Fashion - Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery

Classic Jewellery Pieces

Suzanne Crudden — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:47:32 +0000

The Most Classic Jewellery Pieces

Chances are if you look in your jewellery box you will find some of these classic jewellery pieces. These are the items of jewellery that have stood the test of time to become classics. These pieces can be aspirational, the ones that you want to start your “forever” jewellery collection. They can also be no brainer gift ideas.

Classic jewellery pieces such as the pearl necklace, the diamond tennis bracelet, the bangle bracelet, the pendant of religious significance, diamond stud earrings, hoop earrings, the signet ring and the locket pendant have transcended fads to become timeless staples in every wardrobe. Below we’ll explore the history of each piece as well as give some tips on what to prioritize if you’re looking to purchase your own.

Pearl Necklace

From Coco Chanel to Audrey Hepburn, pearl necklaces have long been part of iconic looks. Pearls became especially popular during the Renaissance period and have remained a staple in collections of classic jewellery pieces ever since.

The pearl necklace is seeing a bit of a resurgence these days. There was a period of time in recent years when pearl necklaces were seen as passé or something a grandmother would wear. But now we’re seeing people playing with styling, layering pearl necklaces with other necklaces, contrasting a pearl necklace with a dressed down look or choosing different colours of pearls.

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

The diamond line bracelet has been known as a style since around the 1920’s. But how did it get the name tennis bracelet? Few people know that the term “tennis bracelet” originated during the 1980’s when Chris Evert lost hers during a tennis match. A tennis bracelet is made from connected settings that are set with diamonds giving the impression that the bracelet is constructed of a line of diamonds.

There are different styles of tennis bracelets and the diamonds can be of various size and set in various ways. The classic tennis bracelet has the diamond set in a four prong setting, with diamonds ranging in size from 2 to 3mm.

Two things to consider if you are shopping for a diamond tennis bracelet. First, you’ll want to make sure you get the right size. Just as with fingers, everybody’s wrist size is different too. Second, you’ll want to make sure that it has a good, strong clasp. Tennis bracelets usually have a box clasp which is a very durable clasp. You don’t want to loose it!

Bangle Bracelet

Bangle bracelets have been worn for centuries across various cultures. In Indian tradition, brides often wear ornate, symbolic bangle sets called “chooda”. In Western fashion, bangle bracelets gained popularity during the Art Deco era of the 1920s, utilizing bold geometric shapes, ceramic inlay and intricate metalwork.

In terms of classic jewellery pieces, you can’t go wrong with a gold bangle. If worn on its own, a wider bangle such as the one pictured might be more desirable. But you could also purchase a set or more delicate bangles and stack them. Since a bangle is worn on the wrist it will be subject to daily wear and tear. You will need to be prepared that they may get a bit misshapen over time. But, not to worry, they can easily be hammered round again!

Pendant of Religious Significance

We haven’t included an image here because there are really just so many different pendants with religious significance. Often a pendant such as this will be given as a gift at a milestone moment such as a baptism or marriage.

We’ve had the opportunity to custom create many different pendants from many different faiths. Sometimes created for our client and sometimes created as a gift. Often a pendant of religious significance will be the first piece of precious jewellery a person receives.

Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamond stud earrings are the epitome of understated elegance. Their timeless appeal lies in their simplicity and versatility, making them suitable for any occasion. The quintessential day to night accessory. Diamond studs gained popularity during the Victorian era when diamonds became more accessible to the middle class. Since then, they have remained a classic choice only gaining in popularity through the decades.

When shopping for diamond stud earrings you’ll want to first assess what size of diamond appeals to you. The standard, classic size is 5mm or the equivalent of 1/2 carat in each ear totalling 1 total carat weight. The next thing you’ll want to consider is the metal. A white metal will distract less from the diamond whereas a yellow or rose gold will be more contrasting. Also, be aware that some people have an allergy to the nickel in white gold. If you’re unsure of an allergy, but want a white metal, you could instead opt for platinum.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings have been a staple accessory across cultures for millennia, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. In ancient Egypt, hoop earrings were worn as symbols of status and wealth, while in Rome, they were associated with femininity and fertility.

