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    There is a certain electricity in the moments before a wedding, a soft, quiet magic that settles in the air. It’s in the rustle of a gown, the gentle touch of a guiding hand, and the shimmer of jewellery catching the light just before a life-changing “I do.” These delicate details shape the atmosphere of the day, anchoring emotion in ways words sometimes cannot.

    At Sterns, we’ve always believed happiness is found in these finer moments. Jewellery becomes the most meaningful detail of all, the part of your story you carry with you long after the music fades and the flowers are packed away.

    Because this love, this moment, this promise… It’s rare. A one-in-a-million kind of love that deserves to be captured with craftsmanship as beautiful as the story it represents.

    Your Forever Starts Here

    Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make on your journey to forever. It’s more than a symbol; it’s a vow you wear every day, a reminder of the moment your future shifted.

    Sterns’ Forever Diamonds Collection is crafted for this moment. Each natural diamond is hand-selected for its brilliance and individuality, making every ring a unique expression of love. Just as Wedding ETC often celebrates modern, personal approaches to weddings from intimate ceremonies to trend-forward styling, this collection embraces individuality while honouring timeless romance. [weddingetc.co.za]

    Whether your style leans toward the elegance of a classic solitaire, the vintage romance of a halo, or the modern allure of clean, minimalist lines, every Forever Diamonds ring is designed to reflect the emotion behind your “yes.”

    Crafting a Proposal That Feels Like You

    A proposal is more than a question; it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. In many of the features on Wedding ETC, couples are gravitating toward meaningful, personal moments over grand gestures.
    It’s the sentiment that counts: the place where your love grew, the song that holds memories, or the simple traditions only the two of your share. [weddingetc.co.za]

    The perfect proposal isn’t about extravagance but intention. A heartfelt moment at home, a scenic viewpoint at sunset, and a handwritten note leading to the ring, these details create the magic. And the right ring becomes the finishing touch, the detail that transforms the moment into forever.

    Jewellery for Every Chapter of Love

    Every love story is a tapestry of shared memories, early sparks, deepening connection, and milestones that shape your journey. Wedding ETC regularly highlights how couples today celebrate each milestone uniquely, from proposals to the final walk down the aisle.
    Sterns embraces this same philosophy through jewellery crafted for every stage of your love story. [weddingetc.co.za]

    • For the early days: delicate pieces that capture youthful romance and promise.
    • For the engagement chapter: rings chosen with intention, reflecting the depth of your bond.
    • For the wedding day: heirloom-worthy designs that complete your bridal look.
    • For the years beyond: jewellery that grows with you, marking anniversaries and milestones.

    These pieces become part of your journey, memories you can wear.

    A Wedding Day That Feels Personal

    One of the most meaningful aspects of planning a wedding is creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple. Wedding ETC is known for spotlighting current trends and timeless ideas, from intimate celebrations to bold, modern themes. [weddingetc.co.za]

    Your theme sets the tone: classic romance, modern minimalism, soft pastel palettes, or the dreamy pearlescent accents trending for 2025. Whatever your choice, your jewellery should elevate it.

    Diamond studs catch candlelight. A shimmering bracelet highlighting every movement. A pendant resting close to your heart. These aren’t just accessories, they’re emotional details that complete the feeling of the day.

    Big Days, Big Feel

    Your wedding is one of life’s biggest days, wrapped in emotion, joy, and significance. At Sterns, we create jewellery that honours that feeling, pieces that mark milestones, celebrate meaning, and capture the magic of forever.

    Because when the day is big, the feeling should be even bigger.
    And the details, especially the sparkling ones, should celebrate a love worth remembering.

    Sterns: https://sternsonline.co.za/

    If you’re looking for the hottest new wedding trend, there’s nothing trendier than the statement headband.

    Aside from looking hotter than hot on your wedding day, this accessory can easily be incorporated into your everyday aesthetic, and we do love a piece that is versatile!

    Whether you’re eager to stick to something that’s more on the “classic” side of life, or you’re looking to wow guests, here are a few of our favourite pieces to help gather some inspiration:

    The Pearl Headband

    Pearls are not just for royalty and this wedding trend has been a big year. If you’re looking to hop on the trend train but you’re not willing to go all out, opt for pearls on your headband for a subtle and trendy addition to your attire.

    A Subtle Flower Crown 

    This ethereal statement headband is the perfect inclusion for any bride looking to add even more romance to an already romantic day. It’s another subtle piece that doesn’t scream “look at me” and is a great way to incorporate a flower crown if that’s the look you’re after.

    The Birdcage Veil 

    If you’re attempting to add a touch of vintage to your wedding day look, the birdcage veil is a perfect option. This bridal headband and veil is a modern combination that will definitely get you plenty of compliments on your big day.

     

    While this may be a simple piece, it offers an extra bit of magic thanks to the Swarovski crystals and luminous pearls that adorn this headband, and the side tassels are a stylish addition.

    A whimsical look

    This spectacular piece has been crafted from Swarovski crystals and provides a whimsical look for those looking for that “wow” factor without going over the top. While many may say that this look is the stuff of fairytales, this is definitely the look of a goddess.

    Fit For A Princess 

    Meghan Markle, eat your heart out. This rather elegant headband is the perfect addition to your wedding accessory collection and offers a not-so-dainty headband that’s adorned with crystals and pearls.

    Feature Image: Mitheo Events 

    Some brides are born to break the rules. To scoff at tradition and forge a new path.

    Now, this doesn’t have to mean ditching the white dress and opting for something a little darker, as per the wedding trends currently making waves on Pinterest. Sometimes the forward-thinking bride embodies her boldness with something as small as a non-traditional wedding veil.

