Destination Wedding Jewelry: Greece

Dreaming of a destination wedding on a Grecian Isle?

Let your dreams be graced by the romantic crystal clear Aegean Sea, bright red sunsets, and streets that wind through whitewashed buildings.  Feel the warmth of the sun, earth, magnificent food, and joyous people amplified by your love.  The grounded support of history is beneath your feet as you take your step into the future.

A blessing to be able to have your wedding in Greece, you and your guests will remember these moments for the rest of your lives.  If this dream can’t burst into your reality, why not bring a little Greece to your day wherever you may be on the map?

Liza Shtromberg designed the Destination Greece jewelry collection based off an imprint she took of Phaistos Disc, a disk of clay about 4,000 years old from Crete, with visually intriguing Minoan text.  The Mediterranean coastal palate of land, sky and sea is present in each piece; truly complementary to the Grecian Isles.

Mother of pearl, Amazonite, Phaistos Disc Sterling Silver necklace

In Greek tradition, a gold band is worn on the left hand of both partners upon engagement.  This band is usually inscribed with initials or names, and the engagement or wedding date.  After marriage, the rings are moved to the right hand.

Hand-sculpted men's 18k gold wedding band - can be inscribed

A Greek wedding ceremony is composed of many traditions- here are a few examples to consider adding to your own “Greek” ceremony:

- Holding candles together to represent the light in your new life together.

- “The Joining of Hands”; holding hands throughout the ceremony to represent that you are joined as one.

- Being crowned with wreaths tied with ribbons that link your partner to yourself; representing the joining of two souls, as well as honoring that you’ll be the rulers of your new kingdom in your life together.  Traditionally the wreaths are swapped back and forth 3 times in ceremony.

Apatite and Mother of Pearl Earrings

Returning Home with Treasures from Thailand and India

Liza had a wonderfully active trip in India, scouring the country for the most brilliant gems and jaw dropping diamonds to bring home to you!   Loose rose cut diamonds in white, champagne, and chocolate would look incredible in an LS Delight ring setting, while a large mesmerizing Labradorite would make an incredible custom pendant!

Come in today to see the beautiful assortment of treasures ranging from Rubies to London Blue Topaz to hand-carved Jade!

Citrine, Lemon Quartz, Ruby, Smokey Quartz, and London Blue Topaz

Amazing Pieces of Labradorite

Carved Jade- flowers, Ganesha, Buddha, and a dragon

* ALSO IN CARVED RUBY *

Champagne and Chocolate Rose Cut Diamonds!

AND MUCH MORE!

We are anxious to see these gems in the fabulous LS designs.

Put in your custom order before they are set into action here at LS!

Yes, it’s YOUR day ~ but don’t forget the mothers!

Mother of bride, and mother of groom; the importance they have in our life is immeasurable.  A role that neither distance nor time can lessen.  After years spent nurturing and providing advice, it can be a difficult and sentimental experience for a mother to see their child completely nurtured, and advised, by another.

On your wedding day it is important to acknowledge and honor these bittersweet feelings your mother may be experiencing, and to graciously thank the mother of your partner for raising such a wonderful human being as your new spouse.  Let them know that though you are starting a family of your own, they are not being replaced or forgotten, and will always be appreciated for what they have done for you.  How beautiful that through their unconditional love, you in turn have found a love of your own!

For the support they’ve provided throughout your lives, and throughout the preparation of your wedding, thank them with the gift of  a unique piece of jewelry that can be forever associated with this important day.  In every photograph from your wedding day, expressions of love and joy will flow freely.  Express your love for the mothers in your life with a beautiful token that will show forever in these photographs!

The following are some thoughtful wedding gift ideas to honor the mothers:

A sterling silver lace printed necklace (featured here with rose quartz) will forever remind your mothers of the importance of their love in your life.  This piece will also fill them with new love; knowing that you are truly loved by another, as the beautiful creation they raised ~

If the mother of the bride’s, or mother of the groom’s, wedding wear has a neckline that won’t support a necklace, consider a bracelet as a token of appreciation!  This sterling silver flower and pearl bracelet shows your appreciation of  their love that has supported you to bloom and grow ~

You may even choose to  personalize a gift of gratitude for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom with customization such as hand stamped initials, names, and/or the date of your wedding!

