She Said 'YES!'- A Custom Engagement Story

August 02, 2015 by Brittany stadtmiller

It's a couple months shy of our official three year Gem Steady jewel-versary. I even can't begin to describe how stoked I am about how far we've come in such a short span of time.

I think one of the things we're most proud and honored to create are our custom engagement rings and wedding jewelry. We have been seriously blessed with the best clients out there, who let us run wild with their ideas. Our clients are insanely hip, free spirited, and hella stylish. They want their jewels to be completely original and unapologetically 'them'.

Our brides and grooms want a ring that is as unique as their love and the lives that they've vowed to share with each other.

The ring I am going to share with you today has had me seriously mesmerized.

It all began when our lovely groom-to-be contacted us via email with a few photos of gemstones, designs, and shapes he liked. He expressed interest in a marquise shape, loved the organic inclusions of lodolite quartz, thought some ombre colored halo detailing would be a nice touch, and of course-diamonds....

Here's the initial design I sent him.

Luckily our vibes were in sync and he loved the design right off the bat. We decided on a marquise shape lodolite quartz as the center stone, black-silver-and white diamond ombre halo with a white diamond band, all set in white gold.

If you're not familar with what lodolite quartz is, it's clear quartz crystal with all kinds of wonderful mineral inclusions inside. This comes in a variety of colors and patterns. No piece is exactly alike. Perfect for our one of a kind fiance-to-be. Lodolite is not a common gem to work with and to get the perfect size and shape we needed I asked our good friend Kurt Card of Foothills Gems to custom facet a piece for us.

Custom Faceted Lodolite Quartz by Kurt Card of Foothills Gems

After we received the center stone from Kurt that's when the real party started. Here are some production shots The Whittle Master took as he was building the ring...

Tracing the base of the setting onto 14k white gold sheet before cutting out. — Tracing the base of the setting onto 14k white gold sheet before cutting out.

These pieces of 14k white gold will be melted down and turned into wire to create the band and setting for lots of diamonds to be set into.

Mapping out our diamond placement. Some of them were as small as .75mm!

This was one of our most fun pieces to create and definitely one of most detailed and intricate to date. Check out the video below for the final product.

What did you think of this engagement ring story? Did you love seeing how we brought this design to life? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your dream ring. And please use the share tab at the bottom of this post to share this story on Facebook, Twitter, or email it to a friend or significant other.

Are you going to be in the market for an engagement ring soon? Or maybe you're just in need of an update or addition to your current jewelry collection? Whatever the occasion is; we would love to design something one of a kind just for you. Contact us by clicking this link, or emailing brittanyc@gemsteady.com. Not a fan of email? That's ok! You can call Brittany directly or text from outside the U.S. using whatsapp at 859-609-1083.

WHO-WHAT-WEAR-WEDNESDAY. Episode 3

November 19, 2014 by Brittany stadtmiller in icons, Style Star

"When I love, I do it without counting. I give myself entirely. And each time, it is the grand love of my life." -Brigitte Bardot

Hello everyone, and welcome to our third edition of Who-What-Wear-Wednesday. Today we will be traveling back in time to discuss a French fashion icon who is known for her big blonde bouffants, her perfectly lined eyes, and adoration for animals. This week we celebrate Brigitte Bardot, who manages to be ultra glamorous at age 80, just as she was in her prime decades ago. Our style icon of the week came from humble beginnings, but her career quickly skyrocketed out of this world.

Brigitte was born in an apartment near the Eiffel Tower on September 28, 1934. Her parents were notoriously harsh toward their young daughter, and showed her little affection. At age seven, Brigitte accidentally knocked her parents beloved Chinese lamp off of a table, and sent it crashing to the ground. Brigitte's heart shattered with the elaborate lamp, and she claims that her parents never treated her the same way again.

“It was if a barrier had been erected in the warmth of my childhood, with regard to my parents." Said Bardot. As a teenager, Brigitte was a graceful young woman, who displayed polite manners at home, at her Catholic school, and at dance class. The aspiring ballerina spent her strictly monitored days dreaming of escape into a care free world, and she longed for the love that her parents denied her. At age 14, the striking young Brigitte began modeling hats for her mother’s friend. Shortly after her modeling career began, Brigitte got the surprise of a lifetime when her picture appeared on the cover of ELLE Magazine. The cover model quickly captured the attention of France’s finest filmmakers, and Brigitte was promptly scouted to act in the comedy, Crazy For Love.

