Redot Designs: Handcrafted Bridal Jewelry

2009-03-23T03:55:00.005-06:00

Through April 15th, save 10% off your entire bridal or bridesmaid jewelry purchase!!

Use coupon code spr09 during checkout.

Discount valid on new web orders only, no manual adjustments will be made once an order is placed.

Offer may be combined with 10% quantity discount (5 or more identical items), except on already discounted sets.

Not valid on custom orders.

Tis the Season for a Sale!!

2008-11-24T03:06:00.006-06:00

Happy Holidays!! For a limited time, please enjoy 15% off your entire bridal jewelry or bridesmaid jewelry purchase. Use code HOLIDAY08 during checkout for the biggest savings of the year!

And as an extra bit of holiday cheer, the 15% discount may be used in combination with our fabulous 10% quantity discount for brides purchasing 5 or more identical items. So start shopping, this sale ends soon!!

Bridal Jewelry Gallery Update

2008-09-23T08:52:00.009-06:00

I've been spending some time, the last week or so, adding new brides to our bridal jewelry gallery. This has been our busiest year ever (thank you!) and that is one project that has fallen by the wayside. But now that things are slowing down a bit, look for some of this year's brides in our gallery. Here is a sneak peek and some bridal jewelry ideas for you...

New Bridal Jewelry Photos

2008-08-26T17:53:00.015-06:00

We've recently added some new model shots to the website. Here are a few of my favorite new designs...

From top to bottom: Taylor necklace with Salma earrings, Chelsea earrings, Courtney necklace with Dabney earrings, Flora bridal comb with Back Drape Lariat.

Quantity Discount on Bridesmaid Jewelry

2008-07-28T22:00:00.008-06:00

Your bridesmaids are some of the most important ladies in your life. They've been there for you through all the ups and downs, and now they will stand with you on the most exciting day of your life. Say "thank you" with customized bridesmaid jewelry from Redot Designs.

Large bridal party, but tight budget? At Redot Designs, we always offer a special 10% discount to brides who purchase 5 or more identical items. There is no need for a coupon code, just add the items to your cart and watch the item price instantly change!

If you have any questions about this or any other special offer, please contact us at info@RedotDesigns.com.

Summer, Sparklies, and Super Heros

2008-06-30T23:20:00.016-06:00

My adorable niece, Summer, turns four this month. This kid brings so much sparkle to my life with the twinkle in her eye, her oh-so-grown-up vocabulary, the way she loves to try on all of my new jewelry designs (at once), and especially the way she plays "Super-Summer" and "Evil Boo-Man" with my husband in the back yard.

In honor of her birth-month (and super-heros everywhere), I'd like to announce the...

Use code SUMMER for 10% off your purchase through July 28th.

Discount may be combined with quantity discount only. Not valid with any other promotions.

Discount is only valid on new orders and will not be applied to orders already placed.

No exchanges on discounted items, please request free stone samples in advance if you are unsure of your colors.

Discount not valid on custom orders.

New Designs!

2008-04-16T13:26:00.016-06:00

I recently received a custom bridal jewelry request, and I have been very busy with these new designs. When I saw the photo of Kyla's gown, and considered her request for a great pair of chandelier earrings, I was immediately inspired and got to work.

Here is her gown...

And here is what I came up with...

I just loved the vintage feel of her gown, and I think the first pair really ties in with all of the beautiful lace on the gown. The second pair is centered around a gorgeous sterling silver filigree that has been oxidized for an aged or antique look (great for vintage looking bridal jewelry). The last pair was just for fun. They are very dramatic, and maybe a bit too much for this gown...but I love them anyway!!

I'll let you know which one she picks...and reveal the new "Kyla" earrings!

**Bridal gown is "Miranda" by Monique Lhuillier.**

Some Great Feedback

2008-04-13T09:17:00.007-06:00

We received a lovely email from one of our recent brides, and I thought it was definitely worth sharing.

Dear Redot Designs,

First off, your website is beautiful. Very user friendly and easy to navigate. The pictures are clear and what I ordered looks exactly like what is shown. Second, I have both called and e-mailed and found everyone there helpful and friendly- something that I really appreciate!

With your product, that is where I was really impressed. The comb that I ordered is absolutely perfect with my dress and jewelry and I love the fact that I could customize it! There are a lot of websites selling bridal jewelry and you have definitely set yourselves apart!

Thanks for everything!

Karin

Win Free Jewelry!