Something Beautifully Blue

 

“Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

This pre-19^th century English rhyme has been a standby for modern brides, along with the proverb, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”   Blue has always been associated with purity, grace, trust, commitment and protection (think Virgin Mary dressed in blue).  In ancient Rome the bride wore blue to symbolize loyalty and fidelity.  In many cultures and spiritual paths, blue is a color of divinity and spiritual intuition.  Royalty honored with “divine right to the throne” are said to be born of “blue blood”.   The Best in Show is awarded a blue ribbon.  To some, blue can also symbolize new beginnings, optimism, opportunity – blue skies; a bright new day!

On your wedding, feature a splash of cool blue on your neck, wrists, or hanging from your ears with this wonderful color connotation in mind.  Blue stones can resemble a delicate grace as the icy aquamarine, bold elegance as the blue topaz, deep mystery as the sapphire, and strong earthly wisdom as the turquoise.

“Something blue” as a stunning piece of jewelry, can be passed down through generations as a gracious wedding heirloom.   How will you embody the symbolism of blue on your wedding day?

Gems of Love

 

Throughout time and cultures,  these gems have been known to enhance, inspire, and cultivate love.

 

The Ruby

The Ruby has been used as a stone of noblemen, especially in the Asian countries of India and China, and has been called “Lord of the Gemstones”.  It is sometimes used in addition to the diamond on engagement rings because of it’s strong symbolism of love, respect, and dignity.

 

The Garnet

This gem can be traced back to 3100 BC- as it was used in Egyptian jewelry.  The Garnet is a stone of romantic love, passion, sensuality, sexuality, and intimacy.  According to Ayurveda, Garnet should be set in gold for individuals with nervous or sluggish dispositions, while active people should wear Garnet set in silver.

 

The Rose Quartz

If you are looking to attract love into your life, Rose Quartz is the stone for you.  Since the Middle Ages, Rose Quartz has been given as a love charm to young girls.  A stone of unconditional love, especially unconditional love of one’s SELF, Rose Quartz is sensitive, calming, and reassuring.

Shop Early; Save Money and Time!

The early bird gets the worm!

FOR WEBSALES ONLY:

10% off  all web purchases at lizashtromberg.com and complimentary shipping!

To redeem this offer, simply enter this code at checkout:  LS11-30-10

Offer expires on November 30th, 2010… act quickly!

New Hebrew and Western Wall Collections!

Born in Russia, Liza grew up in Israel and has lived in Los Angeles for the past 20 years designing jewelry.  Her unique style is as rich as her cultural background, and she is influenced by the history and culture of all corners of the earth.

Her new collection, “Hebrew”,  is the ancient name of the Jewish people, and it honors the alphabet which carries the cultural and mystical essence of the Jewish beliefs.

Additionally, Liza Shtromberg Jewelry is excited to share with you Liza’s creations from the imprint of the Kotel, the Western Wall of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem!

These collections are available  plain, customized, or with ready stamped Hebrew quotations!

Made at the Skirball by Liza's daughter, Hannah

See the Hebrew collection at the Skirball Cultural Center, in Audrey’s Museum Store, which is open Tuesday- Friday, 11:30am- 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5pm, and is closed on Mondays.  The Skirball is a wonderful place where anyone is welcome to participate in creating and exploring a community full of awareness.  A wide array of musical performances, film screenings, theatre productions, poetry readings, classes, workshops, and children’s programs are available at the Skirball.  We recommend the Skirball to anyone who shares Liza’s passion for learning and exploring!

If you have little ones, take them to visit the nationally acclaimed Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, and participate in the archaeological dig site!  Noah’s Ark is recreated from floor to ceiling at the Skirball and is full of amazing incredibly created animals.  Kids can be a part of the Noah’s Ark tale, as they “create” a storm, feed the animals, and play in this interactive wonderland of an ark!

Recycle Your Diamonds into New Jewelry

Because what you choose to put on your body is a direct expression of your self, consider enhancing your diamond jewelry to accommodate your own personal style!

 

Settings BEFORE, with diamonds removed

Reset diamonds AFTER

Diamonds carry sentimental value which can live forever, but their setting doesn’t have to!  Whether you want to keep that wonderful gift, but let go of the memories, or keep the memories and revamp the gift, Liza Shtromberg would happily honor your diamond by designing a new setting that fully compliments your character.

 

BEFORE: setting with diamonds removed

AFTER: stackable diamond rings

 

In addition to the personal benefits of owning a custom diamond setting you love to wear, you will wear it proudly knowing that resetting your diamond was an environmentally conscience alternative to mining for new diamonds.   An affordable choice, a reset diamond can also provide you an opportunity to test your creativity in it’s reinvention.

