I’ve had the honor of knowing this fabulous woman for, well, let’s just say a long time. We were friends in college and even then you could tell her creative juices were always flowing so it was no surprise to me when her gorgeous jewelry starting popping on my feed and on my friends! Having been to a few weddings, I always love to see the creative ways in which the couple expresses their gratefulness to their wedding party and what better way then to have custom jewelry designed by the ever talented Charnae! So excited to be sharing her talents with you!
Here is my custom bracelet that was given to me when I was a Bridesmaid in one my very Bestie’s wedding last year (which was shot by my associate Matthew Gillooley) Zack & Lindsay.
by Charnae of Charnae Jewlelry Collections
In the last couple years I’ve been to about 30 weddings. It’s my age, it’s the time, it’s something in the water. On the guest-side, weddings are a blast – love is in the air, happy tears are flowing, promises are made and dance moves are being mastered. Wedding season is pretty amazing!
Being in a wedding and standing beside your friend or family member is a huge honor. It’s full of fun activities – bachelorette parties, bridal showers, dress fittings, alcohol tastings (wait, is that just my friends?! ;)) and many laughs while reminiscing on your strong bond with the bride and/or groom.
On the flip side, word on the street is that planning a wedding is a lot, and I mean a lot of work. Even the simplest ones require meticulous details, exacting organization and a few doses of “bridezilla” to keep everyone on their toes. Most parts of the planning should be fun, but stacked up with everything a bride and groom need to do before they say I Do. The whole nine yards can be a bit overwhelming and time consuming.
It is a year of great fun, but it’s also a year of great funds. As Tradition has it, the bride usually gets her bridal party a thank you gift. This is where custom jewelry comes in – it can be that bridal party gift the girls (and boys!) will actually use long after the wedding.
Firstly, a few tips when considering custom jewelry as bridal party gifts to ensure that they fit your wedding and are well received:
- Your friendships are built on quality and strong bonds. The jewelry you give should be too. When picking jewelry try to avoid anything plated and stick with solid gold, gold filled or sterling silver.
- Pick jewelry pieces that are timeless. Your friend should be able to wear these pieces for years to come without the style going in and out with fleeting trends. The skinny jeans of jewelry is a bad wedding choice.
- If possible, pick a piece that has meaning and significance so every time he or she puts it on, it will evoke memories of your wedding day and your relationship.
- Tailor each piece to be slightly different, but in a cohesive manner; to flow with the wedding theme, yet still represent each member. Each of your friends or family is quirky and beautiful in their own way and the jewelry should match their personalities as well as your wedding vision. More examples of this below.
To shop for Charnae’s one-of-a-kind pieces, be sure to visit her Etsy Store!
About the Author:
Charnae draws inspiration from all aspects of her wonderfully colorful life – from a hot and bumpy bus ride through Vietnam to a long and refreshing hike over the cliffs in her hometown of Laguna Beach California. Her custom jewelry pieces are gorgeous, created with the recipient in mind. She understands that her work will serve as more than just an accessory, but also a reminder of an important moment in that person’s life. Her everyday pieces are also unique; from stones to precious metals, pendants to unique use of typography, they’re all showstoppers. No two items look exactly alike, but they all share the same intention – to make whoever is wearing them feel full-of-life and fabulous! See more of her pieces on her Etsy store.