The 10 things to forget about bride's wallet

Most brides think they need to pack their wallets particularly well on their wedding day. This bag can accompany them from preparation, to eating, to ceremonies, to reception, until late at night. However, on the busiest days of your life, it's hard to know what you need.

Make sure that these ten items are part of your bag, so that there is no way you'll be without them; if you are over-prepared, that is certainly not a bad thing! Rather than having a mad scramble for anything at your venue, having things handy will make every small bump in the road feel barely noticeable.

1. Tissues

Listed number one for a reason! Great for removing a quick swipe of make-up or a stray tear, and handy if you need to blow your nose or if someone wants to get rid of gum at the last minute.

2. Stain Stick or Wipes

In combination with the tissues, these can be a lifesaver if something gets on an outfit – especially a white bridal gown. Make sure to test the one you want to use on the fabrics of the bridal party outfits; find a spot on the inside of a hem where no one would notice discoloration and make sure you pack the brand that leaves no trace!

3. Super Glue, Duct Tape, or Another Fastener

Something about big events seems to coax things to break at the last minute. While nothing truly important in a wedding ceremony is breakable, most of us want to be able to quickly resolve any issue with decorations or physical items in the wedding space without complaint. Super glue is a good option for this, though if you know you'll need something stronger, no one would turn down a small roll of duct tape either!

4. Safety Pins

While no one would choose ideally to have their wedding dress held up by a pin and a prayer, safety pins are a great plan B when a rip or tear or not-quite-fitting outfit happens. They can also be helpful if your outdoor wedding takes a turn for the windy: pinning down a tie or two if someone forgets a real tie pin can be done in a non-obtrusive way to make the photos or videos of the ceremony not look like a wind tunnel.

5. Benedryl/First Aid Essentials

Especially helpful if you haven't been exposed to the wedding venue previously for long enough to know if you are allergic to anything, it is also a great idea to have a small supply of your favorite headache cure, some band-aids, and antibiotic ointment. Even if the only use is a scraped knee from an adventurous flower girl, its always nicer to be able to quickly handle the situation rather than searching an unfamiliar venue for what you need.

6. A Ring of Some Kind

While not the world's most romantic option, putting a ring in the bag and then keeping it hidden in a bouquet or pocket can be helpful for if something keeps both rings from making it into the hands of the happy couple for the specific moment of the ceremony. From far away, no one in the crowd will be able to tell if you have to use your teenage mood ring to get married, and once you swap them out for the real thing, it becomes a story to laugh about, rather than a scramble in front of everyone.

7. Small Mirror

While brides and grooms usually look wonderful, it's nice to be able to quickly check, especially if you are wearing more than your usual amount of makeup or are sporting a fancy hairdo.

8. Water

Hydration is key, especially on a day when many people are too nervous to eat adequately. At least taking small sips of water in the moments between activities on the wedding day is important, especially since using a water fountain is a pain in a ball gown.

9. Scissors

For some reason, there always seems to be a need for scissors: cutting a loose thread from a dress or opening a package of bubbles at the end of the night can be hard without them. Personally, I liked having scissors packed for a minute after we drove away from our venue because we were able to slip out and cut away all the dangling parts of our car's festooned decorations from the groomsmen. I didn't mind looking silly, but it just seemed dangerous to get on the highway with tin cans dragging behind us.

10. Pen

From guestbook signing to signing the marriage license, it cannot hurt to have a pen handy. Some people choose to write a sweet note to their beloved during the moments between preparation and the ceremony, to calm their nerves and return their focus to the reason why the hoopla is happening. Having a pen handy will allow you to have this little moment and your groom or bride will appreciate knowing they were on your mind when that moment arrived.

Add your own items to this list to make sure your bag is customized for your wedding. For example, if you know you need to light a candle at some point, put a lighter in your bag, and if you want to change a pair of shoes to a party, keep them at hand. Overall, the goal of the Survival Toolbox or "Bag" is to have more than you need, so that on your special day, nothing happens to take more than a minute to find a solution to any small problem.

Why are you buying jewelry insurance?

Have you ever thought about buying insurance for your precious jewelry, which is sometimes expensive, so we take extra care. But no matter how careful you are when using jewelry, there is always the possibility of it being stolen, lost or damaged. Jewelry insurance is essential and is useful in this case. If something goes wrong with your jewelry, you can rest assured that it can be repaired or replaced. Here are some of our tips on jewelry insurance.

All Types Of Jewelry Can Be Insured

From your precious wedding ring to the gorgeous watch that your mother gave you as a birthday gift - any and all types of jewelry pieces can be insured. Insurance companies can offer coverage for items such as rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, charms, and even smart jewelry.

