Bridal Jewelry Blog

Family First

2009-06-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is a very sad and difficult blog post for me to write. Over the past 6 weeks we have discovered that our 16 month old son Tyler may have a very serious illness. We are in the process of having many assessments and tests done but it looks like he may have some form of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). As you can imagine this is devastating news for us and our family. There are a great number of treatment options available, which is great but also quite overwhelming. We need to research and sort through them all to see which ones we think will be best for our son. As we try to navigate all the options for treatment, I have less time to focus on running the business. As difficult as this is for me since I absoluetly love creating jewelry for your weddings, I have to close our doors for a while to focus on Tyler's care.

I sincerely appreciate all of your orders and I will still be making jewelry on a limited basis. If you've placed an order with us it will be shipped as scheduled and if you've placed a sample order we should be able to accommodate your jewelry order. If you would like to order or if you would like a refund on your sample order please feel free to email me at lisa@nothernstarbridal.com.

I feel terrible about abandoning my business, especially during wedding season however family must come first as I'm sure you understand.

I want to thank all of our brides both past and present. It has been a pleasure to be a part of your special day. Best wishes to all of you.

Kind Regards,

Lisa G

Now on Etsy!

2009-04-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Love Etsy? Now you can find Northern Star Bridal there too!
In addition to our website NorthernStarBridal.com (where you'll still find our best selection) I'm pleased to announce the launch of our Etsy store NorthernStarBridal.Etsy.com!

Most of the items in our Etsy store are the same as what's on our website NorthernStarBridal.com but they are in US dollars instead of Canadian dollars.

However, I also plan to use this Etsy store as a place to show my non-bridal jewelry as well!
Keep checking back and don't forget to Buy Handmade!

Bridal Jewelry on a Budget

2009-04-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt about it. Times are tough. But there is no reason why recessionista brides can't have the wedding of their dreams on a budget. Of all the things you will need for your wedding, dress, veil, flowers and shoes, jewelry is the one thing that you can wear again!

One thing that true recessionistas do is to break down the cost of an item in "cost per use". For example, if that fab pair of shoes you've been eyeing cost $100 and you know that you'll wear them at least 50 times then the cost per use is $2.00. Not bad.

So, if you choose jewelry you can wear again your cost per use comes down. It's as simple as that. It's amazing how many opportunities you can find to wear your jewelry again. Sure, you're not likely to wear your tiara to the office but there's no reason why you can't wear your bracelet out to dinner or your earrings to a birthday party.

Here are 6 tips to get the most mileage out of your bridal jewelry.

1. Go neutral.
White, Ivory or Cream pearls and Clear crystals are the easiest to wear again. Clear AB crystals are beautiful but might be a bit too "blingy" for everyday. Moonlight, Golden Shadow and Silver Shade crystals are also easy to wear and quite neutral.

2. Separate your pieces.
Wearing your necklace, bracelet and earrings all together looks fantastic with your wedding dress but may be too much for other occasions. Try wearing your earrings and bracelet together sans necklace, or wear your necklace with a simple pair of hoops or pearls. Don't be afraid to mix your jewelry up with other pieces in your jewelry collection.

3. Bring it on your honeymoon.
Chances are you'll be going out for dinner a lot which is a great opportunity to wear your jewelry again.

4. Choose the right metal.
If most of your jewelry is white gold or silver, choose sterling silver as your metal. If most of your jewelry is gold, gold-filled might be the best choice for you. Don't be afraid to mix your metals though. This is a hot trend in jewelry right now.

5. Try layering
My sister-in-law is excellent at this. She can wear 5 bracelets at once and make it look good. Try wearing your necklace with chains of various lengths or pile on several bracelets together. This is a great way to create a new look with your jewelry.

6. Protect it.
Most importantly, the best way to get the most mileage out of your jewelry is to take care of it. Wearing your jewelry regularly will help prevent tarnish. The oils from your skin will help protect the metal. Tarnish is much easier to prevent than to remove so keep your jewelry in a sealed zipper baggie with an anti-tarnish tab inside when you are not wearing it. Anti-tarnish tabs are specially coated papers that help absorb tarnish producing gasses. The zipper baggies also help keep tarnish at bay and prevent your jewelry from getting scratched in your jewelry box. We include these bags and anti-tarnish tabs with your purchase.

When you break it down to cost per use, your bridal jewelry is really an investment in your jewelry wardrobe. Trends may come and go but classic bridal jewelry can be worn for years to come. What's best though is every time you put your jewelry on you'll be reminded of your special day. And that, as they say is priceless.....