2008-03-23T16:43:00.005-06:00

A Golden Opportunity to Help

2007-07-11T23:44:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, as I was catching up on my blog-reading, I read a post on Luxury is in the Details that gave me chills. Here is what I read:

A group of wedding photographers have started a project called Through Their Eyes Africa, where they will be documenting life there and teaching the children how to use cameras so that photographs can be taken from their perspective. Later, the pictures will be sent back to the photographers to edit and turn into fine art prints bringing the reality of this part of the world more into the public eye. The first project will take place in a village in Kenya where assistance for AIDS and malaria has not yet been received.

This project is the brain-child of David Hessemer, and you can read his entire vision here. It makes me so happy to see wedding industry professionals giving back this way, especially when we all know how much money is actually spent on weddings each year.

On Monday, David hosted a blog-a-thon to raise money for this cause, but I found out about it too late to participate. I still want to do what I can to contribute to the project in my own way, so here is my plan...

I have designed this special pair of earrings called "Golden Opportunity," and I am prepared to donate 50% of the $50 sales price to the project for every pair sold. These earrings are gorgeous and would be beautiful for a wedding, bridesmaid gift, or just a night out on the town. They are made with Swarovki's new Cosmic crystals in the color "Golden Shadow" and 14kt gold-filled metal.

If you would like to participate in this "Golden Opportunity" to raise awareness about what is going on in Africa, and also raise money for all of those kids over there, please click here to order these earrings for yourself or someone else!

Moving Sale!

2007-07-10T15:54:00.000-06:00

At the end of next month, Redot Designs is packing up and moving from Memphis, TN to Miami, FL. We are really excited about the move, but realize that preparation is the key to a seamless transition.

In an effort to lighten our load during the transition period, we are offering an EXTRA 10% OFF your entire purchase if you order before July 31.

By using coupon code MOVING (all caps) during checkout, you will save big on jewelry and hair accessories for everyone in your wedding party. And here is the best part: this promotion can be combined with our 10% quantity discount (when you purchase 5 or more identical items), as well as the discounts offered on our Featured Jewelry Sets!

Be sure to use the code (MOVING) and click "redeem" during checkout, because we will not be able to reverse charges once an order is placed. Thank you for your business, and we look forward to working with you!

Are You Faux Real?

2007-06-17T18:18:00.000-06:00

Pearls are definitely the traditional bridal stone. And while there are now thousands of non-pearl options for your bridal jewelry, I am quite sure that pearls will always hold their own in the bridal jewelry market.

If pearls are for you, then the question really becomes real or faux? If you don't mind spending top-dollar on your wedding day jewels, then you should definitely spring for the luxury of the real thing. If you do, be sure to do your homework, as there are many different grades of pearls, and just because they are "genuine" doesn't mean that they are high-quality.

Pearl quality is typically denoted by the standard letter grading scale of C, B, A, AA and AAA with AAA being the highest quality. Your wedding pearls should be as beautiful as the gown that you spent so long selecting, so be sure to consider the grade, luster, shape, and nacre thickness-not just the price. Your wedding day jewelry is the perfect family heirloom, and you want it to last for a long, long time.

A pearl is a natural object and is not designed to be in contact with most manufactured chemicals such as perfume, makeup, skin care products, hair spray, or similar compounds. Contact with these items can affect a pearl's luster and color. With this in mind, it's best to make pearls the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.

If your budget is a bit tighter, I am a huge fan of Swarovski crystal faux pearls. Swarovski's pearls are weighted just like the real thing, and actually warm to your skin like genuine pearls as well. The pearl coating is nearly identical to a natural pearl's luster, but is resistant to perspiration, UV rays, perfume, and scratching.

**Images: Top-Blue Nile, Bottom-Redot Designs**

The Icing On The Cake Jewelry

2007-04-14T12:04:00.000-06:00

I love coming across talented designers who see a void in the marketplace and then jump right in. I recently discovered Sari Watkins of Toppers With Glitz. She creates handcrafted, monogram cake toppers and then embellishes them with Swarovski crystal in whatever color combo your heart desires!

If you want something truly unique for the top of your wedding cake, you can get some great ideas from the TWG online portfolio and also view the custom design gallery, where you can work with the designer to create custom shapes or names.

Sari recently emailed me to let me know about two new, sparkly products that have made their debut this year:

"For 2007, I have added bouquet jewelry and serving sets to my product line. The bouquet letters can either match the colors used on the cake topper or be done in colors to contrast with the bouquet. They can either be attached to the ribbon on the stem of a tied bouquet or placed amongst the flowers. The server sets come engraved and the handles get crystalled to coordinate with the topper using either blended or faded crystal work."