You Have To Get A Jewelry Insurance Quote

Similar to all other types of insurance, you will have to obtain an insurance quote. An appraisal of the jewelry piece will be completed to ensure that the insurance quote is appropriate. The appraisal lists a detailed description of the item and provides an opinion of value based on the jewelry's characteristics. Keep in mind, you will want to go to a professional and reputable jeweler for an appraisal to get the best evaluation of your jewelry piece.You can search for more than one insurance quote at a time.

Read And Understand The Coverage

Fully understanding what is written in your insurance will save your from any hassle when it’s time to use the insurance. Some insurance may not include full replacements or they may require a deductible prior to any repairs or replacement. The more you know about what the insurance offers, the easier it will be when it's time to file a claim.

Lost, Stolen, Damaged
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Protect your jewelry from loss, theft, or damage with comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance is the best insurance to have as it covers the most severe situations like when you leave your jewelry out somewhere, it gets stolen, or if your jewelry cracks. Jewelry insurance companies will replace the same jewelry piece or with a comparable piece, should the exact jewelry piece not be available anymore.

Many times, jewelry is purchased with a warranty. Unlike insurance, the warranty is limited. In addition, warranty is unlikely to replace jewelry in the event of theft. With insurance, you don't have to worry about wearing jewelry.

The world's most expensive diamond ring

Having a big rock makes some people proud. The higher the price, the more precious it becomes. Women strive to have one of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world, diamonds. Some diamonds are truly different due to their rare and unique diamond characteristics. Here are five of the world's most expensive pieces of diamond jewelry worn by women. Enjoy your eyes and dreams.

5. Chopard Blue Diamond Ring

Valued as one of the rarest and one of the most beautiful diamond jewelry in the world, Chopard’s Blue Diamond Ring is a highly prestige piece because of its exclusivity. Its most astonishing feature is its oval-shaped blue diamond that weighs 9 carats. It is set in 18-carat white gold and surrounded by triangular clear diamonds. Its cost? $16.26 million.

4. Heart of the Ocean

Probably the most recognizable in the list, the Heart of the Ocean was made even more famous in the movie Titanic. The iconic necklace was crafted by the world famous jeweler Harry Winston. The blue diamond itself weighs 15 carats and prices at $20 million. With its value and cinematic fame, even its knock-offs won’t sell cheap at $3.5 million.

3. The Perfect Pink

This 14.23 carat rare pink diamond is, by far, one of the most magnificent diamonds in the world because of its high-grade color, cut, and clarity. What makes it even more special is that it belongs to the 10% of pink diamonds who weigh over .20 carats. Throughout history, there were only a total of 18 known diamonds who were valued at 10 carats or more. Set beside it are two colorless white diamonds weighing 1.73 and 1.67 carats along with a white gold ring of 18 carats. Priced at $23.2 million, to call it "perfect" definitely suits this piece.

2. The Graff Pink Diamond

Considered as one of the most expensive jewelry in the world priced at $1.85 million per carat, private collector Laurence Graff bought the prestigious ring from "Heart of the Ocean" Jeweler, Harry Winston, for a price of $46.2 million. This 24.78 carat rare type II color diamond is considered as one of the most precious diamonds ever discovered. Cut with delicately rounded corners, this rectangular cut gem is set between two shield-shaped diamonds, all mounted on a premiere platinum ring.

1. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace

True to its name, the L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace is known as the most valuable necklace in the world. Designer Mouawad Jewelry took over four years just to craft this $55 million necklace. This yellow diamond   weighs 407.48 carats and comes with 91 diamonds of different cuts, which includes 229.52 carat white diamonds. It is set in an 18 carat rose gold chain.

These are the world's most coveted jewelry pieces. Now, who wouldn't want one of them hanging around your neck and wearing it on their fingers? When we choose one of these amazing pieces, choose one of our more affordable quality jewelry first!

Custody of diamond rings

Diamonds are timeless. However, sparkling diamonds inadvertently turn into dull diamonds. Proper maintenance and maintenance will ensure that your diamonds sparkle in the years to come. We have some guidelines that can help you show off your ring every day for the rest of your life.

Insure Your Ring

One of the best things you can do to care for your ring is insure it. Of course, nothing can ever replace the emotional and sentimental value of your engagement/wedding ring. Insuring your ring just means if it’s ever lost or damaged, the cost is covered. Your significant other can go get you the same kind or invest in an upgrade.

