Sparkle Style: What Your Ring Says About You

(Bel Aire Bridal – Style V7266)

Are you dreaming of a sparkly Christmas?
According to a recent poll by Brides magazine, about 51 percent of brides are involved in choosing their engagement rings. Whether the rock is a complete surprise or you show him exactly what you want on that special finger, we hope that you receive a design you absolutely love. After all, you’ll be wearing it for the rest of your life!
When it comes to diamonds (still the most popular stone for engagement rings), the four C’s reign supreme. Clarity, color, carat, and cut play into how expensive your bling will be. We’re going to focus on the cut of your gorgeous stone—which comes in a dazzling array of choices—and what each shape says about your personality!

Cushion Cut – Modern, Trendy, Fabulous
Also known as a “pillow cut” or “candlelight diamond,” a cushion cut stone looks like a square with rounded corners. Sparkling like crushed ice, this cut has enjoyed recent popularity with brides who want something slightly more modern than a round diamond—though this style has been around for over 200 years! Usually set as a solitaire or halo, the cushion cut embraces any band with dazzling radiance. Cushion brides lean towards runway trends such as plunging necklines, embellished backs, snazzy silhouettes, and celebrity styles. You are modern and not afraid to shine!

Heart Shape – Sentimental, Romantic, Feminine
If you’re a fairy-tale bride, a heart-shaped ring may be in your stars! This sweet shape evokes a theme of true love; you are marrying your soul mate. Pairing this enchanting stone with an engraved band will personalize your engagement ring. Only the true romantic chooses a heart and keeps it with her always. Heart brides lean towards lavish lace, extravagant floral arrangements, feminine colors like blush or champagne, and intimate wedding details. You are in love with love!

Emerald – Confident, Powerful, Sleek
Utterly chic, an emerald cut evokes minimalist beauty. The confident, no-fuss bride with a penchant for shine prefers this clean look. Free from distractions and crafted with narrow, long facets, the emerald cut is best if you prefer pure elegance. Due to its shape, jewelers often need higher grade clarity diamonds to create this cut (making it more expensive). Emerald brides are attracted to sheath gowns and simple, elegant details. You already know you’re fabulous.

Round – Classic, Traditional, Sparkly
If you love sparkle, choose a round brilliant stone! With 58 facets and the most brilliance of any cut, a round stone will make everyone stare at your hand. This cut looks amazing accented with a pavé band, halo setting, or raised solitaire. Classic yet popular, a round stone is the best choice if you’re unsure of what you like or want something that will stay in style. Round cut brides are modern yet classy, leaning towards popular wedding trends and flattering styles.

Marquise – Alternative, Free-Spirited, Artistic
If you like to stand out from the crowd, a marquise diamond is right up your alley. Unique as the bride who wears it, this stone is shaped like a tiny boat and has a slimming effect. This brilliant, elongated cut marries a look of courtly elegance with creative appeal.Marquise brides go for non-traditional gowns and quirky accents.

Princess – Trendy, Modern, Romantic
Combining classic sparkle with an edgy shape, the princess cut looks square (sometimes slightly rectangle) with the most brilliance and fire of any non-round cut. One of the most popular choices for engagement rings, princess diamonds add artistic beauty to any setting. Princess brides stray only slightly from the beaten path, enjoying classy but modern gowns, trendy accessories, and just a few romantic touches. You’re willing to bend tradition and personalize your wedding!

***
What shape of diamond would you choose? Would you prefer a colored gem?

Do you want to pick it yourself?

Tell us ALL about your dream engagement ring!

Additional Sources:
http://www.jewellerymonthly.com/diamond-shapes-for-engagement-rings/
http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Diamonds/Diamond-Fire-Dispersion/What-Is-Diamond-Fire-Dispersion.html
http://www.abazias.com/diamondblog/diamond-education/diamond-shapes-a-guide-to-the-cuts
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/round-diamonds
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/537124693032969899/
https://www.bezambar.com/princess-cut-diamond-inventor/

Top Reasons to Have a Christmas Wedding

(Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6524)

‘Tis the season to get engaged! Amongst the beauty and cheer of the holidays, we can’t help but wonder how many of you newly engaged couples will be saying “I do” again in about a year’s time? Summer and fall weddings are more popular than winter celebrations, but the cold season offers plenty of charming reasons to tie the knot.

