Today I’m excited to be sharing the fourth in our series looking at beautiful birthstones. I have been looking forward to April since they started back in January, because this month’s birthstone is diamond, and if ever there was a wedding-worthy gem, it is this one!

No stone says “I love you” quite like a diamond, making it the perfect gem for proposals, weddings and anniversaries. As well as being a girls best friend (thanks to Marilyn) we also know that “a diamond is forever.” This is because, as well as being one of the hardest substances on earth, it is also a stone that has long been a symbol of deep and everlasting love.

The Victorians also used diamonds as a symbol of constancy, whilst the poem published by Tiffany in 1870 suggested the purity of the stone’s color gave it another meaning: “She who from April dates her years, Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow; this stone, Emblem of innocence, is known.”

Since first being discovered somewhere between 3000 and 6000 years ago, Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones. But as we now know from past posts, diamonds weren’t always the gem of choice for engagement rings. Whilst it was as early as the Renaissance period that we first started to see diamonds in engagement rings, the diamond solitaires we  know and love today didn’t become the standard until a De Beers marketing campaign in the early 20th Century.

Of course, a wedding dripping with real diamonds isn’t an option for most of us, however it is still possible to give your wedding a similar level of sparkle and sense of luxury with some clever use of colour and crystals!

Engagement Ring

Diamonds have remained the most popular stone for engagement rings for almost 100 years, and for good reason! They are the sparkliest and most timeless of all the stones….. although of course they are also the most expensive!

Heidi Gibson Engagement Ring

Stargaze Ring – Melanie Casey

And, who said Diamonds must be white? They come in all sorts of shades from yellow and pink through to striking black…..

Black Diamond Engagement Ring Set – Artemer

Invitations

Introduce your guests to your diamond theme with a glamorous diamante adorned invitations, or with a geometric diamond pattern. Or for a more understated nod to the gem choose a sophisticated white suite, and let some beautifully handwritten calligraphy or lavish letterpress be the only decoration.

Sesame Letterpress // Photography – 2 Brides Photography via SMP

Bridal Bouquet

Similarly with your bouquet, to add a little sparkle you could hold a glamorous brooch bouquet or select some seasonal blooms in shades of white for a scent-filled alternative. Actually, white bouquets always make a chic choice whatever month you get married, and I love the organic nature of this beauty which includes Ranunculus, Hellebores, Olive, Privet berries, Clematis vines, Majolica spray roses, Lily of the Valley, Juniper, and Amaryllis!

Intertwine Style // Photography – Lauren Albanese Photography via Wedding Sparrow

Bridesmaid Dresses

For a long time white was a colour only worn by brides, but no longer – today’s bride doesn’t shy away from colour or embellishments for fear of being outshone, instead she wants her squad to look every bit as glamorous as she does! As well as beautifully ethereal, white is also the perfect colour for the mismatched trend that is still going strong…..

Photography – Graham Terhune via Grey Likes Weddings

Photography – Rylee Hitchner via SMP

Aisle Arch

Emblem // Photography – Erich McVey via Inspired by This

Bridal Crowns

Embrace your inner princess with one of my favourite bridal accessories: a regal diamante encrusted crown!

Caroline Crystal Bridal Tiara – Eden Luxe Bridal

Garter

Bridal Garter – Nestina Accessories

Chair Decor

Swathes of white silk or tulle with continue the white theme to your reception and add an ethereal luxury to your decor. And I love the idea of tying them to your chair with a posy of white blooms to match your bouquet!

Jana Williams via SMP

Chandeliers

Ok, so I might be a little obsessed with these statement light fixtures (I even have a new Pinterest board dedicated to them), but chandeliers are a fabulous example of using crystals to .

Love & Light Photographs via SMP

Leo Patrone via Green Wedding Shoes

Place Setting

Choose simple white crockery with a geometric pattern for a nod to your theme, and add an extra layer of luxury (as well as a diamond look) to place settings with clear, crystal cut glass wear……

Photography –  Jen Huang via SMP

Shoulder Jewelry

Shoulder adornments are a big bridal trend right now (and I have no doubt will continue into next year) and another great way to add a little sophisticated sparkle to your wedding day ensemble…..

Zara Shoulder Jewelry – Blair Nadeau

Jewelry

Victorine Bridal Earrings – Edera Jewelry

Hair Accessories

Floral Bridal Hair Chain – Twigs & Honey

Evie Rose Gold Bridal Hair Comb – Lulu Splendor

Veil

Juliet Cap Veil – Gilded Shadows

Bridal Shoes

Offer a hint of sparkle from beneath your wedding dress with some glamorous embellished heels…..

Bella Belle Shoes – Kurt Boomer Photography

Emmy London

Wedding Dress

Or go all out and choose a dress that will see you shining bright like a diamond on your big day…..

Open Back Beaded Mesh Column Gown – Berta

Amsale

Cake Stand

Last but not least, carry your theme through to the end of your day with a glamorous wedding cake stand. A crystal adorned beauty will offer a vintage vibe, or a glass stand would make a minimal alternative whilst still hinting at your diamond theme…..

Cindy’s Cakery via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photography – Kate Weinstein via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Cake

COCO Cakes Australia

Groom’s Attire

Last but not least, choose some diamond adorned accessories for your Groom, like these dapper cuff links…..

Maxim Cuff Links – Nordstrom

Or how about a diamond white tux jacket? It would make a super stylish alternative to the traditional black!  And how perfectly cool for a Summer wedding (find some similar here and here)

Marissa Lambert via SMP

They say simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and I couldn’t agree more – especially when it comes to wedding colour palettes! There’s something so crisp and clean about a white wedding, and this little roundup has given me a whole new appreciation for this chic color.

If this is the first post in the series you have seen, then you can catch up with past months here – starting with Garnet in January, Amethyst in February and Aquamarine for March.

Oh and want to know what’s coming next month before you go? Well May’s birthstone is quite possibly my favourite wedding color ever (since Pantone picked it for their color of the year in 2013) and it is one of the only shades that is perfect for a wedding whatever the season…. Emerald – I can’t wait already!

Amy

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