James Allen

Your wedding day is your day to shine!   You’ll want to pay close attention to the details – especially since everyone else surely will!

Rock that bling!

Clean your wedding jewelry and engagement ring a few days before the wedding so it sparkles like brand new!  This is simple enough to do at home – here are some great tips that will work great on gold jewelry and most precious gemstones:

1. Soak the jewelry in small bowl of warm sudsy water with a mild liquid detergent.  A soft toothbrush can be used to gently brush the jewelry while it is in the suds.  Rinse jewelry items in warm water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth or tissue paper.

2. Soak the jewelry in small bowl of cold water and household ammonia (half and half) for thirty minutes.  Once again a soft toothbrush can be used around the mounting.  Swish in the solution again, then rinse and air dry on a soft cloth.

3. Use a brand name liquid jewelry cleaner and follow the instructions given on the label.

4.  Using a baking soda, add a small amount of water to create a paste.  Brush on the paste with a soft toothbrush, rinse under warm running water and let air dry.

Some people swear by a solution of vinegar and warm water, while others prefer to use vodka.  I have also read about using toothpaste as a cleaner, but jewelers seem to discourage this. (Note: Toothpaste and other abrasive substances can scratch your jewelry.)

Swarovski bridal necklaces are very popular as they are much more affordable than diamonds and precious gemstones. Cleaning of your Swarovski crystal jewelry should be done on regularly basis by using warm soapy water. You can also use ultrasonic jewelery cleaner on occasional basis. After this, it should be rinsed with warm water and air dried. It’s recommended that you keep your Swarovski bridal jewelry away from make-ups, hair sprays, perfumes and other strong chemicals.

Sparkling Crystal and Glass

I have seen so many incredibly gorgeous crystal and glass pieces at weddings: from Tiffany and Wedgwood to Baccarat and Swarovski! It always surprises me that these items are often not properly cleaned before they are displayed at the wedding ceremony or reception.

All of your personal items – unity candle sets, champagne flutes, picture frames, candy decanters, etc – should be cleaned of finger prints and filmy residue, and all stickers and tags should be removed.

Tips for removing tags and merchandise labels include GooGone (my favorite), WD-40 (be careful where you use this) and the age old ’soaking’ technique. Heating the labels with a hairdryer is also helpful in loosening the adhesive glue. Whenever possible, use cotton gloves to handle the items.

Note: Take special care when cleaning heirloom pieces. When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler.

© 2010 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

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Save the Date!

Browse through hundreds of exquisite name brand and designer wedding gowns donated by manufacturers, retailers, salons and individuals – some valued at up to $8,000!  With prices starting at just $99 you’re sure to find an incredible deal!!

In addition to gowns, you will also find deeply discounted bridal jewelry, head pieces, veils and accessories!

VIP Night: Friday, March 12th 6-9pm Get VIP tickets & have first access to gowns!!

General Sale, Free Admission: Saturday March 13th 10-6pm and Sunday March 14th 10-2pm

Organized by: Association of Bridal Consultants | Location: University Club – 150 E. Central Blvd, Orlando

Pre-register today!
www.BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org

I adore feathers! They look amazing in bouquets and centerpieces, and here you can see they’re equally fabulous when used as bridal hair accessories and headpieces!

The handcrafted designs shown here are by Head Dress Couture Designs. Katie Hestla and Heather Schroeder-Lewis are the women behind Head Dresss, which is based in Orlando, Florida.

I was thrilled to work with Grace (right) who is a huge fan of feathers too! Grace also loves color, and selected her bridesmaids hair accessories to compliment the dramatic colors featured in her wedding decor.

Custom feather hair pieces are a unique memento of the day and make great gifts! They will surely be enjoyed for years to come!

Another source we’ve found is Lo Boheme. Lo Boheme is the wife-husband team of Lauren (Lo) and Josh Christensen based out of San Diego, CA.; their vintage style accessories can be purchased online at Etsy

Additional images from this event are featured on our website: Featured Affairs – Flair For The Dramatic. Photos courtesy of Art Faulkner.

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