A "Glowing" Review Wedding Bouquet Candles

2007-04-05T21:33:00.000-06:00

I warned you that I might occasionally take a tiny break from bridal jewelry talk in order to share other interesting wedding ideas. Today, I want to tell you about my friend Suzanne. She has invented a revolutionary new way to dry your wedding flowers and then preserve them in the walls of a wax candle. If you have been looking for a unique way to preserve your wedding bouquet, I highly recommend Design Finds.

These aren't your ordinary candles. Not only do they preserve your beautiful wedding flowers, but they preserve them forever! You never have to actually burn the candle down because the inside of the candle is hollow, and holds a tea-light or a tiny oil lamp. And another cool thing, she can actually take one of your wedding or engagement photos and preserve that in the wax, too.

I have purchased several of these candles for friends and family, and let me say, they are gorgeous. You can visit the Design Finds website and see how easy it is to ship your wedding flowers to Suzanne so that she can create a beautiful wedding candle that you are sure to cherish for a lifetime!

We're On The List

2007-04-01T18:28:00.000-06:00

We are excited to be a part of Style Bakery's Spring/Summer edition of Designers on the Rise. This list features their favorite emerging designers and hippest independent boutiques.

If you love to shop "Indie," check out their ultimate directory, with categories such as beauty, gifts, handbags...and of course, JEWELRY!

PS...Most of the designers offer exclusive discounts (us included), so don't forget the coupon codes!

Neckline GlossaryFeaturing the Gowns of Priscilla of Boston

2007-03-29T09:47:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about being a jewelry designer is helping brides decide how to accessorize beautiful wedding gowns. When a bride comes to me for help, the first thing I do is ask about her gown's neckline. The neckline of your wedding gown (or bridesmaid dress) is a key factor in determining the shape and style of your accessories. So here is a quick tutorial on some popular wedding gown necklines, and how to adorn them with just the right jewels.

1. Strapless: This simple neckline extends from one underarm to the other without the support of straps. This is a classic look that can be slightly modified by having the neckline softly arc up or down depending on how you want your bodice shaped.

Jewelry Tip: This neckline is like a blank canvas for jewelry. Since all styles of jewelry will complement a strapless gown, consider the style and embellishment of your gown and select jewelry that balances the ensemble, rather than jewelry that may distract from it.

2. V-Neck: The V-neck drops the neckline down in a "V" shape between the shoulders.

Jewelry Tip: In my opinion, there is nothing quite as striking and feminine as a plunging V-neck gown. It is perfect for showcasing a great pendant or a fabulous lariat. Be sure to take good measurements before ordering your jewelry because it is important to get the length just right. Don’t go too short, yet be sure to leave at least 2 inches between the bottom of the pendant and the point of the “V”.

3. Sweetheart: The sweetheart neckline gets its name from the way it arcs over each breast, connecting between them in a “V” and creating what looks like the top of a heart.

Jewelry Tip: I particularly love the sweetheart because I feel that the neckline is almost an accessory in itself. With this one, you don’t want to make the mistake of over-accessorizing. A simple round style necklace, a shiny chain with a small drop pendant, or even an understated choker would be my recommendations for the sweetheart. And if your gown has tons of bead work or embroidery, just skip the necklace all together and wear a glitzy pair of chandelier earrings.

4. Scoop: This basic neckline arcs down from one shoulder to the other in a "U" shape.

Jewelry Tip: This is another versatile neckline, but once again, be sure to avoid over-doing the jewelry. All necklace shapes will complement this neckline, but you don't want your jewelry to compete with the straps or any existing embellishment on the gown. Here is a good rule: the more ornate your gown is, the less ornate your jewelry should be. If your gown is simple with no beading, feel free to wear a 10-strand crystal choker, just be sure to pair it with tiny earrings!

5. Off-The-Shoulder: Off the shoulder dresses do just that, hang off the shoulder. The neckline encircles your torso, wrapping around the outside of your upper arms, just below the shoulder.

Jewelry Tip: This is the neckline where you can really go nuts with your jewelry. You can do a collar style necklace, an elaborate choker, or even a layered multi-strand necklace. Or you can do nothing but pearl or gemstone studs. There is so much skin showing with this neckline, that you really don't have much for your jewelry to compete with. As long as you select jewelry that balances with the style and lines of your gown, you can really have alot of fun with this one.

