Metal of Honor This diversity of offerings in the jewelry industry proves that any couple is free to make a statement with their choices, whether that statement is one of ecological responsibility, fierce style, or a little bit of both. From his eclectic shop nestled in the bucolic hills of western Massachusetts, James Sutter said it’s a trend that’s redefining his industry, as well as all types of wedding traditions. “Thirty or 40 years ago, nobody bought custom-made jewelry unless they were in an elite price range, but
with the renaissance of craftsmanship that started to occur in the 1960s and 1970s, designers and craftsmen started to pop up in arts communities across the country,” he explained. “This has made one-of-a-kind designs more accessible to people with more conventional budgets, and allows us to work together with clients in a truly collaborative way. That matters to me, and to my customers.” Jaclyn Stevenson is a writer based in Massachusetts; jaclyncstevenson@yahoo.com
Where to Find: One-of-a-kind Custom Jewelry for Brides, Grooms, and Wedding Parties Sarah Perlis, a jewelry designer based in Manhattan, designs wedding rings from her studio located in the Lower East Side. Perlis invites couples into her studio to go through the entire design process with her, and uses recycled gold, raw gems, and conflict-free diamonds in all of her pieces; sarahperlis.com Between the Cleavage, by Crickette Brown Glad. Based in San Francisco, this designer creates stunning, custom necklaces, bracelets and earrings using vintage brooches combined with Swarovski crystals, pearls, gold vermeil, sterling silver and ornate clasps from around the world; betweenthecleavage.com Princess Bands of Westport, Conn., creates custom bridal and evening accessories, jewelry and tiaras. Customers anywhere can create their own design, and many tiaras can also be worn as choker necklaces; princessbands.com DeAnna Cochran creates Jewelry for a Cause, handmade designs that benefit a variety of charities and organizations. Her designs are nature-inspired, and offer timeless alternatives to boutonnieres and corsages, in addition to necklaces, rings, and bracelets; deannacochranjewelry.com Tina Tang designs a wide variety of rings, bracelets, hair accessories, and necklaces, including a full bridal line. A portion of proceeds from her products are donated to American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization; tinatang.com JulRe Designs, by Juliet Renee Williams, are bright, innovative designs perfect for brides and bridal parties. Williams regularly travels to her clients to create inspired designs; julredesigns.com Payson Jewelry, owned by Payson Cooper, creates cohesive bridal collections for brides, grooms, attendants, and family, using a collaborative design process; paysonjewelry.com
Sutter’s
Sutter’s Jewelry in Holyoke, Mass., specializes in custom designs for engagement rings and wedding bands, including matching engagement rings without matching bands. Sutter’s owner, James Sutter, also creates his own designs, including handmade and personalized charms that are perfect for brides, grooms, and attendants; suttersjewelry.com
Rys & Shine
Sarah Perlis
Just So! Jewelry based in Brighton, Mich. specializes in Victorian*Charms, its own line of handmade sterling and gold jewelry cast from a private collection of 19th century British and French wax seals. According to owner Denise Couling, some charms have typically sweet sentiments, while some are a little “salty” and irreverent; JustSoJewelry. com Liam Hughes, owner of Lamplighter Studio, creates handmade ‘shard’ jewelry, using vintage and contemporary china. Brides have used Lamplighter Studio to create jewelry from their own place settings and family-owned tea and plate sets; lamplighterstudio.com Not Just Any Old Day calendar charm keepsakes are designed to identify a significant month and day in the life of the person who wears it, in solid sterling silver. They’re a great option for brides, mothers, and attendants; NotJustAnyOldDay.com
DeAnna Cochran www.weddingsourcebook.com
Local custom jewelry designer, Judy Rys from Rys and Shine, specializes in bride and bridal party jewelry that compliments a brides color and style. Located in Florence, MA, Judy can create charming pieces for the bride, bridemaids, mothers and for extra special gifts; RysandShine.com.
The Wedding Day Sourcebook
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