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BrideStyle #2: I've got jewelry inspiration - now what do I do with it?by Stacy Werkheiser | Last week in BrideStyle #1, we learned that inspiration is often just a fancy word for stuff you like, stuff that moves you. Then I challenged myself to find jewelry I can use as inspiration for my own wedding necklace and earrings. I found about a dozen ideas for inspiration, but here's the shortlist of my favorite finds: |
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| #3 I really like the crystal-studded rondelles in this necklace from Tiger Lilly. This is a very popular look for pearl necklaces right now. |
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| Time for the big question - what do you do once you've found your inspiration? |
Ask yourself: What do I like?
The next step is to think about what you like about your inspiration pieces: the colors or shapes of the beads? The number of strands? The pattern the beads are strung in? The goal is to narrow in on what elements of the designs you'd like to see in your own jewelry. For example, I like:
• The combination of pearls and metal beads in necklaces #2 and #5,
• The combination of pearls and crystals in necklace #2,
• The filigree bead caps, repeated round shapes, and simple pattern of necklace #4,
• The delicacy of the beading wire in necklace #1 and the small-link chain in #6,
• The crystal-studded rondelles in necklace #3. |
Ask yourself: What would I change?
You also need to consider what you would change about your inspiration designs. Notice that I am stating this step in positive terms. You could say, "I don't like ____ about this necklace," but that only tells you what you should avoid in your jewelry. Instead, saying, "I would change ____ about this necklace," gives you some constructive criticism about what you DO want to include in your design. To demonstrate,
• I would change necklaces #1, #2, #4, and #6 to include white pearls and clear crystals to match my dress,
• To give those white beads a monochromatic complement, I would use silver accents and components in necklaces #1, #4, #5, and #6,
• I would leave out the focal used in necklace #6 - I'm just not big on pendants - but would definitely try the Y-necklace shape,
• I would make necklaces #3, #5, and #6 single-strand pieces because I don't want my necklace to overpower my dress. |
Put it all together
Do you see what just happened? By thinking about what you like about your inspiration pieces, as well as what you would change about them, you create a laundry list of design elements you can use in your own jewelry. For me, my list includes:
• White pearls and clear crystals
• Silver accents, including crystal-studded rondelles and filigree bead caps
• Round bead shapes in simple strung patterns
• A delicate, single-strand, no-focal piece, possibly a Y-necklace
Voila! My jewelry is starting to take shape, and yours will too as you follow these steps.
Now, I know I made this process sound easy, but the truth is it took me several weeks to find all the above inspiration and decide what elements I liked and what elements I would change. So don't worry if you (or your commissioning bride) are still wading through magazines and Web sites looking for inspiration or if you're stumped about the inspiration you came up with - you just need time!
Take the next week to continue hunting for inspiration and to make your own list of favorite design elements. In the meantime, next week's post will be about using inspiration without violating copyright laws. It's an important topic, especially when you're using other designers' jewelry as inspiration, but there won't be any homework. That should give you time to ride your waves of inspiration!
Coming next week…
BrideStyle #3: Using inspiration, respecting copyright
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