The Platinum Honors™ category at the annual American Gem Trade Association
(AGTA) Spectrum Awards™ competition provides magazine editors and wardrobe
stylists with an opportunity to see the newest trends in bridal jewelry design using color
set in platinum. This competition is the premier jewelry design contest in the world and
attracts hundreds of entrants each year. Each of the participating designers has their
own motivation and inspiration when it comes to the pieces they submit. When
analyzed together, they reveal that platinum was a very popular setting, accounting for
almost 40% of the winning selections. From blue sapphires, to red rubies, purple
tanzanites, black diamonds, green zultanites, and clean moonstones, designers chose
to set their colorful gemstones in platinum. Why? Because platinum is a naturally white
metal that never changes color, it always makes colored gemstones sparkle brighter.

Here are a few of the winning platinum bridal rings, and wedding day jewelry designs:

Mark Schneider Mark Schneider Design Long Beach, CA
Platinum earrings featuring 12mm black Tahitian Pearls and 8mm cultured
freshwater Pearls accented with white Diamonds (.99 ctw.) and black Diamonds (.53
ctw.). Winner in AGTA Spectrum Awards Bridal category for Manufacturing Honors.

Maria Canale Richard Krementz Gemstones Springfield, NJ
Platinum “Lace” ring featuring a 4.10 ct. blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.77
ctw.). 1st place in AGTA Spectrum Awards Bridal category.

Leonard A. McCue L.A.M. Goldsmiths S. Dennis, MA
Platinum “Hearts and Arrows” ring featuring a 19.0 ct. pear-shaped Moonstone
accented with Diamonds (2.37ctw.). Honorable Mention winner in AGTA Spectrum
Awards Bridal category.

Photo credit: Robert & Orasa Weldon for AGTA

To view more award winning platinum designs from the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ visit
www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

By Bridal Expert Alison Rowe

Your wedding and engagement rings are important symbols. Outwardly, they signify your commitment to your relationship. To each other, they are timeless symbols of your love. No other jewelry you buy will have greater sentimental value, so it’s only natural that you want to take care the greatest care of them.

The general caveat with all jewelry–especially pieces containing diamonds or gemstones–is to remove them before any heavy work, or when you are using harsh bleach or chemicals. Despitebeing incredibly strong, even diamonds can chip or crack if they are struck hard.

Be aware that all precious metals will get scratched over time, and this means different things for different metals. Platinum’s durability means that any scratches it sustains will just displace the metal, so you can polish it back to its original condition. However, when white gold gets scratched, the metal is lost. Your jeweler can buff out the scratches but you won’t get the metal back. They will probably suggest re-plating it then, too. As white gold is an alloy with a yellow gold base, it gets its white color from being plated in rhodium. As the metal is lost, so, too is the rhodium plating, so the ring will eventually return to its natural gold color. Platinum is naturally white, so no upkeep is needed to retain its luster.

Have your jeweler inspect her engagement ring each year to make sure the stones are firmly in place as they can come loose with everyday wear and tear. Depending on the setting, this might need to happen more–or less–frequently. Because of its density, a platinum setting will hold stones more securely than any other precious metal so you’ll have more peace of mind.

Be sure to keep your ring clean by removing natural buildup like dirt and grime. (This also ensures the maximum brilliance from her diamonds.) Do this easily at home by soaking the ring in a mild solution of soap and warm water, or jewelry cleaning solution, and gently rub it dry with a soft cloth. It’s best not to do this over the sink as soapy hands can be slippery hands and you don’t want to lose it down the drain! For a more thorough clean take it to your jeweler.

Visit www.PreciousPlatinum.com to view more tips on caring for your rings.

Jack Frankel (75) and Fina Nikolos (67) first met at a Whole Foods in Coral Springs, FL this May. It was raining that day and Nikolos offered to walk Jack to his car with an umbrella of course (what a smooth move). He thanked her by taking her to lunch the following week. This past Saturday, the couple got married in the one place they’ll never forget — the Whole Foods in which they first fell in love. You can read more about the couple here…

Congrats! to the happy couple:

photo via Lipstick Alley

To a woman, an engagement ring is a symbol of love, devotion and enduring commitment. She has secretly been thinking about the ring for years, so making the proper choice is key – but don’t panic just yet. Shopping online offers the ability to get what she wants, or more, for a fraction of what you would pay at retail. There are plenty of sites out there that will give you all the information you need to select the perfect diamond and setting, but let’s review the basics for now.

The diamond is the ring’s centerpiece, its focal point, making it the most important part of the ring. Cut is the most significant factor, as a well-cut diamond will offer the most brilliance. Color and clarity are personal preference, but remember: all she, and you, will be asked about is the carat weight and how much it sparkles. Putting more emphasis on cut and size and less on color and clarity (while still making sure the diamond looks white and is clear of visible inclusions) will make for a happier bride-to-be!

