We Love: Claire Pettibone Spring 2013

These detail photos of Claire Pettibone’s Spring 2013 trunk show convey just the kind of sumptuous, vintage-y feeling we wanted for our own spring collection. With Great Gatsby wedding style making a comeback, intricately detailed, luxe wedding attire is looking more 1920s free spirit (and less stuffy and dated.) Click through our slideshow above for our favorite detail shots by the stylish blogger Fallon Elizabeth of ‘A Lovely Being.’

We’re swooning over the gowns on Claire Pettibone’s website, especially decadent Hazel. We’d love to see it together with our botanically-inspired Lucia Wedding Set.

We’re also loving simple, yet suitably siren-sque Clio. Wouldn’t it look perfect together with our Eden?

And aristocratic Belle, which we could totally see on Lady Mary from Downton. To be paired with the regal Hayden Engagement Ring.

What’s your favorite Claire Pettibone dress + Jeff Cooper ring combination? We’d love to hear about it.

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Celebrity Trend: Hipster Engagements

Two of our favorite young celebrity couples have recently become engaged and we haven’t seen any rings yet!

Mad Men’s Alexis Bledel and Vincent Kartheiser are on their way to the altar, as are Any Samberg and his musician fiancee Joanna Newsom.

Since both brides-to-be are keeping their rings under wraps, we thought it would be fun to play matchmaker and pick out some star-worthy Jeff Cooper rings.

We’ll start with Alexis.

We don’t know her, but Vincent has a reputation for being pretty quirky, and Alexis has played some pretty quirky characters herself. That said, she tends to rock flattering, retro styles that don’t look too high maintenance.

We’d love to see her in our Holly Engagement Ring. Its Art Deco details would look so perfect with this amazing green SAG awards dress. It has the star power befitting a her celebrity status, but its delicate profile and classic simplicity won’t overwhelm the petite, down to earth actress.

We think it’s perfect!

Now, we’ll match up Joanna. She’s a true hipster, being the only singer/songwriter to play a harp (!) and make the cool kids stop and listen. She’s marrying Andy Samberg, so you know she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

For Joanna, we’d pick the Lily Engagement Ring. It’s unique, botanical design would be perfect with this offbeat dress she wore for the Independent Spirit Awards. Lily’s teardrop motif is a sweet reminder of the performer’s sensitive folk songs, and the play of light across the nature-inspired forms lends enough sparkle to light up the red carpet.

 

Beautiful and lyrical, right?

Now, we can’t wait for Ryan Gosling to propose to gorgeous Eva Mendes, so we can pick a Jeff Cooper ring for her!

What Jeff Cooper ring do you love for Alexis and Joanna? Leave it in the comments!

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Ask Jeff Cooper: Engagement Rings How To

It’s the question almost every groom-to-be faces. ‘How do I choose an engagement ring?’

We went over the finer points of how to recognize quality here, but most of us still need help picking the perfect style for her personality.

Conventional wisdom says to ask the bride’s mother, sister or a close friend to come look at rings. That’s not necessarily the advice we’d give you.

FIRST, if you’re sincerely worried she won’t love the ring, just ask her what she likes. You can always pretend you’re researching a birthday or holiday gift.

If you want the ring to be a total surprise, the key to understanding (and conveying) her personal style is Hard Evidence. And the proof is in the pictures.

Here’s a short list of snapshots that will help your salesperson pinpoint the ring of her dreams. (You could bring them on your phone, but it’s way better to print out these pictures and bring them to the store.)

1. Pictures of her in her favorite outfits.

2. Snapshots of her favorite jewelry, that show the metals, stones, and styles she likes.

3. Pictures of her handbags, perfumes, or any brand names she likes may give valuable clues to her taste. If her bag, signature fragrance and coat are all classic, trendy or super feminine, you’ll probably want her ring to match.

4. Does she subscribe to any magazines? Whether she reads Town & Country or Real Simple, her reading material has the potential to be very revealing when it comes to the personal style she aspires to.

5. And last, but not least, does she have a Pinterest account? This is a goldmine of clues about her personal style, and you may actually find ring pictures in there. Take screenshots of anything you think is relevant.

SECOND. to get an idea how a bride’s personal style might translate into her wedding style, we like Brooklyn Bride’s “Phi Style” mood boards.

For example, if her Pinterest is filled with black and white pictures of movie stars and glamorous dress up outfits, she might dream of being an Old Hollywood Bride, who’d probably love an Ava Engagement Ring.

Is she an independent, sophisticated art lover? Does she collect images of modern, funky interiors and fashion? The Sculptural Bride might love the Estella Engagement Ring.

Or would you say she’s a bohemian flower child? Does she love nature, vintage style, or ethereal, romantic dress designs and photography? The Lily Engagement Ring is one to consider for the Kate Moss-inspired 1920s garden bride.

As you begin your search, just remember to be prepared, patient and relaxed. The perfect ring is out there!

Pictured above, a brand new design from our Laurel Collection.

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Ask Jeff Cooper: Wedding Ring Inscriptions

Looking for wedding ring inscription ideas can be a challenge. You want unique, charming and perfect. You don’t want generic, dated or cheesy. Here are a few ideas to spark up your inspiration, and guide you to a wedding inscription you’ll love forever.