6. Halter: This neckline features two straps that connect from the bodice to the back of the neck. There are many options with the halter, as it can be a variation of the square neckline where the straps pull from a horizontal bodice, or it can be paired with a V-neck for a sexier look.

Jewelry Tip: My favorite way to accessorize a halter is with a big, sparkly pair of earrings and no necklace, but my second favorite is with back jewelry. Since a halter has an open back, you can wear a back drape lariat and give your guests something sparkly to look at during the ceremony!

All of the Gowns featured above are from the collection of Priscilla of Boston. I love their designs, and I especially love the fact that most gowns can be customized just for you! “You have the option of changing the color, fabric, train length, neckline, sleeves, and even the embellishments. The result is a beautiful gown that expresses your individual personality.”

All neckline descriptions borrowed from Wedding Solutions.

Spring Is In The Air...20% Off Hair Jewelry!

2007-03-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

Every year around this time I am inspired by the flowers and new signs of life all around. It’s such an exciting and romantic time! At Redot Designs, we’d like to celebrate the season by offering a special discount on our full line of bridal hair accessories. Beginning March 21st (the official first day of Spring), and continuing for the next month, all hair accessories will be 20% off!

Our line of hair jewelry includes elegant options such as bridal combs, tiaras, headbands, and hairpins, but my personal favorite trend this year is the use of floral-inspired designs. Our Sophia flower hairpins are a stunning and versatile way to incorporate Spring into your ensemble.

If you’re looking for something really fun and unique, check out the Lizzie wire flower. It's the newest addition to our Spring collection, and it can be ordered as a comb or a brooch. Work this fabulous flower into your bridal up-do or add some extra sparkle to your bridesmaids' ensemble. This is one accessory they'll definitely enjoy wearing again and again.

So whether you’re a traditional bride, or the kind of bride who wants to wear flowers in her hair, don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to save big on the perfect hair accessory for your special day!

And remember, you can always check out the latest styles in the "What's New" section of RedotDesigns.com!

Watch Your Back...Because Everyone Else Is

2007-03-14T18:35:00.000-06:00

During the typical wedding ceremony, the audience spends about a half- hour staring at you. Well, actually they are staring at the back of you. Therefore, it is no wonder that the back of the wedding ensemble is getting almost as much attention as the front these days.

This year, I have had tons of requests for jewelry "with tails" or "that drapes down in the back," also known as the lariat. And why not? You may as well give your guests something sparkly to look at while you say your "I-Do's."

Lariat style necklaces can be made several different ways, depending on the neckline (and backline) of your gown. The style pictured on the left is one long strand that has a beautiful crystal drop in the front, and then simply crosses over in the back to form the tails. Since there is no clasp, you have the freedom to make it as tight or as loose as you want it to be.

Another option is to select the "fake-lariat," which basically has the look of a lariat, but actually has a clasp and removable tails. This is really great if you think that you will want to wear the necklace again after your big event. Simply unhook the tails (or drop) from the clasp, and you have a great looking piece that doesn't require you to go backless!

Budget-Friendly Bridesmaid Jewelry

2007-03-07T11:15:00.000-06:00

Gift-giving on a budget is always tricky, but when you factor in all of the other expenses involved in planning a wedding and the current trend of HUGE bridal parties (I have seen brides have up to 15 maids!), the task of selecting your bridesmaid gifts can practically send you over the edge.

When I started Redot Designs in 2003, right after my own wedding, I decided that I would always cater to the budget-conscious bride. Therefore, I want to tell you about several special offers that will allow you to give your girls unique and fabulous gifts that only look expensive.

Special "Set" Pricing- Every month or so, I select from our most popular selling items and offer you a discounted price when you purchase the pieces together. Usually, it is about 15% off what you would pay if you purchased the items individually!
Quantity Discount- Since bridal parties are usually 5-10 girls, I always take 10% off any item that you purchase in a quantity of 5 or more. And yes, this offer can be combined with the previously mentioned "Specials." Hooray!
Free Shipping- When your order reaches the dreaded $200 mark, I have pity on you and pay the shipping charges. Just don't forget to enter code RD200FS when you check out!

So there you go. Three wonderful excuses to go to RedotDesigns.com and buy your favorite girls some sparkly jewels.

PS...you probably even saved enough cash to treat yourself, too!

Pendants & Jewel Tones & Gold, Oh My!