If you’re undecided about what setting to select to hold the diamond you just spent two weeks (or months) picking out, consider this: 81% of women surveyed said they wanted platinum. Gambling men everywhere are jumping on the platinum bandwagon with odds like that! With all of platinum’s benefits working in your favor, what’s not to love: platinum’s a stronger metal that holds its value longer and requires less maintenance. Gentlemen, we have a winner! She shouldn’t be the only lucky one, though – you deserve platinum as well! You work hard and play harder, so you need a ring that will stand up to your active lifestyle.

JamesAllen.com guides you through the purchase process before, during and after the sale: real magnified images, stunning 3HD renderings of over 1,000 platinum settings and wedding bands, a 60-day return period, along with one free resize and one free FedEx label within that same timeframe. Their knowledgeable customer service staff is also available to answer questions 24/7, so they can talk when you can – when she’s not around!

From here, your lives are going to be full of compromises – don’t compromise on your rings. They are all that will remain when the wedding is over, and will be a constant reminder of your love. Start your lives together right: make the platinum choice.

To view platinum engagement rings to fit your budget, visit www.preciousplatinum.com and www.JamesAllen.com

They collected scores of old books and screen printed the “Casey & Amy” design on each one and used the library theme for their RSVP cards on the reverse side. Did I say that I loved these yet? I love ‘em.

It’s true. Wedding planners are no longer just employees of the rich and famous. With affordable pricing and many industry connections, a wedding planner could actually end up saving you money.

photo by Jonathan Timmes via Northern Virginia Magazine

So, what are some of the benefits of hiring a wedding planner?

• They will work with you to develop a budget that works and they will haggle prices and discounts to make sure your day is everything you want it to be.
• They will work according to a specific schedule and let you know what needs to be done and when.
• They will help you select a tasty, appropriate menu and the perfect wedding cake.
• They will handle all decorations, linens, flowers, and favors to ensure that everything works together perfectly.
• They will orchestrate the entire big day so that things run as smoothly as possible.

By hiring a wedding planner, you’re freeing up time to enjoy bridal showers and engagement parties without the stress of dealing with wedding day details. In fact, eliminating the stress of the particulars is actually rather liberating.

Still not sure about hiring someone to take on the details? Websites like The Knot offer a variety of resources to help you plan the perfect wedding on your own, right down to helping you coordinate the perfect honeymoon.

Simon G. Jewelry is a family operated company established in 1980 with the promise of combining old-world tradition and the pursuit of perfection. Simon G.’s modern workshop produces some of the world’s most innovative platinum jewelry.

We asked President and Head Designer Simon Ghanimian (aka. Simon G.) about his wedding jewelry collection.

Q: What is your biggest inspiration when designing a new engagement or wedding ring style?
A: My biggest inspiration is feedback from my customers. I want them to smile every time they look at their engagement and wedding ring. I spend a lot of time reading emails from customers and meeting them at our trunk shows around the country.

Q: How do you get inspiration when designing platinum engagement rings?
A: One of my most favorite activities is designing platinum engagement rings because of the metal’s durability and brilliant white color. I’m inspired when I meet couples that share their love story and want to express their relationship with an enduring platinum ring.

Q: Out of your collections, which piece is the most significant to you?
A: Out of all of my bridal collections, my most favorite piece would definitely have to be the platinum and cushion cut diamond engagement ring. This ring is so simple yet has such captivating elegance that is almost inescapable. And the fine detailing would only work on platinum.

Q: In all your years of experience, what would you say is the most important element in buying an engagement ring/wedding band and why?
A: Forget about what’s “trendy” and focus on the style that best represents you. I want you to wear your ring every day for the rest of your life, so pick a design that suits your personality.

Q: Do you have any tips for men who are looking to purchase an engagement ring? Or couples purchasing wedding bands?
A: Get your soon to be bride the ring that that she wants, not necessarily your style preference. She will most likely prefer a platinum setting since it makes the diamond sparkle brighter. Don’t be afraid to ask her for style hints, if she hasn’t already provided them. For example, does she prefer a modern or vintage style? Ask her what celebrity engagement ring she loves. You can still surprise your girlfriend with a special engraving inside the ring to commemorate the moment. For wedding bands, I urge brides to select a ring that feels comfortable, especially if she’s wearing the band with her engagement ring. Grooms typically prefer the heavy weight and patina of platinum bands. Most importantly, don’t leave ring shopping until the last minute!

To view platinum engagement rings and wedding bands from Simon G. Jewelry, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

photo via Southern Event Planners

1. Have a Vision

If you have a clear picture of what you want your wedding to look like, it’ll be that much easier to make it a reality. Do you envision getting married in an intimate garden setting or in a grand ballroom? Is your dream reception made up of close family and friends or is it a 500-plus event? Before you make any appointments or pay a single deposit, get your creative juices flowing. Scan bridal magazines and then jot down details of what your perfect day would look like. Knowing the big picture of what you want will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by details during the planning process.