Routine Inspections

Your wedding ring is probably one of the most important things you’ll wear. Regular inspections at your local jeweler will keep its health top notch. Yes, rings need annual check-ups just like you do! To the naked eye your ring might look just fine, but have problems under the surface. A jeweler can ensure there aren’t any chips or cracks in the diamonds and ensure your gemstones are firmly held in place. You can easily get these things fixed before they cause further deterioration of your diamonds or lead to a missing jewel in your setting.



Let The Ring Rest

You won’t spontaneously combust and your marriage won't fail just because you take off your diamonds at times. You should take the ring off during any times that might present stress to your gems. Little things like carrying heavy luggage on a trip or washing dishes can mess with the setting or the diamonds. Let your ring rest at times so it isn’t always bullied by the outside world. You may feel naked, but you’re extending the life of your ring.

Clean Your Diamonds Regularly

You'll be amazed at the shine a jeweler can bring out in your ring and most jewelers will steam clean your ring free of charge. Make sure you get it cleaned regularly to keep it sparkly. If you want to try to copy this cleaning technique at home, you can rinse it with warm water and dish detergent. Don't scrub it with anything but a soft toothbrush. Some people swear by soaking your ring in gin or vodka to get the same effect.

Don't Apply Body Creams When Wearing Your Ring

Diamonds become dull when slathered with heavy creams. As you rub lotion on your body or cream on your face, the residue can leave your diamonds looking sad. This residue may even discolor ring if you aren’t careful. Take your ring off and sit it in a safe location as you apply lotion to ensure it won't get damaged.



Be Careful

Don't be a daredevil on a daily basis when wearing your ring. Don't be careless and leave it on during times it might get damaged. Whether throwing the football to your kids or wrestling with your dog, be careful not to chip the band or loosen the stones. Try not to punch the wall in anger or use your hand as a hammer hanging artwork. Swinging a tennis racket, spiking a volleyball, or lifting weights can easily knock stones our of their place.

Remove Your Ring When Preparing Food

Cooking can be messy. From kneading dough for bread, rolling meatballs between your hands, and rubbing spices on meat, food particles can get stuck deep within your diamonds. You don’t want raw meat stuck in your ring for days. Simply remove your ring and place it in a safe location when cooking. Make sure to put it back on after you get done so it doesn’t get swept away in the garbage disposal with the leftover remnants of food.

Store Diamonds Properly

It's important that diamonds are stored properly when they aren't on your finger. You may never take your ring off, but if you do, put it in the proper location. You should store diamonds in a jewelry box lined with cloth. This helps avoid scratches and any damage to the setting.



Don't Swim With Your Ring

Swimming in cold water can shrink your fingers. This means the ring can become loose and fall off if you're not careful. Harsh chemicals in pools and spas may also easily discolor your metal. Platinum is tough to taint, but sterling silver and white gold doesn't stand a chance next to these chemicals. This doesn’t mean you have to remove your ring when taking a bath, but be careful of the sudsy bubbles that might dull your diamonds.

Remove Your Ring When Cleaning

Harsh chemicals can harm the diamonds as well as the metal in your ring. If you clean your home with solvents that contain bleach they can react negatively. They won't destroy the ring, but they can leave diamonds cloudy and dull. Always remove your ring or wear gloves when cleaning to prevent this from happening.

Everyone must get gems: Tucson Gem Stakes Tour

You won't really know the scale of the gem and mineral exhibition (TGMS) until you visit Tucson. Even for an experienced participant, this can be overwhelming. Founded in the 1970s, TGMS is the world's largest, oldest and most prestigious exhibition of gemstones and minerals. Thousands of people took part in the exhibition. The meeting was attended by 250 retailers from almost every country in the world. Tucson lived for a week, breathing gems and minerals. Frankly, the scale and scope of the exhibition is incredible.

But at JewellyLife Jewelry, there's one thing that doesn't boggle our minds, and that's gems! Even just saying the names of some of these stones gives us shivers: Herkimer diamonds, Peruvian opals, rubies. Whether we are buying finished stones like opals and diamonds or raw materials like druzys, crystals, or petrified wood and abalone shells, when we are at the TGMS we are right in our element--sourcing the most beautiful and interesting materials to provide you with unique handmade jewelry.

Every year, JewellyLife Jewelry staff attend the TGMS to meet face-to-face with our preferred supplies and vendors that we've built relationships with over the past decade, as well as to scope out potential new sources of beads, pendants, cord materials, technologies, tools, and display ideas. We identify beauty and quality and bring them home to you, in the form of our artisan bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

Each year we fall in love with a few different gems and minerals, and this year was no exception. We fairly swooned over the crystal rhodochrosite, which represents unconditional love. Evolved over the millennia from a combination of manganese carbonate, rhodochrosite's beautiful pink color and unique patterns of white bands create a stunning contrast that's easy on the eyes. Often called "the compassionate cheerleader," rhodochrosite is a heart-based healing crystal and opens up the heart chakras to the possibilities of healing, happiness, and love. Our artisans are busy in our Bend, OR studio designing ways to bring rhodochrosite to you in the form of beaded jewelry and pendant necklaces.