    Small steps, right? If you’re looking to embrace your ‘wild’ side by going beyond the white tulle or lace, here are a few stunning suggestions:

    Polka Dot 

    If you love a good polka dot outfit, then you’re in luck! Including a polka dot veil in your wedding ensemble can be an exciting way to infuse a little fun into your outfit.

    non-traditional veils for the foward-thinking bride
    Picture: Pinterest

    Something Blue 

    A modern twist on something blue. A blue wedding veil can be a wonderful way to add a pop of colour as it provides a beautiful contrast if you’re sporting a white wedding dress.

    Picture: Pinterest

     

    Pearl-studded

    Pearls are having a bit of a moment right now and are a trend that has brides “oh-ing” and “ah-ing,” and for good reason. Pearls are often associated with royalty and opulence, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get when adding modern pearls to your veil.

    Picture: Pinterest

    The Birdcage 

    Who needs a long veil anyway? Short and sweet in more ways than one, the classic “birdcage” veil is a great addition for brides who are looking for something different yet simple. Make it your own by adding modern pearls or flowers, let your inner-creative run wild!

     

    Adorned with flowers 

    Flowers have a way of elevating anyone’s mood, so why not do the same for your veil. Opt for a traditional veil but zhoosh it up by adding your favourite flowers. Fresh flowers are best, so make sure you speak to your florist or go the dry flower route if you’re feeling sentimental and looking to keep things fresh forever.

    Pinterest: Lara Hotz

    Embroidered Elegance

    If adding fresh flowers to your veil doesn’t sound like something you’d like but you’re still looking to add a few blooms to your accessory, a colourful embroidered veil is the way to go. It’s a great addition for brides who are looking to add a little bohemian flair to their wedding outfit and creates an incredible texture too!

    Picture: Pinterest

    Feature Image: Pinterest

    As sustainability seeps into the collective consciousness, more-and-more brides are researching how to achieve the quintessential ‘sustainable wedding,’ turning to vendors, services, and products that help them achieve this.

    Jewellery is one way the modern eco-conscious bride is doing some good. From ethically sourced rings to fair trade necklaces, here are a few incredible jewellery brands that are sustainable AND African.

    AuTerra Jewellery 

    AuTerra 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.

    KiiRA African Fine Jewellery

    Each gemstone is individually selected, ensuring that no two pieces are the same. Along with offering vibrant and minimalist designs, each piece is ethically sourced and handcrafted to perfection in South Africa. The brand also offers custom designs for brides looking for something extra special.

    Black Betty 

    Bespoke jewellery pieces are only a click away. From gemstone-infused tiger necklaces to gorgeous pearl earrings and engagement rings, Black Betty Designs is a great place for those looking for pieces that will ‘wow.’ Based in Cape Town, this sustainable jewellery brand ships throughout South Africa.

    Yala Jewellery 

     

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    This Kenyan-based jewellery brand provides pieces with a purpose, ensuring that each one of its designs has a positive impact.  What’s more, they offer beautiful modern designs that perfectly reflect the beauty of Africa. From Sagana brass nugget necklaces to hammered brass bracelets – there’s plenty to choose from.

    Dear Rae

     

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    A post shared by Dear Rae Jewellery (@dearrae)

    Dear Rae is the brainchild of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufacturers to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetics 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 manufacturers for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.

    Feature Image: Kiira African Fine Jewellery

    One of the most time-honoured traditions still in existence today is the wedding day. Traditional weddings include a host of specific customs that brides typically engage in, one of them being wearing a wedding veil.

    For centuries, lovebirds and strangers have been getting hitched and brides donned the famous headwear. Widely considered just another fashion accessory on your big day, the wedding veil actually has an interesting history.

    The history of the the wedding veil

    The wedding veil is arguably the oldest part of the wedding ensemble. There is some contention over its specific history, but most wedding historians pinpoint ancient Greeks and Romans as the first people to wear the wedding veil. According to Julie Sabatino, expert bridal stylist and founder of the The Stylish Bride, brides of this time wore the wedding veil to disguise themselves from evil spirits aiming to spoil their joy. Some accounts show that veils were red in hue to symbolise the fire of the betrothed’s commitment as well as to ward off evil spirits.

    Wedding historian Susan Waggoner speaks of the Christian symbolism of the veil, telling Brides.com that in ancient times, people “wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden.” These were also the days of arranged marriages, when a bride’s virginity was her most important marker. The veil thus became a way of representing modesty and purity. The veil also acted as a method of concealing the bride’s face to the groom to prevent him from getting cold feet and running away from the stranger he was about to marry.

    In Judaism biblical times, the groom would place the veil on his bride as a symbol that he was marrying her for her inner beauty.

    The 18th century saw the veil fall out of fashion as brides opted for caps, bonnets, tiaras, jewels, wreaths and other adornments. However, they came back in style when Queen Victoria donned a four yards (3,7m) by 0.75 yards (0.7m) wide veil during her wedding to Prince Albert on 10 February, 1840. Following her iconic wedding, the veil became a symbol for wealth, status and style. The length, weight and quality of the veil all spoke highly of the status of the bride. This is why royal brides traditionally wore the longest veils.

    Roger Fenton / Getty Images

    The wedding veil today

    Today, the wedding veil is largely seen as an optional accessory. Many brides opt out of wearing wedding veils. Some consider it too traditional and unnecessary, others just don’t like the look. However, it is still quite popular and is largely used as another fashionable element to your Big Day. Many celebrity brides have famously donned the wedding veil, including Ciara, Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian and Duchess Meghan Markle.

     

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    Picture: Unsplash