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Bridal Week. Jewels Worthy of a Dynasty

As a bride preparing for my wedding this summer, I find myself reflecting not only on my custom-made gown or our fairytale chateau venue, but on what truly lasts. Having spent years as the editor-in-chief of a Wedding Magazine (long time ago now! :)), I’ve witnessed thousands of love stories told in lace, florals, and candlelight. Yet amid the fleeting trends and beautiful moments, there’s one detail that endures: the jewelry.

Unlike the wedding dress that gets carefully boxed away after a single wear, a truly magnificent piece of jewelry, particularly one crafted with rare colored gemstones, becomes an heirloom.

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A ruby ring or a sapphire pendant doesn’t just adorn the bride on her wedding day; it weaves her into a legacy, ready to be worn at anniversaries, passed down to daughters, and rediscovered by future generations.

I am not going to give away secrets of my own bridal look, but what I will do is highlight the NYC based magnificent jewelry brand - Leibish. In my recent bridal shoot for my blog and social media, I wore several of Leibish’s breathtaking pieces. Each one radiating elegance, timeless class and sparkling beauty.

Whether it was a canary yellow diamonds that caught the light with every turn, or a deep blue sapphire ring that felt like wearing a poem, the jewelry didn't just complement the dress—it told its own story.

While white diamonds and pearls will forever be classic, there’s something powerfully personal about choosing color. A bride who selects a bold gemstone is telling the world something about herself: that she is timeless, yes, but also vibrant, individual, and unafraid to sparkle in her own unique way.

Royalty and aristocracy have long embraced the power of colored jewels. Queen Elizabeth II's Burmese ruby tiara, Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring (now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales), and Empress Joséphine’s emerald parure all remind us that colored stones have always been markers of majesty, strength, and sentiment. In the grand ballrooms of Europe and the courts of India, rubies symbolized passion, emeralds stood for renewal, and sapphires protected the wearer from envy and harm.

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To wear colored stones, then, is to stand in that lineage—to be regal, radiant, and remembered.

For me, a woman wearing Leibish represents not just luxury and beauty. She marks a milestone with something rare and deeply meaningful. She knows the weight and wonder of true craftsmanship!

Would you like a hint of what I am going to wear to my own Big Day? For one of my bridal looks I am going to wear rubies! I’m honored to share this chapter in colored jewels that I’ll treasure forever, and one day, pass on to someone I love. After all, weddings are about happy beginnings. And heirlooms accompany and signify the forever that follows.

Week 6: Marie Antoinette. In Art and Popular culture

I have seen my share of American and European films about Marie Antoinette. One of my favourite blogs, Frock Flicks, made the most complete list I have seen of all the movies about the French Queen (view it here). I have decided to feature just a few of the very best actresses who have been lucky enough to portray the fabulous Marie Antoinette (how jealous I am that they got to wear all these sumptuous costumes during filming!)

Best portrayals of Marie Antoinette in films. All actresses from 30s to our time

My favourite portrayal is Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, partly because the film is so gorgeous. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it!

Marie Antoinette actresses

Marie Antoinette in Art

It is always interesting to compare actors to actual portraits of the historical figures they are portraying. Marie Antoinette had more than her fair share of portraits painted during her lifetime.

Marie Antoinette with a Rose by Vigée Le Brun

Marie Antoinette with a Rose by Vigée Le Brun

Portrait of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France by Jean-Baptiste Andre Gautier-Dagoty

Portrait of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France by Jean-Baptiste Andre Gautier-Dagoty

By Martin Meytens

By Martin Meytens

By unidentified artist

By unidentified artist

Portrait of Archduchess Marie-Antoinette by Joseph Ducreux, 1769 

Portrait of Archduchess Marie-Antoinette by Joseph Ducreux, 1769
 

Portrait of the Queen Marie Antoinette by Jean-Baptiste Gautier Dagoty

Portrait of the Queen Marie Antoinette by Jean-Baptiste Gautier Dagoty

Marie Antoinette En Chemise, Portrait Of The Queen In A "muslin" Dress, By Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Marie Antoinette En Chemise, Portrait Of The Queen In A "muslin" Dress, By Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Marie Antoinette was and is an enduringly  popular figure among artists and photographers. Although she is certainly seconded by Cleopatra, who has inspired an even more impressive body of paintings and sculptures. You can see Cleopatra's representation in Art on my blog here. Regardless, Marie Antoinette, without a doubt, deserves the status of the most fashionable and glamorous European royalty in history.