Holiday Colors

Green and red, silver and gold, or white and blue are all beautiful color schemes for a holiday wedding. Choose a theme that is right for you and run with it!

Sparkling Accessories

You can’t wear sparkling high heels to a beach wedding. Romantic cathedral veils, stunning headpieces, and formal gowns stand out as some of our favorite winter wedding elements. To add holiday cheer, incorporate green, red, or gold into your bouquet! From shimmering headbands to twinkling bouquet jewelry, a few bits of bling will infuse your look with gorgeous radiance.

Bright Decorations

Tinsel, garlands, strings of lights, mini trees, poinsettias, pinecones, plaid table runners, ribbons and presents—what’s not to like about holiday decorations? Provide your guests with an ornament decoration station, so they’ll have something special to take home! From the table cloths to the centerpieces, you can enjoy reusing these seasonal home accents for years to come.

Religious Significance

If you are deeply spiritual, a Christmas wedding may brighten your ceremony and make your vows even more meaningful. Churches tend to put up gorgeous decorations this time of year, and you can easily incorporate a religious or festive theme.

Family

If your friends and family gather together for holidays, why not plan your wedding around the same time? You can incorporate traditions from both sides, create a few special memories of your own, and enjoy the cheer of celebrating anniversaries to come.

***

So, what do you think? Is a Christmas wedding right for you? Let us know when you’re planning on getting married and why you picked the date!

Product Spotlight—Halo 6500

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Shimmering rhinestones over glistening links of silver oval motifs

We are so excited about our newest collection of boho-chic accessories! Hot from our Spring 2015 line, the 6500 rhinestone headpiece is a gorgeous, glittering statement.

Designed to evoke radiant elegance with a twist of carefree beauty, 6500 pairs the intricacy of dimensional rhinestone flowers with swirling silver filigree.

A delicate yet decadent halo, this glorious design perfectly complements the extravagance of a formal event with a touch of bohemian whimsy.

The versatile possibilities for styling this headpiece allow brides to personalize their ensembles.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Style Me

For dreamy romantics, 6500 drapes decadently over an ethereal veil. The interplay between light tulle and the sparkling stones creates a fairy-tale look of maidenly enchantment.

A relaxed, modern bride may beautifully enhance her flowing hairstyle with bold sparkle that shimmers like the sun on a lake. Halo 6500 enriches loose braids, relaxed curls, and straight hairstyles with a bridal glow that exudes confidence and understated luxury.

Match Me

Halo 6500 is pretty with a touch of glamour, making it the perfect mate for a variety of gowns. To dress up plain satin or add sophisticated sparkle to sweet lace, adding a belt with a touch of bling polishes the whole ensemble. Twinkling earrings beautifully finish the look with star-kissed elegance.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

My Perfect Wedding 

Romantic yet modern, this striking design is an eye-catching beauty worthy of admiration—a perfect companion for any bride on her special day!

Love This Look

Love this design and want to see similar accessories?

Try checking out our Spring 2015 collection page

Welcome to the Bel Aire Bridal Blog!

If you are here, you’re probably planning a wedding. Congratulations! In addition to being your source for a gorgeous veil and unforgettable accessories, we would love to support your journey from “Miss” to “Mrs.” with a few tips & tricks!

RB_614BAB39-W

Our new blog will feature weekly posts about all things bridal and beautiful—including features of real Bel Aire brides, seasonal wedding inspiration, exclusive interviews with our design team, wedding industry trend alerts, contests and giveaways, pretty editorial photo shoots, celeb red carpet styles, staff favorites, collection debuts, and more!

RB_614BAB122-W