2007-02-26T13:36:00.000-06:00

Spring is finally here, and along with the beautiful sunshine and fresh, cool air comes peak bridal season and some exciting trends that are sure to stand out in 2007. Here are some of my favorites!

Pendants
For those of you who are attracted to simplicity, yet still want to make a bold statement, try selecting a fabulous pendant necklace. Whether it stands alone on shiny gold chain or is surrounded by accent stones, the pendant adds interest and personality to any design. You may want just a splash of color with your little black dress or something sparkly to complement a plunging V-neck gown. Pendants come in lots of great shapes and sizes, but I love Swarovski's new "Cosmic" and "De Art" pendants that will appear in our new spring collection. While I still love the romantic curves of a traditional teardrop pendant, the asymmetrical lines and angular facets of these new pieces are an exciting mix of contemporary elegance and empowerment.

Jewel Tones
Bright, bold jewel tones have always been my favorites. How can you help but feel happy when you look at a color like Fuchsia or Peridot? The feelings that these "happy colors" evoke probably have something to do with their current popularity in wedding fashion. Some brides are dressing their bridesmaids in head-to-toe jewel tones, while others are accenting a neutral dress (like black) with bright-colored sashes, coordinating bouquets and, of course, jewel toned jewelry! Some of the hottest jewel tones for jewelry this season are Amethyst, Capri Blue, Blue Zircon, Emerald, Fuchsia, Jonquil, Peridot, Ruby, and Crystal Copper. One bride recently ordered 7 of our 2-pc. Elaine sets, each one in a different bright color. What a great way to add some pop to a simple black bridesmaid gown.

Gold Metal
While silver has been the most popular metal choice for bridal and bridesmaid accessories in recent years, gold is really warming things up this year with it's growing popularity! Gold metal gives your bridal or bridesmaid jewelry an updated look, but also has other benefits such as tarnish resistance and durability. You can join in the fun by upgrading to 14kt gold-filled metal on almost all of our designs. The cost is minimal (usually about $5-$12 more than silver), but the effect is luxurious!

One Is Silver, And The Other Gold

2007-02-04T14:48:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite trends in bridal fashion right now is the use of silver or gold as an embellishment on the traditional white or ivory wedding gown. Designers are adding just a touch of these two gorgeous neutrals to waistbands, sashes, overlays, and beading and making a splash with brides everywhere.

Well, Swarovski has answered my bridal jewelry prayers with the release of two new Crystal Innovations...say hello to Crystal Golden Shadow and Crystal Silver Shade.

No longer must your pearls be accented by Crystal Clear or Crystal AB stones, now your sparkles can coordinate with your gown’s shimmering pewter sash or its fabulous champagne lace overlay. You can even extend the rich warmth of gold or the cool elegance of silver to your hairpins or tiara.

These new hues are a great option for your bridesmaid jewelry as well as your own. Through the years, I have often cited either Crystal Clear or Crystal AB as my favorite choice for BM's gifts simply because of their versatility. Now I am adding Golden Shadow and Silver Shade to my list of favorites.

While I love the look of colored stones, the neutrals tend to be a safer choice for a large group of girls with different tastes and styles. Both of Swarovski's new Innovations will look great with almost every fabric color, and will most definitely be enjoyed by your special girls long after the wedding day! If you would like to receive a sample of these new colors, email me at info@redotdesigns.com.

A Note From The Designer

2007-02-01T11:42:00.000-06:00

There are always a million little things that Jessie* and I wish we could tell you as you venture out to find the perfect bridal jewelry, bridesmaid jewelry, or hair accessories for your wedding. Whether it is a hot new crystal color or a gorgeous new trend in wedding hairstyles, there is always something exciting going on in the world of bridal accessories!

I have decided to start this blog as a tool by which we can share any news, info, or ideas that relate in some way to the world of bridal fashion. However, we may decide to mix it up a bit now and then, as we frequently come across amazing talent and products that fit into other categories of the bridal industry.

In addition to informational articles, I also plan to start a "Bride of the Month" feature. I love receiving photos from my clients' weddings, and I hope that this will be an added incentive for you all to send those in! Every month I will choose one bride from our bridal gallery submissions. Her wedding will be featured on this blog, and she will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to use in our web boutique.

I hope you find this blog interesting and informative. If you would like information about a specific topic, please don't hesitate to let us know. We will do our best to include it in a future article.

Happy wedding planning!

Rebecca Dotson
Owner, Redot Designs

* Jessie Partridge is the hair jewelry designer for Redot Designs.