Australian opals caught our fancy this year as well, due to their luminous iridescence. More than 95% of the world's precious opals come from Australia, and it's the national gemstone of that country. Opal was rare and considered invaluable in antiquity, and was prized by royalty across Europe. Until the vast Australian opal deposits became available to the rest of the world in the 19th century, the only known source of opals was in Slovakia.

We spend hours combing through special one-of-a-kind gemstones and druzys to find perfect pairs for earrings and necklaces that we sell to our lucky studio shoppers in Bend. Why not just source these gems online? Because the exquisite druzys and other precious gems we use in our artisan jewelry must be hand-selected in order to provide our customers with the high quality beaded bracelets, gemstone earrings, and artisan necklaces they expect from our brand. We have to see and touch these materials to be assured of their integrity.

Druzy crystals have become one of our favorite materials for creating sparkly, breathtaking necklaces and earrings. In addition to making any piece of jewelry eye-catching, druzy crystals are reported to imbue the wearer with heightened creativity and imagination, as well as relaxation and stress relief. Look great while feeling mellow? Sign us up!

Jewelry artists aren't the only ones who frequent the TGMS; it's an annual gathering place for rock-hounds as well. Because honestly, where else are you going to find items like 15' tall amethyst towers or petrified woolly mammoth tusks? Lapidary artists (those who form stones and minerals into decorative items) frequent the TGMS to buy their raw materials, hauling away great buys like giant chunks of raw turquoise.

JewellyLife Jewelry has used African trade beads in our necklaces almost since the very first piece we designed, and we still haven't tired of these vibrant glass beads. Just looking at the riot of color available from our bead suppliers makes us happy, and sourcing materials from our trusted friends at our favorite African trade bead booth makes us even happier.

At the end of the show, we were all exhausted, but we were also full of imagination. When our thoughts turn back to our home, our minds are filled with the idea of creating new and fresh jewelry, completely rock."

7 fashion tips for winter wedding brides

Are you and your other half thinking about planning a winter wedding? Now that the cool autumn and winter season is finally here, many brides and grooms are thinking about what winter weddings will look like. Let me tell you from personal experience that winter weddings are completely magical and romantic. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate the union of two people.

If you are considering a winter wedding, one of the most important aspects to address is attire. Because it will be significantly colder and darker during your ceremony and reception, it’s important that you and your fiancé select the right clothing for the occasion. You’ll also need to find appropriate outfits for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Keep these helpful style tips in mind as you move forward with your winter wedding plans!

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Look Glamorous

Winter weddings are ideal for glamour. From your dress selection to your decorations, this is the perfect opportunity to go a little crazy and splurge on extravagant attire and accessories. Glitter and sequins, for example, are extremely festive. A dress with these features is ideal for brides who want to sparkle and shine as they walk down the aisle and waltz across the dance floor.

2. Clothing Material Matters

The clothes you pick for your winter wedding must not only look beautiful, but function appropriately as well. In this case, that means keeping you, your fiancé, and your wedding party warm enough. For women, consider dresses made from heavy fabrics. Silk and satin are good options. If you’ve already selected a dress made from thinner fabric, it may be worth adding a satin lining underneath to help keep you warmer. Men may want to look for a warm blazer to add to their ensemble. For this, velvet is a great material to consider.

3. Accessorize!

One of the best aspects of dressing for a winter wedding is accessorizing. The right accessories can add a lot aesthetically to your event. Bejeweled tiaras, for example, can make a bride look like a snow princess! In the winter, accessories aren’t only good for appearance, however. They can also function to keep you both warm. Brides and grooms should also consider wearing faux fur; stoles, veils, scarves, and capes are especially fitting for this type of colder occasion.

4. Opt for Boots

High heels and snow or ice are not friends. In fact, they’re probably better described as mortal enemies. When picking appropriate footwear for a winter wedding, keep the various potential weather conditions in mind. It’s likely to be cold, so shoes that expose your toes should be avoided. Additionally, ice can be problematic for high heels. This is especially true if the heel is thin, and is why many brides opt to wear boots for their winter weddings. Not only will they keep your feet warm, but they can help prevent a disastrous fall.