Brigitte was not sold on acting as her profession, and she found the long days of filming to be exhausting. Her fiancé who happened to be a director, convinced Bardot to star in the 1952 drama, The Girl In The Bikini. Brigitte’s parents were not fond of their daughter wearing a risqué bikini on screen, and even less thrilled when their daughter flaunted all of her curves in the film. Brigitte became a pioneer in the American film industry due to the provocative roles she played in her movies. These films were considered indecent in America in the early ‘50s, but audiences soon embraced the sizzling hot blonde bombshell, and her films. Bardot’s ultimate breakthrough in the American film industry happened when she starred in the seductive film, And God Created Woman. Some Americans protested the film, but even more went to see it.

At last, Brigitte had a way to liberate her inner rebel. She was a bohemian goddess that freely expressed her wildest fancies, while maintaining her image as a stunning and elegant French beauty. Acting was a form of release from Bardot, and she would no longer be the little girl who was constantly scolded by her parents. She was a strong, powerful bombshell.

In addition to being a flirtatious film star, Bardot quickly became a trendsetting fashionista. She often wore corseted dresses, with voluminous circle skirts to accentuate her enviable curves. Her golden hair was swept up into a billowing bouffant, or flat ironed into silk-like perfection. Her large brown doe eyes were always exquisitely lined, and she complimented her bold eye makeup by wearing pale nude lipstick.

Bardot often strutted down the streets of Paris and Cannes in ladylike straw hats, wide-rimmed white sunglasses, and sophisticated rompers. She wore tailored, slim fit capris that hugged her hourglass figure, and striped boatneck tee-shirts that caused a fashion phenomenon. Bardot specialized in looks that struck the perfect balance of allure and ladylike irresistibility. She developed a style that was bohemian and eclectic, especially compared to her blonde bombshell counterparts from the USA. Bardot didn’t fancy red lipstick, and nothing about her outfits were too perfect. Brigitte wore minimal jewelry. She was often spotted in a delicate silver chain necklace, and occasionally a beaded bracelet.

Bardot chose to remain in France, even at the height of her career, and declined to be a Hollywood-based starlet. Bardot resented the constant attention that fled her everyday life due to her film career. In the ‘60s, Bardot gave acting a rest, and picked up singing as a hobby. Whether she was behind the camera, or a microphone, Bardot continued to turn heads with her every move.

Bardot was consistently a well-rounded person, and she invested her money wisely. She was, and still is an active animal rights activist, and she is often photographed with her beloved animals. Bardot has always felt a deep connection with animals, ever since she convinced her parents to let her keep a kitten when she was a child. After her 50th birthday, Bardot kissed the lavish life of a movie star goodbye, and put all of her affection toward her furry friends who gave her a sense of endless love. It was the love she was searching for. Her activism led her to meeting world leaders, and she launched a foundation for the protection of animals that reached over 42 countries.

The classically beautiful Brigitte Bardot will continue to be admired for her effortless style, her carefree personality, and for the passion she puts into everything she does. Despite being recognized as a fashion icon all over the world, Brigitte's best accessories will always be her glowing grin, and the compassion she displays for all living creatures. This style star is truly beautiful inside, and out.

Here at Gem Steady, we love embracing fashion inspiration from the past. We want to know which style icons influence your everyday look. Let us know in the comments below which style icon we should feature next!

-BB

WHO-WHAT-WEAR-WEDNESDAY. EPISODE 2

November 12, 2014 by Brittany stadtmiller in icons, fun, Style Star

Hello everyone, and welcome to our second edition of Who-What-Wear-Wednesday. Depending on what part of the world you reside in, the brisk winter months may be slowly creeping up on you. While you may be under the assumption that it is time to retire your mini dresses and shorts for the year, our style star of the week may inspire you to do otherwise.

Our style star is a British babe known for her impeccable street style, her bangs that always seem to be tousled to perfection, and her husky voice that is the cherry on top of her coolness sundae. I am speaking of the lovely Alexa Chung, who found fame when she turned down acceptance into King’s College in London, and decided to pursue a career in modeling instead. While Chung realized this was a risky move, she quickly found work modeling for teen magazines, and popular clothing companies such as Lacoste and Urban Outfitters. She eventually branched out into acting. She starred in music videos, and fashion programs where she interviewed elite designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Despite her lucrative career as an actress and model, Chung is best known for her incredible taste in fashion. Need proof? The gorgeous Chung has won the title of British Style Icon for three years in a row, at the British Fashion Awards, she has multiple designer handbags named after her, and Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief has called Chung “a phenomenon”.