Today, hoop earrings come in various sizes and designs, from delicate gold hoops to bold statement pieces set with gemstones. Hoop earrings are so versatile and go with everything.

One thing to watch out for, often hoop earrings are hollow. If somehow they receive a ding or a dent, there is no way to remove that blemish. Just something to keep in mind!

Signet Ring

Signet rings originate in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Initially, these rings were used as practical tools rather than fashion statements. The word “signet” is derived from the Latin word “signum,” meaning sign or seal. Signet rings were used as seals, serving as a personal signature or a mark of authority when pressed onto wax or clay. They played a vital role in official correspondence, legal documents, and the authentication of important messages.

One of the defining features of signet rings is their ability to be customized. The engraving on the bezel is usually very personal, reflecting the wearer’s individuality, heritage, or affiliation with a particular group or organization (for example Mason’s or a school ring). Family crests and coats of arms are also common as well as monograms and initials. These engravings tie generations together and make signet rings meaningful heirlooms that are usually passed down.

We’ve had the opportunity to create many custom signet rings. We find the most popular engraving to be initials but many people also choose to set gemstones as well. Think of the face of signet ring as your canvas to express yourself.

Lockets

Lockets are more than just decorative accessories; they are keepsakes that hold sentimental value and cherished memories. These hinged pendants have been worn for centuries, serving as miniature treasure chests for locks of hair, love notes, or photographs.

Lockets gained popularity during the Victorian era when sentimental jewellery became fashionable. Today, they remain symbols of love, loss, and remembrance, offering wearers a tangible connection to their past.

If you’re shopping for a locket, we recommend gold over silver. Because the function of a locket is to be open and closed somewhat regularly, you want to ensure that the closure is strong. Silver is quite a soft metal and eventually the closure on a silver locket will fail. Although the cost difference is significant, a gold locket will last much longer and be much more durable than a silver locket.

Ready to Start Collecting your Classic Jewellery Pieces?

Whether you are looking to start your forever jewellery collection or looking for an easy gift idea, any of these classic jewellery pieces will be a winner!

Classic jewellery pieces have stood the test of time and will no doubt continue to do so. Whether a fashion statement, a religious emblem, or a cherished heirloom, these timeless pieces endure.

If you’re looking for your first classic jewellery piece but having a hard time finding exactly what you want, we’re here help! Please get in touch with us, we’d love to work with you.

The post Classic Jewellery Pieces first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

Top Bridal Trends for 2024

Suzanne Crudden — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:46:03 +0000

The Top Bridal Trends of 2024

Bridal season is full swing! Here we’re going to take a look at the top bridal trends for 2024. So far we’ve seen a few trends that have definitely stolen the spotlight including: wide wedding bands and engagement ring bands, the continuing popularity of lab grown diamonds, solitaire engagement rings with large centre stones, bridal stacking ring sets and men’s bands with some added complexity.

Wide Bands

Is the dainty trend finally coming to an end? Over the past decade or so there has been a definite preference for slight, minimalist bands. Engagement rings with super thin bands and the accompanying dainty wedding ring have been very popular. If this trend is indeed coming to an end, as goldsmiths, we couldn’t be happier. Very thin and dainty bands can be beautiful but they are rarely durable. And for a ring you wear everyday, durability is important.

Wide bands are definitely among the top bridal trends for 2024 that we’ve seen first hand. Men have always preferred a wider band but we’ve seen the ladies requesting them this year too. The width of engagement ring bands have been creeping up as well. In engagement ring bands what we’re seeing is that, rather than the super thin bands of 1.5-1.7mm in previous years, people are choosing slightly wider bands at 2-3mm wide.

One of the reasons that dainty bands became popular may be due to the price of gold. A ring will be less expensive if it contains less gold. In contrast, a wide band costs more because there is much more gold in a wider ring. The price of gold keeps rising, hitting new heights as each month passes. Could increasing gold costs have an effect on the wide band trend or slow it down? We shall have to wait and see.