2. Prioritize

Unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll need to decide how much you want to spend on things like flowers, entertainment and catering. Most wedding planning books contain helpful budgeting tools that show how much a couple should expect to spend on average. For example, the average bride and groom may spend 15% of their budget on photography. You’ll save yourself a ton of headaches if you use these budgeting tools only as a guide, not a set of rules. Set your own priorities within your budget. After all, you may decide to spend more on a designer dress and enlist a friend to snap photos.

3. Make Lists, Lots of Lists

If you’re the type of person who rarely uses the calendar app on her iPhone and usually prefers committing things to memory over using post-its, this tip is especially for you: When it comes to planning your wedding, make an exception. There is a reason why most wedding planning guides are encyclopedia-length. From researching and hiring vendors to managing appointments and deposits, you have a lot to accomplish. Using a calendar to manage the tasks you’ll need to complete will let you focus on one detail at a time (multi-tiered cake or cupcakes?). If you have no idea what to put on your to-do list or when to start planning, the Knot Book of Wedding Lists is a great place to start (It’s literally a book of lists!) or you can check out some newer websites that let you create personalized planning tools such as WeddingWire.

4. Let Family and Friends Help

When your parents, in-laws, and friends offer to help with your wedding planning, take them up on it! You and your fiance will still be in charge of making the big decisions but if your mom offers to search for the best bakery this side of the Atlantic, that is one less task on your agenda. Also, consider asking your friend’s band to play at the reception or accept the gift of your grandmother’s stunning, vintage wedding gown. Family and friends will be really happy to be a part of your special day and you will save yourself time and maybe even money.

5. Stay Grounded

More likely than not, at some point during your wedding planning, a problem will arise. Maybe the caterer you were courting will no longer be available for your reception or perhaps a bridesmaid will complain about the color of the bridesmaid dresses. Whatever the issue, remember that the most important detail of your wedding day is that, well, you are going to say “I do” to the person you love. All the rest is just icing. If you’re able to keep a firm hold on why you’re staying up late to decide on a napkin color, then you’ll be able to overcome any snag in your plans.

One of the more interesting points is that the actual expense is $10,000 higher than the average budget. What is your budget and do you think you’ll be able to stay within it?

Don’t forget to follow @BridePOP on twitter and facebook.com/bridepop

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Unfortunately, wedding favors can get expensive. “Our guest list was nearly 200 people,” says Charis Fischer, “so even spending ten dollars on each favor can get expensive fast.”

this beautiful photo is from Brides of Oklahoma

Here are a few suggestions for wedding favors that will impress the guest list without breaking the bank.

• Start Cooking! For their wedding, Adam Ralko and Charis Fischer baked cookies for their guests.  “I think the key is personalized favors,” says Fischer. Though the couple married in New Jersey, they made the cookies in the shape of fleurs-de-lis, which is the symbol for St. Louis, where they met.

If you’re not the Betty Crocker-type, try store-bought cookies stacked in vintage jars or wrapped in colored cellophane and ribbon. Check out your local vintage store or Etsy.com for some more one-of-a-kind ideas.

• Think Charitably- For their fall 2010 wedding in St. Louis; Angela Smith and Justin Hartmann donated to the Missouri Humane Society. “We put a dog bone on every place setting, so guests knew about the donation. It made sense for us to donate to a cause we support, and since most of our guests have dogs, they were able to take the treat home” said Smith.

Check out the I Do Foundation, where you can make charitable wedding favor donations to an array of charities, in your guests’ names. Other organizations, like Changing the Present, offer specialized gifts for hundreds of charities worldwide at price points as low as $5. Charitable donations can be made as one lump sum, or tailored to your individual guests’ favorite causes.

• Personalize: Linda and Criss Palacios had a small 2008 ceremony in his native Ecuador, so for their 2010 wedding celebration in her hometown of Cincinnati, their wedding favors were napkin rings and coasters handmade by Ecuadorian artisans, in a fair-trade project with Peace Corps volunteers the couple know.

Melissa and John Kipke created unique favor baskets with guitar-shaped bubbles and packets of daisy seeds at their July 2006 wedding in Athens, Ohio. We wanted things that spoke to who we are. Daisies are my favorite flower, and I thought “plant the seeds of love,” would be cute. John’s mom found the bubbles online and everyone got a kick out of them since John is an avid musician, says Melissa.

Pick small items that reflect your personalities or shared interests. Consider personalized wine toppers, or monogrammed fans for outdoor weddings or customized boxes filled with your favorite popcorn, candy or nuts.

• Think Big: Instead of individual gifts, consider giving one gift to the entire reception party.

At their 2008 wedding in Wadsworth, Ohio, Lindsay and Erik Valiante surprised their wedding party with a catered Taco Bell bar around 10pm. “It was the most popular part of our wedding,” says Valiante, “people still bring it up all the time!”

Consider giving one gift to the entire party, like limousine service back and forth to their hotels, a decorate-your-own cupcake bar or a table of assorted chocolates and small bags for guests to create their own wedding favors. Opt for brands like Choxie (at Target) or Hershey kisses over pricier brands to save money.

Do you have some creative wedding favor ideas? If so we’d love to hear about ‘em. Feel free to share them in the comments section below!