Spring 09 Photo Shoot!

2009-04-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 14th was such an awesome day for me. We did our almost annual model photo shoot and everything went so well! As promised here are some sample photos from our photo shoot. Before I reveal them I would like to thank everyone involved in the shoot.

-First and foremost, a special thank you to my good friend the fabulous photographer Cora (Rudy) Henderson of Cora's Photography. You amaze me!
-Second, thank you to the multi-talented Jayna Bussiere from Jayna Marie Hair and Makeup for doing such a beautiful job with hair and makeup!
-Third, thank you to Larissa Meade from Bridal Beginnings who made us a beautiful bouquet! In my usual disorganization I asked Larissa to make us a bouquet at the last minute and she came through for us beautifully!
-Fourthly, I would like to thank our gorgeous models! Katelyn, who happens to be a production assistant at Northern Star is also a professional model (how lucky am I?). You can see more of her work at Carrie Wheeler Entertainment. Also, my good friend and bride-to-be Taralynne who generously let us photograph her in her wedding dress, even though her wedding isn't until June! Let's home her fiance doesn't read bridal jewelry blogs! ;-)
-And of course all the lovely and gorgeous pieces of jewelry and hair accessories are provided by Northern Star Bridal Jewelry. Hey I get to toot my own horn too don't I?

Here's a preview of our photos. More to come soon!

Katelyn wearing Yvette Earrings.

Katelyn wearing Olivia Hair Vine (coming soon!) with Cheryl Necklace and Earrings.

Taralynne wearing Shell Necklace with Brooke Earrings.

Katelyn wearing Cassandra Earrings with Grace Hair Vine (coming soon!).

Taralynne wearing Marilyn II Necklace and Earrings.

Katelyn wearing Amber Earrings with Katrina Hair Clip.

Katelyn wearing Marietta Bracelet and Earrings.

Katelyn wearing Willow Comb with Vivienne Earrings.

Katelyn wearing Ariella Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings.

Taralynne wearing yet to be named tiara headband and Marilyn II earrings.

Katelyn wearing Reanna II Necklace, Reanna Bracelet and Earrings.

Taralynne wearing Elsa Earrings with Anya Bracelet in gold-fill.

Thanks again to everyone involved in the shoot! Photos will be added to all product pages on our website and I will post more photos on the blog when I get them.

More Real Brides!

2009-04-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a real bride post in a while! Thanks to all our beautiful brides for sending us your photos. It's always so nice to see our jewelry in action on your big day.

Here are some photos sent to us over the last few months.

Thuc is wearing Paige Earrings with a custom necklace.

Holly is wearing Erin Necklace and Bracelet with Beth Earrings and her bridesmaids are wearing Tamara Earrings and Necklaces in Peridot.

Nancy is wearing Isabella Necklace and Earrings and her bridesmaid is wearing Mini Katie necklace and Earrings.

Lynette is wearing Courtney Necklace and Earrings.

Julia is wearing Blossom Necklace with Mini Blossom Earrings.

Kelly is wearing Marilyn Bracelet and Earrings.

Cherise is wearing a custom version of Abigale Necklace and Earrings.

Laura-Jane is wearing Laura Necklace with Paige Earring and her bridesmaids are wearing Karen Necklace and Earrings.

Cathy is wearing Abigale Necklace with Paige Earrings.

Cathy's bridesmaids are wearing custom Brooke necklaces (without the drop) with Brooke Earrings.

Jo-Ann is wearing Hannah Earrings with custom hair pins.

Jo-Ann's bridesmaids are wearing Rayne Necklaces and Earrings in Light Grey.

Denise is wearing Blossom Earrings.

Tania is wearing Abigale Necklace and Earrings and her bridesmaids are wearing Erin Necklaces with Beth Earrings.

Thanks again to all of our brides who have sent us photos! If you would like to be included in our wedding album please send your photos to info@northernstarbridal.com. We offer a gift certificate for a free pair of earrings to all of our brides who send us professional photos that showcase Northern Star Bridal Jewelry!

For more Real Bride photos check out our Wedding Album.

The Perfect Accent

2009-04-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

More and more brides are choosing accent colors to coordinate with their wedding colors. Whether it's a colorful sash on your gown or the pale green orchids that highlight your mocha bridesmaids dresses, accent colors can really bring the whole look of a wedding together. From the invitations to the decor to the wedding parties attire, these accents can be carried through in little details everywhere.

Jewelry is a wonderful place to use your accent color! Rather than matching the color of your dress or choosing a neutral color try using a touch of your accent color to tie everything together.