Continued Popularity of Lab Grown Diamonds

The continuing popularity of lab grown diamonds is another of the top bridal trends for 2024. In both wedding rings and engagement rings we’re seeing the continued interest in lab grown diamonds for both price point and aesthetic reasons.

Since lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to earth mined diamonds they have the best benefits of a diamond, namely sparkle and durability, with none of the downsides, such as cost and origin issues.

Bridal shoppers now have more flexibility within their budget, choosing options that may not have been available in the past. For example, instead of going for an “off the rack” earth mined diamond engagement ring you could instead invest your budget in a ring custom made, just for you, with a lab grown diamond instead.

Solitaire Engagement Rings with Larger Centre Stones

Solitaire engagement rings remain a timeless choice, and in 2024 they’re making a statement with larger sized diamonds and gemstones. Thanks to the affordability of lab grown diamonds, couples can now indulge in larger stones without breaking the bank.

In addition to large lab diamond centre stones, we’re also seeing large coloured gemstones as an emerging bridal trend for 2024. Solitaire engagement rings with large sapphires are particularly popular. Blue, teal and green sapphires are the colours that we’re bringing in most often for our clients to see in person.

One note to keep in mind if you are interested in a large centre stone is that it will need to sit higher from your finger. The larger the stone, the deeper it is and therefore the higher it sits off of your finger. When a gem sits higher off of your finger you’ll notice that it “gets in the way” a bit more such as when you put your hand in your pocket or when putting on gloves. If you are looking for something very practical a larger gemstone might not be the right choice.

Customized Bridal Stacking Ring Sets

Bouncing from the stacking ring trends, some brides are opting for a wedding ring stack. Another one of the top bridal trends for 2024 is creating multiple wedding bands so that you can stack them all together. This is especially popular for people who aren’t planning on wearing their engagement ring everyday. Instead, they are planning to have a ring stack of multiple wedding bands, some with diamonds, some plain and some with patterns or engravings.

It’s a great idea to create your own custom set of wedding rings so that they fit and look just the way you want. In addition, going the custom route will ensure that the stack fits with your engagement ring should you decide to wear them all together.

Men's Wedding Rings with Patterns, Engravings, or Gemstones

Gone are the days when men’s wedding rings were limited to simple bands. Grooms are embracing creativity and personalization, choosing rings with patterns, engravings, and even gemstones. In 2024, men’s wedding rings are becoming more of a reflection of individual style and personality.

We’re seeing gents opting for diamonds and gemstones in their wedding rings more than we’ve ever seen in the past. White and black diamonds are the most popular. In addition to gemstones we’re also seeing different shapes of wedding bands such as knife edge and signet style or square edged. Patterns with grooves, hammered textures and beveled edges are also popular.

Bridal Trends for 2024 in Summary

The top bridal trends for 2024 reflect a blend of changing attitudes toward technology and innovation as well as a turn toward more substantial and individual designs. Innovations in lab grown diamonds have opened up the options to a whole new set of consumers. An appreciation of bolder designs has led to the increased popularity of wide bands in general and men’s wedding ring choices. Flexibility on the definition of a wedding ring has led some to consider wedding ring stacking sets. So far the bridal trends for 2024 have turned out to be some of the best we’ve seen in years!

If we’ve peaked your interest with any of these trends and you have questions, we’d love to help! Or check out our wedding rings in our shop!

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Men’s Wedding Bands

Suzanne Crudden — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 20:13:15 +0000

Custom or Classic: What's Your Men's Wedding Band Style?

There are many styles of men’s wedding bands and ways to customize them. Are you a classic man that likes a simple high-polished yellow gold wedding band? Perhaps you’ve spent a lot of time on designing the perfect engagement ring and want to get in on the fun yourself?! I personally love a classic wedding band: the subtle curves of a half-round shape and a high polish finish, oh-lala! But I also love to design something special that may include a gemstone or a custom finish to the surface. A lot of men don’t know the options available to them. So use this as a guide to help narrow your likes and dislikes.