One may assume that Alexa Chung plucks all of her favorite pieces straight off of runways all over the world, but her style is far more complex than wearing the hottest trends everyday. “I’ve never been the type of girl that would wear something just because it’s a seasonal trend. I’m not an avid fashion fan in that sense.” Chung said, in an interview with AP Entertainment. “I just respond to actual clothes and craftsmanship.” Said Chung. Our style star has an addiction to well-crafted vintage clothes, and beautifully tailored pieces. Her styling process does not mimic magazine spreads, or runway shows. She has the ability to concoct and plan out flawless outfits in her head.

Chung also credits the fashionable women who stroll down the streets of London as a main source of her style inspiration. Chung’s organic fashion sense is really admirable, and she is a true mix master when it comes to spicing up basic pieces, and tweaking her wardrobe to suit every season.

Alexa has been spotted layering a basic gray hoodie under a color-blocked fur coat, and she balanced out her funky combination with classic black skinnies and black paddock boots. This stylish Brit knows that slightly off the wall pieces combined with classic wardrobe staples are essential for innovative style.

When the temperature drops, Chung does not pack up her favorite denim cut offs. She layers them over tights, and pairs the summer staple with a long sleeve blouse and black suede boots for a refreshing style solution. Chung is often seen strutting the streets in classic pieces such as flared skirts, and fitted leather jackets. She always finds a way to spice up these wardrobe basics with flirty prints, intricate details, or fabulous accessories.

While Chung is aware that you can’t go wrong with the classics, she is also not afraid of taking risks. She has donned black suspenders on the red carpet, and she is not afraid to rock a sequined skirt before sunset. This stye star is a true inspiration to all fashionistas out there. Alexa Chung should inspire all of us to take risks, and not rely on trends for the core of our style. We are all individuals with unique tastes. That is what makes fashion so much fun!

I would really love all of you to send us a picture of you rocking an outfit that defines your personal style! Here at Gem Steady, we are all about individual style and we are so inspired by our awesome fans. Leave your outfit pics in the comments below or give us a shout out on Instagram! @gemsteady

-BB

Who-What-Wear-Wednesday. Episode 1

November 05, 2014 by Brittany stadtmiller

I am so pleased to introduce to you our lovely blog style contributor, BB. BB will be (be) bringing us weekly glimpses into the closets of some of our favorite celebrities, fashion icons, and designers. Have a look at this weeks feature and let us know what you think. What celebrity style are you lusting after? Tell us in the comments below.

Until next time...

xo-

Brittany C.

….. Thank you Brittany C. for the lovely introduction. Hello everyone! I am BB, and I will be making weekly contributions to the Gem Steady blog. Today will go down in history as the official launch of Gem Steady’s style star series. We want to give all of you a behind the scenes peek at what inspires our designs, wardrobe, and lives. Here is your exclusive invitation to see the fashion that makes us swoon, gasp, and stop dead in our tracks.

You have probably seen our first style star gracing every street style blog, and fashion related Pinterest board in existence. Our effortlessly chic style maven is an actress, model, and editor in chief of her very own fashion website. I am speaking of the lovely Olivia Palermo. With perfectly tousled waves, and sky-high cheekbones, the lovely Palermo is just as gorgeous as the eclectic fashion in her closet.

Palermo is known for her impeccable ability to mix patterns and textures. She mixes gauzy, sheer tops with stiff jacquard pants. She combines bright global prints with black and white stripes. Whether she is strutting down the streets of New York City, or strolling through a Parisian courtyard, Palermo walks with ease in chic stilettos.

While she may often be spotted in darling dresses and dainty skirts, Palermo credits menswear as her greatest source for fashion inspiration. She also takes notice of fashion savvy ladies she encounters on her travels, and even just walking down the street. Images from the ‘60s and ‘70s spawned her love of flowy, loose skirts, and cat-eyed sunglasses. Palermo has admitted to being an accessories addict, and she loves to spice up basic pieces with flashy jewelry and shoes. “With a great cocktail ring, you can never go wrong.” Palermo said in an interview with Vogue Italia

Palermo also earned her spot as our first style star for her innovative take on classic fashion. This past summer, Palermo wedded her long time boyfriend, Johannes Huebl in Bedford New York. While her outdoor wedding was stunning, it was Olivia’s ensemble that stole the show. She rocked a pale green cashmere sweater, and a breathtaking high-low sheer skort by Carolina Herrera in classic white. Palermo is never afraid of taking risks, which is very inspirational considering the fashion industry can be quite critical. It takes a true creative soul to step outside of the box, and create a new path for others. Palermo does not follow trends. She creates them.

Olivia Palermo is just one of the many fashionistas who get our creative juices flowing. We want to hear which style star you are inspired by! Let us know in the comments below, and your favorite fashionista may be our next style star!