Lyndsay of Bella Bridesmaid in Richmond contacted me recently to let me know about their new shop and today I’m happy to pass that information along to you…  It looks very sweet but I haven’t been there yet so if anyone reading this has, please send me a comment to say what your experience was.
Here’s a note from Lindsay:

We are so excited to offer brides and their bridesmaids a unique and fun experience while shopping for dresses! Bella Bridesmaid offers modern, fresh and chic dresses in a wide variety of colors, fabrics and styles! No matter if your wedding is a black tie event or a classic vineyard affair, we have the dress for you!

In addition to dresses, we offer fun and innovative accessories. If you are looking for bridesmaid gifts, we have so many wonderful ideas! From customizable jewelry to luxurious clutches to hair petals, your bridesmaids will be ecstatic when they receive your gift! In addition to bridesmaid gifts, we have great accessories to outfit the younger ones in your wedding party. Maihar Design offers one-of-a-kind ring bearer pillows and flower girl wands that are simply beautiful!
If you are looking for bridesmaid dresses or accessories, we hope that you’ll stop by to see us!

Contact info. for Elizabeth & Lyndsay at Bella Bridesmaid
~ address: 5611 Grove Ave., Richmond 23226
~ hours: Tues. – Fri. 11 – 7 & Saturday 10 – 5
~ phone: 804-658-0105
~ e-mail: richmond@bellabridesmaid.com
~ website: www.bellabridesmaid.com

Today I have a very unique post that I’m so excited to share with you. Tavia, of Taviametal sent me a series of 10 photos showing the steps involved in creating one of her beautiful rings. She has included a short narrative with each photo that brings the whole process to life. If you missed it be sure to check out Tavia’s Best-of-2009 post that came out yesterday. Thanks to Tavia for taking the time to document and share her creative process with us… I love seeing how beautiful things are made!

Tavia received a family ring from her client

Gather materials to create the ring. In this instance, 14K white gold wire, sheet and bezel.

Mark bezel to cut and form to the correct height and width for the stone and design.

Form and solder wire band that is to be the outer layer of the ring in this design.

Hammer texture onto the wire band.

Cut wire ring and solder the newly formed bezel to the band.

Cut seat for the stone to sit in the bezel, and file openings on sides to remove material creating a partial bezel to allow light to hit more of the stone surface to help aid the sparkle.

Add liner band (inner layer of ring) that has been soldered and created from sheet with a hammer chased edging texture, stretching it into place and folding the sides over the outer wire band layer of the ring.

Prepare to set stone in bezel.

Finished ring all shined up pretty!

Contact information for Taviametal:
~ website: www.taviametal.com
~ e-mail: tavia@taviametal.com
~ phone: 434-466-4042

Over the weekend the talented Tavia Brown of Taviametal sent along these great pics of her best work of 2009 for me to share with you.  If you are looking for a creative and unique design for your one-of-a-kind or limited edition wedding jewelry you’ll want to check out Tavia’s wonderful custom pieces. Tavia works in sterling silver, gold and titanium and calls her work, “industrial and delicate; edgy and sweet,” which I’d say are apt descriptions. Thanks for sharing Tavia!

Be sure to check back tomorrow because I’ll be sharing a really unique post, also from Taviametal, showing Tavia’s process of creating one of her beautiful rings… step by step!

Contact information for Taviametal:
~ website: www.taviametal.com
~ e-mail: tavia@taviametal.com
~ phone: 434-466-4042

Erin McDermott, of Charlottesville, Virginia is one of the new wave of jewelry designers who, because of the internet is able to reside in the artsy, creative community that inspires her and nevertheless maintain a vibrant national presence. In addition to her line of funky everyday wear her wedding jewelry is gaining broad attention. Why? Because she personally designs and crafts each piece, so no two are exactly alike. However each member of the wedding party wears a piece that is clearly related by color and design those pieces worn by the other members of the party. Moreover, the bride and the maid of honor are adorned with pieces that show a little extra flair, while perfectly harmonizing with the bridesmaids.

After the wedding Erin’s pieces are treasured because they can be worn, not only with cocktail dresses and formal wear, but with jeans and a tee shirt as well for a casual, yet sexy mix. Because she takes great care of packaging her orders in natural and attractive “green” materials each necklace or earring arrives as a welcome and tantalizing gift.

Contact Information for Erin McDermott:
~ website: www.erinmcdermott.com
~ blog: www.erinmcdermott.com/blog
~ e-mail: erin@erinmcdermott.com

Today’s post, featuring Taviametal, is the CWB’s first (of many, I hope) on a jewelry designer and maker. Tavia, who is right here in Charlottesville, creates custom one-of-a-kind jewelry including engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry as well as gifts for bridal parties. Tavia will guide you through a commission process that ensures that each piece will truly speak to you and remind you of your day and your union.

In Tavia’s own words, “Weddings are a special time in a couple’s life.  They can be simple, extravagant, subtle or unique.  There are many facets to a wedding ceremony and celebration, and at the core of it all stands the couple with their love for one another.  To represent this love, forever, are their rings.  The wedding rings can reflect the individuality of each person, and the unity of the couple.  Wedding rings are a significant part of a union.”

I hope that you will enjoy this gallery of some of Tavia’s beautiful work, her contact information is at the bottom.

Contact information for Taviametal:
~ website: www.taviametal.com
~ e-mail: tavia@taviametal.com
~ phone: 434-466-4042