Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but also precious commodities and rare beauties forged from the earth. Rare jewels are often backed by an underbelly of exploration and greed. The burden of ensuring products are ethically sourced should never fall on the consumer, but on the producer instead. In saying this, it is our duty to challenge the transparency of companies.
Ethically sourced wedding rings have an array of underlining principles such as fair trade wages, lab-grown diamonds, recycled materials and conflict-free diamonds/jewels. You don’t necessarily need to be an environmental advocate or human rights lawyer to protest the crimes against the diamond industry. Below you will find a list of producers creating ethically sourced jewellery for the socially conscious bride-to-be.
Taylor & Hart
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Taylor & Hart was founded by friends, Nikolay and Shane. They believe the love between partners are intangible and sacred, therefore your wedding bands should be made from the most exceptional materials on earth. The company creates beautiful handcrafted rings made from lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold and ethically sourced materials. Nikolay and Shane go beyond the Kimberly Process to ensure their diamonds are conflict-free.
Monique Pean
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This brand boasts unique shapes and structures specifically designed for the bold bride. The classic shape of engagement rings is challenged through Monique Pean’s artistic take on wedding bands. Although the designer has an artistic, non-conventional mindset, the materials and craftsmanship are put in the forefront. The brand truly understands creating pieces of uniqueness, which they reflect in their use of materials. Rare materials such as fossilised walrus ivory and dinosaur bone are utilised and are sustainably sourced and crafted through fair trade initiatives.
John Hardy
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Established in 1975, the island-inspired jewellery brand is directed by Hollie Bonneville Barden and has a well-rounded grasp of serving both the community and environment. John Hardy thrives on the community of Bali and the idea togetherness. The brand empowers the community of the island by providing apprenticeships and life long job security. In doing so, they preserve traditional artisan craftsmanship and culture, with many of the pieces inspired by the island and drawing the traditional aesthetics of the Balinese culture. The company not only preserves the community but the environment as well by committing to sourcing stones, diamonds and metals that are conflict-free and ethically produced in every step of the way.
Barino Neal
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The brand was launched in 2008 by Anna Bario and Page Neal. The owners visualised a jewellery company whereby no bounds of conformity were attached to their pieces. They believe you are free to marry whomever and however you choose. The jewellery is handcrafted and carefully designed using reclaimed precious metals, fair-mined gold and ethically sourced stones.
Ashley Heather
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Ashley Heather is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.
Dear Rae
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Dear Rae is the brain child of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufactures to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetic can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufactures for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.
By Mia Smith
Feature image: Unsplash
There’s a new rule among celebrity brides – one dream wedding dress just isn’t enough! Brides have embraced slipping into something a little more comfortable for drinks and…
The thing about a marriage is that it’s a big deal. You’re making a lifelong commitment to another person, and choosing to share everything you have forever. That is bound to intimidate even the most courageous of people and once the excitement of the new engagement is over, doubt might settle in. If you start to notice a change in your partner’s behaviour in the days leading up to the wedding, it’s easy to panic or think their feelings for you have changed. Guess what, feeling unsure before the big day is normal! But fret not, it doesn’t mean it’s all over. Here’s what to do when you see the signs:
Don’t make assumptions
Actually, this counts for all relationships in life. Never assume you know something if it hasn’t been explicitly communicated. You might read too much into insignificant situations, or you might just have caught the tail end of a story. Also remember that nerves are not the same as cold feet, so don’t confuse anticipation with your partner bailing on you. It’s a big day for you both.
Don’t confront them immediately
Sometimes, the first reaction to detecting behavioural change is to go to the person and ask what’s bothering them. This is usually not a good idea, as it could imply mistrust, or it could simply be something minor that will blow over. If, like we mentioned before, it’s just nerves or other stress, confrontation might feel like an attack when in fact they need support. First give them two or three weeks to process what they need to. However, don’t leave it too long, either! If, for some reason there is a change in feelings on either side, it would be better to work it out sooner rather than later.
Have a relaxed sit down
So, you’ve given them time and nothing has changed? If you’re still worried and your partner hasn’t confided in you yet, there might be something worth discussing before you tie the knot. Remember, the end goal is not to generate conflict, pass blame or accuse them of anything. The aim here is open communication and making the best decision for you both. Ask them to set some time aside for a coffee or beer, and calmly ask them what’s been on their mind lately. If you still don’t get a response, state the reasons you have for your concerns, and make it clear that you are open to listen, even if it might not be what you want to hear.
