Experience
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Contemporary Bridal Gowns

The Jewel Collection

"Turquoise"

The fabric came first: it dictated the shape of the gown as is sometimes the case. This is an incredible fabric and extemely variable in photographs. From strip light to halogen bulb, theatre lights to natural sunshine, this mecurial fabric changes in colour and tone over and over again. I have found on five seperate occasions that if I just leave a roll of it in the corner of a room during a consultation it proves irresistable to a client. Two chose it for an entire wedding gown, one for an evening dress, one for a tutu, and one insisted on it for the stomacher of her gold gown - determined to use it in some small way!

Which leads us to the colour: is it Turquoise, Peacock Blue (or Peacock Green?), is it Teal or Kingfisher? The shade suits fair,dark and red-headed, olive skinned and freckled in all different tones from the most pale eau-de-nil to the richest jewel tones (see montage below). Turquoise is a shade which contrasts beautifully with gold (mainly deep tones) or silver (mid and palest tones). The softest shades are complemented by the palest pinks and deepest burgundies.

All that said, "Turquoise" is a style of wedding dress, not simply a colour. You may have this design in ANY available fabric colour and it can be beaded with endless combinations of jewelled stones.The gown has a "faceted" bodice to resemble the cut of a jewel. The play of light and shade is extremely flattering simply as an unadorned boned bodice. The jewels take it to another level. Cut glass beads give flashes of rainbow light, peacock blue pearls and sea-green crystals combine to provide even more depth of colour - blues and greens mixing in all possible tones. Natural Semi-Precious Turquoise Natural turquoise can range in colour from vivid sky blue through various shades of green. The name originates from "turc" as it came to Europe via Turkey. Turquoise is the birthstone of Sagittarius: November 22nd - December 21st. Turquoise was worn by Egyptian Pharaohs and was a sacred stone to American Indians. It is said to possess healing powers and to guard against diseases. It is believed to bestow wealth, happiness and good fortune. "Turquoise" style wedding gown in any shade of silk dupion with matching beadwork - £2200. Please contact for variations.

 

"Amethyst"

In a similar way to the "Turquoise" gown above, "Amethyst" was inspired mainly by the fabrics. Here, a blue/ pink shot silk dupion boned bodice, is matched exactly to a draped blue/pink organza skirt. The multi-panelled bodice echoes the cut of a precious jewel. There is a dramatic difference in the way this gown appears in natural daylight compared to under internal lighting. It will range from a midnight blue with strong cerise/ red highlights, to a subtle purple with blue, lilac and pink translucent tones.

The central panel of the corset bodice is pleated to emphasise the variable blue/ pink light effects. The entire neckline and armhole area is beaded in a variety of toning crystals, pearls, and faceted glass stones, all in shades of blue, pink purple and lilac. Constantly, some part of the gown will attract the light - from the focus of beading at the waist and neckline to the clusters of crystals, pearls and sequins which support the swags of organza on the skirt.

"Amethyst" (like "Turquoise" above), is a style of wedding dress, not simply a colour. You may have this design in ANY available fabric colour. We have access to around forty different shades of shot organzas and matching silk dupions. The gown can be beaded with endless combinations of jewelled stones. Apart from the shot shades of silk fabrics available, the gown can also be constructed in single tone fabrics: plain white, plain blue with coordinating jewels.

Natural Purple Amethyst Natural Amethyst is reddish through to bluish purple in hue. It is believed to induce peace and serenity, and to protect you from deceit. The purple shade has royal associations - amethysts are found in the present Crown Jewels, and were favoured by Catherine the Great. They are the representative stone of those born in February. The origins of Amethyst come from Greek myth. When the god Bacchus was insulted by a mortal he swore that the next person he met would be attacked by his tigers. Beautiful Amethyst came along next; she was saved fom the tigers by the goddess Diana who turned her to stone. Bacchus wept remorseful tears of wine over the statue, creating a stunning purple stone. "Amethyst" style wedding gown in any shade of silk dupion and organza with matching beadwork - £2500. Please contact for variations.

Copyright © 2007 Theresa Blake. All Rights Reserved.