The Trendy Bead - Brides & Beyond

The creative bride can let her personality shine with non-traditional jewelry. Elements such as pearls and crystals can be combined with art beads for unique jewelry that can be worn long after the big day. Here are a few design ideas to help those rowdy art beads turn into wedding crashers!


I can still remember the little flower basket pendant on a gold chain that I wore as a flower girl in my Aunt's wedding. Chinook Jewelry creates these amazing sculpted flower beads that would be a treasure for the littlest member of the bridal party. I'd pair one up with a gold bar and link chain and either crystals or pearls in pale blue. (Chain from knotartoverstok.)


Well, you may not love the dress you have to wear as a bride's maid, but there is no reason you can't love your accessories. Mary Harding offers leafy toggle clasps that would rock a strand of stick pearls in white, cream and soft yellow-green. I'd use tiny 2mm beads in silver or gold to accent the pearls. (Stick pearls from Igotladyfingers.)

Maybe bare feet and sand are more your idea of a picture perfect wedding. Whether you are the bride or there to celebrate you can create jewelry that borrows from the surroundings. I'd use one of my urchin beads in antique gold with gold colored keishi pearls. The clasp? A Green Girl Studios' starfish toggle! (Keishi pearls from Luxbeads.)

Pair up a set of Chinook Roman Circle charms with wire-wrapped briolettes for the proud mom. Dangle a small section of chain from the earwire to attach the briolettes. (Peridot briolettes from NirvanaBeads.)

And hey, why not sneak art beads into the reception? I've always thought my Illuminated Manuscript beads would make a beautiful set of glass charms, a nice touch when sipping champagne. You could do the monogram of the couples' last name or a letter for each of them.