wedding 2025 | The Perfect Accent

Jewelry

date posted: February 23, 2025

Photo by Kalz Photography.

In the 1930s, diamond company De Beers started bedazzling and photographing Hollywood influencers; in 1947, someone thought up the “A Diamond Is Forever” slogan, and today the stones are in almost 90% of American engagement rings. Until 2005, when they were busted and fined, De Beers controlled supply to make sure prices stayed high and insisted that true love required spending at least two months’ salary on an engagement ring. Science has since served them a heaping helping of karma in the form of equally sparkly, ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds, so there’s no need to forgo the sparkle if you love the look, and no need for anyone to overspend.

The ancient Greeks called pearls Aphrodite’s tears of joy.

Earrings by LaRue & Co. Fine Jewelry.

The truly traditional wedding gem is—and has always been—the pearl. The ancient Greeks called pearls Aphrodite’s tears of joy. They’re considered symbolic of protection, serenity, love, strength, wealth, empowerment, romance, water, and the moon, and are said to bring good luck at a wedding. They, too, can be ethically sourced, as can many other gems.

Our area’s jewelers are inspired experts who can help you with wedding jewelry of every kind, from vintage to ultramodern oneof- a-kind originals, to reinventing an heirloom piece and making something lovely to match it. Bring them pictures or sketches of your favorite ideas, and they’ll make your dreams reality. Bring a picture of what you’ll be wearing on your Day to the shop to get a clearer sense of the styles that will stun; some necklines cry out for a glorious pendant, others for drop earrings or a sleek choker.

Earrings by J Bliss Studios.

Necklace by Adel Chefridi Fine Jewelry.

Matching gems or metals for you and your partner can take all kinds of beautiful forms, from bracelets to pins to pendants.

Necklace from Hummingbird Jewelers.

Matching gems or metals for you and your partner can take all kinds of beautiful forms, from bracelets to pins to pendants. You could even carry your favorite crystals (or any other meaningful item) and exchange them as part of your wedding rites. Colorful stones like emeralds, rubies, opals, and aquamarines have lots of symbolic lore attached, but don’t worry if it’s all about your favorite color, because nearly every gem is associated with love, protection, and peace.

You can braid strands of gems or crystals into your hairstyle, bedazzle your veil or headpiece, or wear an antique or ultramodern brooch at your waist. You may want to swap out your formal jewelry if you’re putting on a reception outfit. Or maybe not; how many times in your life will you have a tiara handy to don with your party dress?

Ring from Facets of Earth.

Necklace by Schneider’s Jewelers.

ADEL CHEFRIDI FINE JEWELRY

Rhinebeck, 845-684-5185, chefridi.com

Adel Chefridi creates treasures of the heart, handmade in our RhinebeckVillage studio and gallery. With our jewelers and designer onsite,as well as our highly experienced staff and GIA Gemologist, wehave created a personalized customer service experience that is secondto none. Beyond design, the beauty of Adel’s jewelry transcendsboth language and time. For gifting to another, or oneself, we look forward to welcoming you in.

FACETS OF EARTH

Kingston, 845-331-2693, facetsofearth.com

We create exceptionally handcrafted jewelry in our open studio. Choose to watch your ideas come to life, repurpose your old jewelry, or enjoy our selection of fine jewelry designers from around the globe. Whether you’re searching for traditional or alternative styles, we will make your experience unforgettable.

HUMMINGBIRD JEWELERS

Rhinebeck, 845-876-4585, hummingbirdjewelers.com

Celebrating 47 years as Rhinebeck’s full-service jewelers. An award-winning destination for fine designer jewelry from around the globe. Specializing in custom design, repurposing, and repair by in-house goldsmith Bruce Anderson. Using ethically sourced gems, conflict-free diamonds, and recycled precious metals. Appraisals for insurance, estate, and liquidation purposes by owner gemologist-appraiser Bruce Lubman. Open Thursday-Monday 11-5, Sunday 12-5, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

J BLISS STUDIOS: GOLDSMITH & GALLERY

Woodstock, 845-514-9820, jblissstudios.com

Each piece at J Bliss Studios is handcrafted by husband-and-wife team Jared and Joanna Bliss in their Woodstock studio and storefront. Whether it’s using heirloom stones or creating a custom design, they are happy to work with you. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Catskills, using recycled gold and diamonds, they create meaningful and unique wedding bands, engagement rings, and bridal jewelry.

LARUE & CO

Kingston, 845-399-2597, shoplarueandco.com

LaRue & Co. New York is a handmade, sustainable, size and gender inclusive Fine Jewelry brand. Based in the historical Stockade District of Kingston, NY. Using ethically sourced stones and recycled metals to create beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime. Each piece is crafted with care by owner/goldsmith Charlotte LaRue Mazey. She also does custom de

SCHNEIDER’S JEWELERS

Kingston, 845-331-1888, schneidersjewelers.com

This Kingston landmark has displayed everything you might want in jewelry, watches, bridal jewelry, and unique gifts since 1928. They also offer a wide variety of services, including repairs, appraisals, and custom design. Schneider’s prides itself on its business ethics, management, and professional and knowledgeable service.