Biblical

The Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs, is the most romantic part of the bible. Translations online vary wildly, so you may scan a bunch to find something that speaks to you. Here are three lines we love, that work for modern couples.

Take Me With You

How Beautiful You Are

My Lover Is Mine

Cheeky

Lots of couples inscribe a little humor into their wedding bands with nicknames, inside jokes or “Put it Back On.” We like funny wedding ring engravings when they make the wearer feel special and loved every time they look at it. Here are some sweet ones.

You’re a Gem

You Are So Mine

Wink Wink

Song Lyrics

We like this approach for couples who want to express themselves, and like to be a bit different. Keep looking (and listening) till you find a phrase that expresses your feelings. Here are some cool, not obvious ones to get you started.

If You Will Dare, I Will Dare (The Replacements)

Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)

Satisfy My Soul (Bob Marley)

What do you think of these? Got your own wedding ring inscriptions to share with the world? Tell us in the comments!

Photo via Shahir Zag.

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We Love: Channel Set Rings & Happy Brides

We love reading Jeff Cooper love stories on message boards.

Check out our slideshow up top! A lucky bride in Philadelphia shared some playful pictures of her princess cut Emma Engagement Ring, and we love the story that goes with them!

The engagement was a surprise but we did discuss preferences. I told him I always loved Jeff Cooper but didn’t need his setting necessarily – just something to be inspired by. Lucky me, he decided to stick with what I love!”

Her fiancé also had a great experience with our Authorized Retailer, A.R. Morris Jewelers in Wilmington, Delaware.

“He really felt like they listened, were patient, and went above and beyond in their customer service.”

We’re so thrilled to hear about another happy Jeff Cooper bride! Do you have a story to share? Tell us in the comments.

For more authorized Jeff Cooper retailers, look here.

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Olivia Wilde & Jason Sudeikis Engaged

We’re so happy for our favorite SNL actor Jason Sudeikis, and the gorgeous actress Olivia Wilde!

We got a sneak peek at Olivia’s antique engagement ring, when she was photographed on set in Rome. Look at her little Mona Lisa smile! Pictures are a little blurry, but it looks like a massive, round diamond in an antique setting.

Congratulations, you two!

Want to read more about celebrities’ round cut diamonds?

Do you love Olivia’s antique style with a big round diamond? Try our Tamara and Tara Engagement Rings!

Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and enter our diamond necklace giveaway!

Comment away, we’d love to hear from you!

We Love: Inspired Valentine’s Day Gifts

We still have a couple of weeks to order up a Valentine’s Day to remember. Here are some creative and heartfelt alternatives to flowers and candy!

FOR HER

1. Let’s be honest, a Jeff Cooper ring is the ultimate way to say “be mine.” Shown above, a custom Tara Engagement Ring with an “old euro” cut diamond. It totally works as a non-engagement ring, too!

2. We can’t imagine the woman who wouldn’t love this Chanel nail polish collection.

3. We can’t stop imagining these Anthropologie jeans with a simple top and Jackie O glasses on a chic European honeymoon.

FOR HIM

1. Nothing says love like monogrammed barware.

2. And love demands courage, right? This pocket knife is just so cool.

3. Lobsters mate for life, don’t they? He’ll actually want to wear this T shirt by M. Carter.

FOR GIRLS

1. Skip the candy heart this year. This heart pendant is so pretty and so appropriate for a little girl.

2. These girls’ heart tights are pretty darn adorable, too.

3. We wish they made these for women! Chic ballet flats for girls. Festooned with hearts!

FOR BOYS

1. How to give a boy a Valentine heart? Problem solved!

2. With a design this cool, you can get away with buying a boy a Valentine’s Day T-shirt.

3. A necktie with candy hearts, skinny enough to look hip. He can wear it ironically, right?

Have fun surprising your loved ones, everybody!

And don’t forget to ‘Like’ us and enter our Facebook Giveaway!

 

Jeff Cooper Rings & Unique Wedding Ideas

When we discover an amazing couple like Jay and Courtney, we’re so moved. Courtney created a wedding website to document everything about their wedding online. Everything! We love that they made every aspect of the celebration their own. They had Catholic and Hindu ceremonies to honor the bride and groom’s families, and even involved some professional football. Henna bridal tattoos and pro football. There’s really nothing like it.

Courtney, on her Eden Engagement Ring:
“The ring! Believe it or not, I saw this ring 3 years before (2 years before I even met Jay) in a magazine when my college roommate was planning her wedding. At that time I said it was my dream ring, and I’ve always thought of it when I pictured my “perfect ring.” Jay did not want me involved in picking a ring in any way, and I didn’t even know he had begun shopping. He completely surprised me (and I think himself) when I realized it was the Jeff Cooper ring of my dreams!”

We’re so honored to share in your happiness, Courtney & Jay!

The Jewelry Industry & Wedding Ring Trends

Happy Monday!

We’re preparing to travel to Centurion, our industry’s big trade show. We love Centurion, when we get to meet up with our favorite authorized retailers, create new retail relationships, and show off our new designs. We wouldn’t be in such a fabulous business if we didn’t love attention, right?

Also, check us out on the front page of The Knot’s 6 Hot Engagement Ring Trends. The picked our Leah Engagement Ring to illustrate the floral engagement ring trend. Other trends the Knot echoed from our own trend list are colored engagement rings, double halo rings, and twisted bands.