Liza's wedding set design with a reset diamond

 

Turn an antique diamond ring into a unique designer diamond engagement ring in a single meeting with Liza Shtromberg at her studio located at 2120 Hillhurst Ave., in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.

October’s Opals!

Liza Shtromberg Jewelry is proudly displaying October birthstones, particularly the vivacious opals.  Each opal is authentically unique (like you!), more so than any other gem stone.  Various folk tales surround the magical opal.  Most cultures view the stone as very lucky, and some say the opal should be worn around the face to help bring inner beauty to the surface.   A wide selection of opal jewelry can be found at Liza Shtromberg’s jewelry studio in Los Feliz, where the two featured opals are the blue Peruvian Opal, and the Mexican Fire Opal.

The Peruvian Opal is found high in the Andes Mountains, and is the national stone of Peru.  This opal is a beautiful calming blue-green color, similar to tropical water.  Some energetic properties of this stone are that it can help bring confidence in communication, enhance visioning and psychic abilities, as well as treat fatigue.

Come in to see the selection of Peruvian Opal rings, necklaces, and earrings, available in sterling silver as well as white, rose, and yellow gold settings.

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Mexican Fire Opal is usually a spicy colored red-orange, though it can range from the color of translucent milk to a deep auburn.   It was called the “stone of the bird of paradise” in the Mayan culture.  This is the national stone of Mexico, and is found in the highlands amongst ancient volcanoes.  These stones are known to be chosen by their wearer to further work on aspects of themselves, and help bring clarity to their intuition.  This stone stimulates circulation and therefore removes blockages.  It is a stone that assists in endeavors and helps one to move forward, positively, from the past.

At Liza Shtromberg’s studio you can look through range of Mexican Fire Opals that can be made into customized pieces; a fire opal pendant, a gold or silver opal ring, customized opal earrings, or even opal engagement rings.

The studio is located at 2120 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, where stunning opal jewelry awaits you!  Visit the website:  www.lizashtromberg.com

Destination Wedding: Hawai’i

Further personalize your destination wedding with location complimentary jewelry.  Liza Shtromberg Jewelry Studio, in Los Feliz, CA, will help you to choose from her signature styles, or design customized pieces for your big day.

Looking out toward the horizon, the sunrise illuminates the secluded white sandy cove and reflects off of the brilliant turquoise water.  The exotic scent of this morning’s fresh fruit- pineapple, guava, papaya, mango, and banana- fills your senses with bliss, as you watch the waves crash onto ancient lava rocks.  You smile at the sight of wild doves circling above, for this is exactly what you had dreamed for your wedding day.  Hawaii’s enchantment parallels that of your love, and you want to make this visually apparent in your ceremony.

Aloha literally translates to “the breath of life”, and is an expression of unconditional affection that acknowledges the importance and appreciation of another persons existence.  It is a word to recognize what can not be heard, what can not be seen, and the knowledge of what can not be known; the true essence of love.

The vibrant and fragrant flowers of Hawai’i have always been a symbol of Aloha.  Shower yourself and your bridal party in Aloha with jewelry from Liza Shtromberg’s Flowers Collection.

Walking towards your future, beaded multi-chained earrings adorned with mother of pearl carved flowers and cubic zirconia droplets frame your radiant face.

If you prefer to display your neck, consider this pearl choker with a carved amazonite flower.

Another memorable token of your ceremony on the island is this beautiful carved serpentine and amazonite floral ring with a rose quartz stone all set in sterling silver.  Looking down at your ring, you will never forget the true meaning of Aloha and your incredible experience in Hawai’i.

Your bridesmaids carry rich bouquets of Hawaiian yellow plumeria and purple orchid.  Pikake is woven in their hair and from their ears hang delicate flowers carved of mother of pearl, and accented with peridot.

Imagine a gentle flower carved of mother of pearl hanging from your mother’s neck as she proudly bears witness to the Lokahi (unity, to be expressed with harmony) before her.  This necklace would also make a wonderful gift to those important loved ones who put so much into making your day absolutely perfect.  This is a wedding they will never forget.

View these tropical pieces and more at:  www.lizashtromberg.com/beauty_flower.asp

While you are visiting www.lizashtromberg.com view the entire bridal collection at:  http://www.lizashtromberg.com/beauty_bridal.asp

You will be sure to find the perfect wedding jewelry for your ceremony in the vast collection at Liza Shtromberg Jewelry.  Stop by the studio showroom located at 2120 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles or call the studio at (323) 913 1444 to see the pieces in person and to learn more about your custom jewelry design options!