Give them time
After the conversation, both should know exactly how the other one feels. But no hasty decision has ever benefited anyone, so don’t run off and do something crazy. If they are just feeling insecure and need some time to make extra sure, be mature enough to give them that time. If they have firmly decided that, sadly, they have changed their mind for real, still allow some time to pass before calling off the wedding and making things public. Remember, this is a difficult topic and should be handled sensitively.
Make peace with the outcome
After you’ve been through the process, we hope that all remains well and your partner just needed to blow off some steam. Hopefully you’re both reassured of your desires to be together and are now even more excited than ever! If, however, things take a turn for the worse and either or both of you decide not to go ahead, you will have to slowly make your peace with it. If it was your partner’s decision, there’s really nothing you can do. Remember, it might hurt now, but a divorce later on will be devastating. Surround yourself with a support system and give yourself time to heal.
Image: Pixabay
‘Royal’ and ‘classic’ were among the words used to describe the wedding dress trends we saw in 2019, but 2020 is all about new ways of interpreting a…
One of the most controversial guest-list decisions you’ll make is whether or not you’re inviting kids to your wedding. On the one hand, the decision against inviting kids could cause some tension between you and your loved ones. On the other, a wedding without kids is likely to be much easier.
There are many things to be taken into consideration when making this decision. From guest expectations to venue capacity.
Ultimately, the decision is yours and you should do what feels right for you and your partner.
To help you wrap your head around making this decision, here are some pros and cons of inviting kids to your wedding.
Pros of inviting kids:
– Your guests with kids won’t have an issue attending
It is common for guests to complain about a child-free wedding because they don’t have anywhere to leave their kids. Sometimes, finding a good baby-sitter can be tough, especially if the child’s grandparents are also attending the wedding. If you’re inviting guests from out of town, they won’t be familiar with any sitters in the area. Most people won’t leave their kids behind if they’re travelling either.
By allowing kids at your wedding, you ensure that all your friends and family with kids are able to be in attendance.
– They add to the atmosphere
Inviting kids to your wedding brings a playfulness that you likely wouldn’t get from your adult guests. Having children run around and giggle with joy really does add an extra touch of happiness to the special day.
– There will be no tension
If you decide on having a wedding-wide ban on kids, you have to be prepared for some tension. Many people will take offense to the decision. This can be totally avoided if you allow parents to bring their kids along.
– Your nieces and nephews can be part of the wedding
While kids may not always be your cup of tea, we’re sure you’re very fond of your little nieces and nephews. You may even want them to be a part of the bridal party. If your wedding doesn’t accommodate kids, this is something you’ll have to give up.
Cons of inviting kids:
– Kids are unpredictable
Kids are known for their unpredictability. They could start screaming and crying and having a full-blown temper tantrum at any moment. Additionally, they get a bit fidgety if they’re sitting still for too long. They may start running around and acting uncontrollably if they get bored. If you’d prefer to avoid the risk of having your “I do’s” interrupted, then an adults-only affair is probably better for you.
– You will have to spend more money
Venue size and catering need to be taken into account. They may be little but kids still require seats and food. If your budget is tight, you may want to ensure that your adult guests are catered for first and then decide if you can afford to invite kids.
– You’ll have to keep them busy
Entertainment for kids and entertainment for adults are two completely different things. You will have to ensure that you have a way to keep kids busy, because for them a wedding is a very long event.
Image: Unsplash
You know what’s worse than being dumped? Being broken up with a week before you’re supposed to get married. This unlucky bride-to-be, however, turned her misfortune into a…
The beautiful Princess Eugenie tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle a year ago, and she posted a sweet tribute video to celebrate. The two are a much-loved couple, and it’s easy to see their love is real. On her social media, she captioned the video: “This was the greatest day of my life…forever and always. Happy one year anniversary, my Jack!!”
The video shows intimate pictures from the fairy tale wedding at Windsor Castle, dubbed with a voice over of the pair reciting their wedding vows. Her dress takes the spotlight, as well as her jewel-studded crown and the iconic wedding kiss.
Her state of the art Peter Pilotto gown had us swooning all over again, and that train!
Watch how the magical day unfolded:
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This was the greatest day of my life…forever and always! Happy one year anniversary, my Jack!!
Eugenie’s sister, Beatrice, recently got engaged and will get married next year.
Also read: Princess Beatrice’s wedding: What we know so far
Image: Pinterest