Here are a few accent color ideas.

Sunshine and Spice

Alfred Angelo 6540

For this dress a great match would be Karen Necklace in Jonquil with Padparadcha. This combination uses both the main color and accent color together.

White and Blue

Alfred Angelo #1139

For this dress a great match would be Mikenna in Crystal Clear with Montana.

Kiwi and Fuchsia

Alfred Angelo 7004

For this dress a great match would be Josephine in Fuchsia, Rose and Light Rose.

Ivory and Cafe

Alfred Angelo #1719

For this dress a great match would be Courtney with Cream pearls and Golden Shadow crystals.

Butter and Rose

Alfred Angelo 6340S

For this dress, a great match would be Katie in Powder Rose.

Using your accent color in your jewelry is a great way to pull everything together! It's amazing how many people will notice these little details that help make your wedding special and uniquely you.

Finishing Touches

2009-03-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Choosing Your Jewelry

You've chosen the perfect dress and now it’s time to accessorize! The neckline of your dress plays a key role in choosing the best accessories. Here are some examples to help you choose the right style to compliment your gown.

If your gown is strapless:
This is an extremely versatile neckline and just about anything goes.

Alfred Angelo Style #1645

Try a princess or choker style such as these:

Kathryn and Abigale Necklaces

If your gown has a sweetheart neckline:
Also an extremely versatile neckline. Princess styles (like the ones above) look beautiful however a Y-style or drop style necklace looks particularly lovely with this neckline as it follows the sweetheart shape.

Alfred Angelo Style #1137

Drop or Y Style Necklaces:

Cheryl and Ariella Necklaces

If your gown is halter style:
A Y-style or Pendant necklace works beautifully with this style. If you’d like to highlight your shoulders another option is to skip the necklace and go with a beautiful pair of drop earrings.

Alfred Angelo Style #2021

Pendant Style Necklace or Dramatic Earrings:

Tricia Necklace and Marilyn Earrings

If your gown has a V-neck:
It looks beautiful if you follow the shape of the neckline with a Y-style or drop necklace. If your gown is also low in the back a style with backdrops will highlight this.

Alfred Angelo Style #767

Y Style or Drop Necklaces:

Hannah and Isabella Necklaces

If your gown is off the shoulder:

If you would like to wear a necklace, a choker or princess style necklace is best. However, this look can be stunning if you forgo the necklace and go for some dramatic earrings paired with a beautiful bracelet.

Alfred Angelo Style #2032

Dramatic Earrings with Beautiful Bracelet:

Mikki Earrings and Kimberly Bracelet

If your gown is backless:
Dramatic backdrops highlight a backless dress beautifully.

Alfred Angelo Style #755

Y-Style Necklace with Back Drop:

Chantelle Necklace Front and Back

Choosing the right accessories doesn't have to be difficult. By following these simple guidelines you're well on your way to finding the perfect look.

Please feel free to contact us if you need advice or suggestions.

Spring/Summer 2009

2009-03-01T00:32:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce the launch of our Spring/Summer 2009 Collection! I've been working hard and have designed 18 new pieces including 4 new pieces for our Destination Wedding Collection. Here are a few of my favs.

Cheryl Necklace

Ariella Necklace

Chelsea Necklace

You may have also noticed some changes to the layout of the website. We've made it much easier to navigate with our menus now located on the left side of the screen with easy to find category selections. We're looking forward to a fantastic bridal season and would like to congratulate all of our 2009 brides! Best wishes for a wonderful wedding!

With Warm Regards,

Lisa G

New Look, New Products!

2008-09-18T12:40:00.001-07:00

I am so pleased to announce the launch of our new revamped website! I love the new look! It's clean, fresh and easy on the eyes. The navigation is the same as before so it's easy to find what you're looking for.

Old Look

New Look!

We have also added 24 new products! Here are a few.

If you would like to see all of our new products type the word "new" into the search box at the top of our site.

RosellaMade with coin pearls, gorgeous chain and Swarvoski crystals.

Chantelle Cascade style necklace with 2 dramatic back drops!

Marietta Fabulous, fun bridesmaids necklace!

ZolaDramatic and daring with a stunning pendant and back drop.

Annabelle A cute and versatile hair pin/vine.

I think the new designs really round out our product line and offer something for everyone. And as usual, we sell directly do you, our brides, instead of wholesaling to stores so you get the best possible price! Enjoy!

What's New...