Gold and Platinum Wedding Bands

Gold and platinum wedding bands are the most popular choice when choosing a wedding ring. One must consider the longevity of the ring: it needs to last a lifetime. Different karats of gold can be used depending on budget and lifestyle of the wearer. For example: if you plan to wear your wedding band everyday and you use your hands a lot, you may wish to use a lower karat gold so it is more durable for everyday wear. If you like to see a patina develop or like the feel of a heavier piece of jewellery you will want to consider Platinum.

Both platinum and gold wedding bands will stand the test of time and are often passed down from one generation to the next as they are easily sized and refurbished. We recommend trying on wedding bands in different metals, widths and sizes to see how it looks on your hand. Skin tone and hand proportion can play a role in what suits your hand. And since this will be something you wear everyday, this should be considered.

Unique and Artisanal Wedding Band Finishes

There are many finishes that can applied to the surface of a wedding band. You can check some of them out here. Some surface treatments last longer than others depending on how much they are carved/engraved into the surface. A high polish finish requires the least amount of maintenance over the years. It may get a little dull overtime with some scratches but it is easily polished if needed. When it comes to giving metal a surface treatment (matte, satin, oxidised, grit) the one with the best longevity is a true grit finish. In this style, a steel bur is used to engrave the surface of the metal. The metal is burred away leaving permanent carvings into the wedding band. One may find that the other finishes like a matte, satin or oxidised finish my need maintenance over the years.

The art of hand engraving wedding bands is as old as the trade of jewellery making itself. It requires a specialised skill set and is usually performed by a highly trained individual with years of experience. Each metal performs a bit differently when being engraved and thus, creates a slightly different result. For example, Platinum produces a stunning result due to it’s malleability. It allows the crafts person a unique working canvas to carve and move the metal exactly as the design dictates. Lower karats of gold are harder to engrave due to the alloy content making the materials springy or hard. A similar result can be achieved, the engraver just needs to work a bit harder.

Steel and Titanium Men's Wedding Bands

Tungsten and Titanium wedding rings have been in fashion for a number of years. They are less expensive then gold and platinum and offer some interesting finishes that can’t be achieved with traditional materials. There are however some drawbacks to consider.

Wedding bands made from Titanium and Tungsten cannot be re-sized. They are also hard to remove in an emergency as they cannot be as easily removed or cut off as precious metals.

All in the Fine Print

Engraving on the inside of a wedding band is a beautiful way to commemorate your wedding date but you can engrave almost anything! There are a few different ways to engrave wedding bands: hand engraving, laser engraving and machine engraving.

Hand engraving produces a result that will last decades. This is because the crafts person can deeply carve into the metal. Often, hand engraving can take more time to complete as there aren’t many people with this skill set. It’s not the best choice for all you last minute planners! It is also the most costly option but when thinking about something you will have forever, I would argue the cost is worth it.

Engraving wedding bands can be completed by laser as well. This is a quick and inexpensive option. There are hundreds of fonts to choose from and symbols can also be engraved. Laser engraving does not carve very deeply into the surface of the metal so it will wear away faster over time.

Lastly, machine engraving is a middle of the road alternative in terms of cost and result. It is quite limited in terms of the fonts and sizes available but it carves into the metal well producing a result similar to hand engraving.

Textured Wedding Bands

Another very popular style is the textured men’s wedding band. A texture is anything that is applied to the surface of the ring. This can include a hammered texture, a grit texture, a patterned texture etc.

We find the most popular is the hammered texture or the rock finished texture. The rock finish is a version of the hammered texture but with larger facets. An example is shown in the picture here.

Men's Wedding Bands with Diamonds and Gemstones

We find the most popular is the hammered texture or the rock finished texture. The rock finish is a version of the hammered texture but with larger facets. An example is shown in the picture here.

Men's Wedding Bands with Unique Profiles

A unique profile refers to a plain band but with a shape other than flat or half round. Typically a classic men’s wedding band will be either half round in profile or flat in profile.

Other interesting profiles you could select are knife edge, squared off, a drop edge, grooved, etc. Check out our inspiration gallery below for different profile options as well as examples of other types of bands that we’ve discussed above.

Find Your Inspiration

Hopefully this helped you narrow down some options. We’d love to hear if you have any questions or already have an idea in mind!

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