see the arrow in the picture to the left).

The closest Swarovski Crystal bead cut would be the Cosmic Crystal.

The final design specs:
1) A Y-style crystal necklace;
2) Drop earrings (no chandelier);
3) Sterling Silver metal;
4) Incorporate lavender colored crystals

Let the challenge begin!

Stay tuned for the fully finished prom jewelry set, along with Courtney's Prom pictures. Thank you Courtney for allowing me and Crystal Allure Jewelry to be a part of your special prom day.

Browse more Custom Prom Jewelry and then contact me to discuss a custom design for your special event.

Updated 4/11/15: Check out Courtney's Custom Lavender Crystal Prom Jewelry Set

The Custom Beaded Jewelry Design Process Highlighted

In June of 2013, I had the distinct honor of working again with a truly wonderful person and returning customer, Holly.

You may remember Holly's first design, our Exclusive Holly's Custom Hope Love Cherish Crystal Awareness Bracelet (B204). This time Holly requested a beautiful handmade beaded bracelet for her girl friend, Karin.

Crystal Allure Holly's Custom Pink Garnet Birthstone Mother's Name Bracelet (B212)

SOLD

This design would be a mother's bracelet. It was to have Karin's daughters' names: Olivia and Kate in it. Both girls' January birthstone, garnet, was to be in the design, along with possibly the color pink (which is Karin's favorite color).

With each custom beaded jewelry design, I always email a "design in progress" photo to get feedback from the customer. As soon as Holly provided her design specs and idea came to mind (see below Design #1). This particular beaded bracelet design was perfect for highlighting the beaded jewelry design process.

When creating a special custom bracelet, it can be the perfect design the first time at the bench or it may take several design attempts. The key to my custom jewelry designs is to get as many customer specs as possible into the design -because that is what makes the design truly unique and special.

You can see in Design #1 below, all of Holly's specs were included in the idea I had after speaking with her. But -it just wasn't the design yet. Back to the bench. The challenge with this design was that although I am a huge fan of Swarovski Crystals, I'm not so in love with the garnet crystal. Of all the crystal colors available, to me, it just seems very dark. So, I opted to go with a genuine semi-precious garnet gemstone for this design.

Design #2 keeps the same elements but reduces the size of the pearls. With some feedback from Holly, Design #3 keeps the semi-precious garnet and pearls, but splashes of pink crystal are added. We both felt, the pink rose Swarovski Crystal added that touch of elegance that was lacking in the previous two designs. It was decided the design was on track but...it's just missing something...that, thing -that makes it the perfect design.

Back to the bench and idea board. When I am creating, I find that taking a picture of the design and looking at it that way really helps to get a different point of view, so to speak. By Design #4, I decided to add in some texture and contrast with floating silver twisted rings.

Design #5 keeps that momentum going but changes out the pearls near the ends with the garnet gemstone beads. This turns out to be Holly's favorite design. So, back to the bench to polish it up and finish the design.

The final design (shown at the top of this post) features pink rose Swarovski Crystals, garnet semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver and 14k goldfill bead spacers, sterling letter blocks with floating silver rings. Finished with pink rose Swarovski Crystal Heart charm and our signature jewelry tag.

After five attempts at the bench, Holly's Custom Pink Garnet Birthstone Name Mothers Bracelet (B212) emerged. This special design is a truly unique gift that Karin can treasure for a lifetime!

Thank you Holly for letting Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry custom design this very special bracelet for you!