5. Keep Undergarments in Mind

Depending on where your winter wedding will take place, temperatures can vary significantly. If you know the potential for freezing or near-freezing weather is high, it’s best to plan ahead. To combat the cold, you should plan to have thick tights available to wear under your wedding dress. As long as you’ve selected a longer dress, no one will have any idea what you’ve got going on underneath it! While you may not need them, it’s always better to be prepared.

6. Take Care of Your Bridal Party

Another important factor is the comfort of your bridal party. While your groomsmen should stay relatively warm in their suit jackets, the bridesmaids are likely to be more susceptible to the cold. Even longer dresses allow for significantly more airflow and often lack sleeves. To ensure your bridesmaids stay warm too, consider providing them each with a cover-up. In fact, matching shawls make a great gift. Not only will they be useful the day of your wedding, but your bridesmaids are likely to use them again in the future. A comparable gift for your groomsmen may be matching scarves. To make these items more personal, they can easily be embroidered.

7. Remember Your Guests

While this has nothing to do with what you, your fiance and the bride are wearing, it's important to remember your wedding guests. The first step in achieving this is to provide good information to your family and friends. If you know it's going to get cold, make sure you let them know in advance. Consider adding a reminder to your wedding invitation or wedding website. You can also provide guests with some cover-up when they arrive. Many new people planning winter weddings have blankets, especially when weddings or some weddings are held outdoors.

How to be comfortable and beautiful at a winter wedding

Maybe your marriage has been set, just this winter. It doesn't matter, winter wedding has the unique charm of winter wedding, here we discuss the matter of winter wedding.

If you're planning a winter wedding, you might be looking forward to a snow blanket as white as your wedding dress, and you can't wait to bake a cup of hot chocolate in front of a blazing fireplace. However, there is also a logistical problem with winter weddings: many wedding dresses are designed to be worn in warm weather. It's not advisable to put your usual jacket or jacket on your skirt.

When planning to be a bride in the winter, you can still pick the dress you think fits perfectly. However, you may have to strategize a little to stay beautiful and comfortable when moving between buildings and taking photographs in the winter wonderland. Here are some layering options to make any gorgeous dress comfortable.

Start with the Basics

Some bridal gowns won’t support a pair of warm leggings, but if you have a dress with some volume to it like a floor-length ball gown, try them and see how it feels. Even the addition of a soft white camisole that doesn’t show through your bodice can drastically change how warm you feel in the winter weather. When shopping for dresses, bring some simple nude or white undergarments that might form a layer of warmth under your gown; you can always ditch them if nothing looks or feels good with them.

Experiment with Sleeves

Obviously, looking and feeling your best should be your first priority when shopping for a wedding dress, but while you may never consider a dress with long lace sleeves for a summer wedding, maybe this is the time to try one. There are many ways that lace, tulle, and sheer panels can make a difference in how warm a dress is while still being flattering and truly lovely. If you end up falling in love with a sleeveless dress or one with a bare back, never fear. There are more layering options to come.

Pay Attention to the Veil

Veils are often lightweight or just trail down the bride’s back, but it is possible to find or make a veil that is a little heavier and actually drapes over the bride’s shoulders. Often, having a pretty veil that covers the top of the body can add another layer for warmth in quick outdoor photos, and there’s no reason not to take a typical part of the wedding look and make it work toward your comfort.

Cardigans and Shawls

Employing just as much lace and appliques as your dress, you can find simple cardigans and shawls that can be used to drape over your dress and add sleeves on a windy, chilly wedding day. Having one or more of these handy even if you don’t think you’ll get cold is a good idea. That being said, try all cardigans and shawls with the dress if you can; even a simple white cardigan may not look right with an ornate dress, and if you are already investing in this look, you’ll want to find something that looks great.

Tailored Jackets and Coats

One great way to accessorize for a winter wedding is with a short tailored faux fur coat or detailed jacket. By tailoring the coat for your body and having it end above the waist of the dress, you can make it seem more a part of your ensemble, all while still being able to shed the warmest layers when you get out on a dance floor later in the day.

Don’t Forget Your Fingers and Toes!

Many winter brides work so hard to avoid having cold arms that they forget just how cold their feet can get in dress shoes. Figure out a sock, pantyhose, or tights option that will work well for your look so that your toes aren’t crying. Fingers are the same way; figure out if a short or long glove will look best for your outfit, or experiment with a soft muff that you can use as a pocket to put your fingers in when the weather is nippy.

With these programs, you can stay beautiful throughout the day, while also feeling comfortable in the many degrees of cold and warmth you may encounter. Consider buying a variety of options, even if you think you will only use, say, your custom jacket. Things sometimes change at your wedding, and getting ready for a slightly different layer is just one thing you can do to make it easier to make a decision on your wedding day.