2008-09-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

September is here and with fall fast approaching, the busy bridal season is winding down. This has been a great wedding season for us at Northern Star! With a new baby at home (Tyler is now 7 months!) I've had to make some adjustments to how I work. Before he was born I would sometimes spend 16 hours a day working on orders, designing new products, updating the website and trying to keep the studio in reasonable shape. Now my work time is pretty much limited to the hours when I have a babysitter and when little Ty is sleeping and that time is mostly spent filling orders. July was so busy for us that I found myself working until midnight most nights! Luckily I have a fantastic shipper (my sister) to pack and ship all of our orders!

Now that I have a little more time I've been designing new pieces like a mad woman! I've designed new hair pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bridesmaids sets and more! Over the next few weeks I will be photographing these new pieces and adding them to the site. Just to give you a little sneak peak, here is one of my favorite new designs! This is a lovely Lariat style necklace with a dramatic back drop and super sparkly crystal and pearl pendant. I wanted to give this beauty a unique name and have decided to go with Zola.

Zola Necklace, Coming Soon!

Over the next couple of weeks you will also see some changes to our website. We have a fantastic web designer who is creating a beautiful new look for the site. I can't wait to show it to you!

Also, as of October 1st many of our designs will be available in gold! 14k gold-filled to be exact. I'm so excited to be able to offer this option! Gold has really made a comeback and I really enjoy working with the warm tones of this luxurious metal! 14k gold-filled is much less expensive than 14k gold but it is still made from real gold. Read more about gold-filled at Wikipedia!

These ideas have been filling the pages of my sketchbook now for months now and I'm thrilled to be able bring them to life!

Our Beautiful Brides!

2008-08-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

It always thrills me to see photos of our brides on their wedding day! I would like to thank all of our lovely brides who have sent us photos this year!

Here are some I'd like to share!

First of all my dear friend Cora of Coras Photography was married in June and I was lucky to be one of her bridesmaids!

Cora

Cora is wearing Hannah Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings with a custom version of our Ella Comb.

I'm wearing Amy Necklace and Earrings with Reanna Bracelet.

Shanti

Shanti is wearing Kathryn Earrings with her own necklace.

Shanti's Bridesmaids are wearing Tamara Necklaces and Earrings with Reanna Bracelets.

Jennifer

Jennifer is wearing Jamie Earrings with a custom version of our Kimberly Bracelet.

Jennifer's bridesmaids are wearing Mikki Earrings with a custom version of our Abigale Bracelet.

Natalie

Natalie is wearing Kathryn Earrings with Katie Necklace.

Cynthia

Cynthia is wearing Cassandra Earrings, Marilyn Bracelets (2 of them together) and Pearl Hair Pins.

Thanks again ladies for sharing your photos with us. I look forward to seeing more photos of our 2008 brides!

I'm Back!!!

2008-07-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes technology fails us. We've been blogless for weeks now due to a glitch that happened when we upgraded our website. For someone like me who would rather be linking pearls than working on the computer this has been a bit of a challenge to fix but it's finally done! I had to re upload all the photos that were on the blog and now I'm happy to report that we are back up and running with our blog!

So much has happened since my last post! I have several new photos which I will upload soon. We've been crazy busy with orders over the past weeks! Thank you to all of our lovely brides for choosing Northern Star Bridal Jewelry! I can't wait to see your photos!!

Our Jewelry in Action!

2008-05-07T21:44:00.001-07:00

I love it when this happens! My good friend Cora Rudy of Cora's Photography recently photographed a wedding where the wedding party was wearing my jewelry! She sent me some photos to share. Phoebe and Francisco were married on April 26.

Phoebe is wearing Jennifer Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings (hers are clip-ons).

Phoebe's bridesmaids are wearing Tricia Necklaces.

Thanks for the photos Cora!

A Happy Bride

2008-04-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

I love chatting with brides and helping them choose their wedding jewelry. Diana from Brampton, Ontario was a lot of fun to work with. Her 5 bridesmaids will all be wearing different dresses in the same colour, royal blue. Each bridesmaid chose her own jewelry to compliment her gown. Diana chose to use sapphire crystals in her own jewelry to coordinate with her color scheme (see our Something Blue post). Diana received her jewelry today and here's what she had to say:

Hi Lisa!
Just letting you know I received the jewelry today! I was so excited, and completely satisfied with the order... It looks absolutely gorgeous on the internet but is even more stunning in real life! Thank you, thank you! I couldn't be happier!

Diana

You're very welcome Diana!

I'm looking forward to seeing some photos after her wedding. I'll be sure to post them here!

Find us on Facebook!

2008-04-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Check out our profile page and become a fan!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Star-Bridal-Jewelry/14146451567

Something New

2008-04-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce the addition of two new necklaces and bracelets to the site!

The Petal Necklace and Bracelet are made from gorgeous freshwater keishi pearls also known as "petal" pearls with tiny Swarovski crystals spaced throughout. The luster on these natural pearls is to die for! I have to special order these pearls so please allow 4-6 weeks if you would like to order this design for your wedding.

The Samantha Necklace and Bracelet is named after my adorable niece who is turning 1 in a couple of weeks. Happy Birthday Samantha! This two strand necklace and bracelet is made from wavy Hill Tribe silver beads with Swarovski or freshwater pearls.

Both new designs are fun and unique and perfect for a less formal or destination wedding.

Something Blue

2008-04-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

As I sit at my work table creating jewelry and filling orders I often notice trends in color and design. Right now it's blue, blue blue! Blue is a fantastic choice for bridesmaids (who doesn't look good in blue?) but more and more brides are choosing to add "something blue" to their own attire!

Phoebe from Vancouver, BC chose aquamarine crystals for her Jennifer Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings.

Tammy from Vernon, BC wanted to add a little touch of her birthstone Aquamarine to her jewelry and chose to customize her Mikki Earrings with Aquamarine Fireballs.

Diana from Brampton, ON (whose bridesmaids will be wearing royal blue), chose to add Sapphire Crystals to her Erin III Bracelet and Paige Earrings.

Adding some blue to your jewelry is a great way to fill the "something blue" requirement. Want something really subtle? I'm happy to add a single blue crystal or pearl to your necklace or bracelet by request. Looking for a little more? Try replacing some or all of the crystals and pearls in the jewelry you've chosen with shades from Aquamarine to Sapphire like the brides above.

French Hooks, Leverbacks and Studs... Oh My!

2008-04-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

What type of earring should I choose?

This is one of the most common questions we get asked here at Northern Star. Our options for most earring designs are Hooks (also known as French hooks), Leverbacks, Studs, Cubic Zirconia Studs and Clip-ons (available by request).

Hooks are included in the price of all earring designs. All the other earring types cost a little bit more with Cubic Zirconia Studs being the most expensive earring option (an additional $5).

Which style should you choose? Well that depends on personal taste really. Hooks are simple to put in and stay in well when used with the rubber backing provided. Leverbacks are very secure but a little harder to put in. Leverbacks are a great choice with heavier earring designs because they create a nice balance in the ear. Leverbacks also look as good from the back as they do from the front, which is great when you will be photographed from all sides. Studs are also very secure and are a good way to shorten an earring design a bit. They are also a great option for children. Cubic Zirconia studs are a great way to add a little extra "bling" to your earrings. They look particularly great with earrings that have rhinestones in them like Kathryn, Celeste and Mikki.

One earring 4 ways...

Left to right: Hook, Leverback, Stud, Cubic Zirconia Stud.

All of our earrings are designed to be interchangeable with the different earring types, so no matter which style you choose it will look great!

Go with what you like best!

Our Jewelry in Action!

2008-03-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

I love it when you send us your wedding photos! There is nothing like seeing something that I made being worn by a bride on her wedding day. It makes me feel great to have a small part in such an important day. We'll even send you a free pair of earrings for sending us a few pro pics to ad to our Wedding Album.

Here's a photo of one of our recent brides Maria, from Surrey, BC.

Maria is wearing our Isabella Necklace and Earrings.

Please keep the photos coming ladies! Each piece of jewelry that I make is dear to me and I love to see it being worn and loved! ;-)

Everybody's doing it... now we are too!

2008-03-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

We've finally entered the world of blogging! In this blog I plan to share all sorts of info. I'll be posting about new designs in the works, custom orders, jewelry suggestions and tips, FAQs and life here at Northern Star Bridal Jewelry.

As you may or may not know, Northern Star Bridal Jewelry is run by myself (Lisa G) and my husband Mike. Things have changed a lot around here in the last few months! We've recently (January 31 to be exact) had a beautiful baby boy! The first few weeks are kind of a blur but we are back into the swing of things now. Luckily we have great friends and family who have been happy to help us out while we get back to work. Here are a couple of pics of our little bundle of joy, Tyler Jace, taken by our fabulous photographer and friend Cora Rudy of Cora's Photography.

Mommy and Baby

Ty's Sweet Face

We would like to thank everyone for their warm wishes and their patience during these weeks. I couldn't be happier. I have a wonderful little family and a great business.

Life is good!