Love: Timeless Royal Wedding Jewelry with Tiffany & Co.

The official countdown is on for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, April 29, 2011.

The dress designer has been announced, a sneak peek at the guest list has been revealed, and we can’t help but obsess over every detail leading up to the big day. We San Diegans may not frequent Buckingham Palace, but we know our royal wedding trivia, and you better believe California girls will be rocking tiaras this Friday.

While kept a mystery until this week, we now know that Kate Middleton chose Libélula founder Sophie Cranston to make her royal wedding dress. But of course, it’s bad luck to show the groom, and the entire world, your dress before the wedding. People magazine also recently released details on the royal wedding guest list this week. Who made the cut? Among the Sirs, Ladies, Dukes, Kings, Queens and Prime Ministers invited to Westminster Abbey on Friday are Hollywood A-Lister’s Elton John, Victoria and David Beckham, Joss Stone, Guy Ritchie and more.

While we San Diego fans patiently await the royal wedding that we will be sure to watch live on TV starting at 4am ET, we distract ourselves by mentally indulging in all things royal wedding fashion. Helping you pass the time, I sat down with Cathryn Ramirez, Tiffany & Co. Group Director, to discuss classic and contemporary royal wedding jewelry trends, and how to get the look here in San Diego thanks to Tiffany & Co. at Fashion Valley Mall.

DiscoverSD: What are some of the most classic trends in royal wedding jewelry around the world?

Cathryn: Heirloom jewelry is one of the most common trends you’ll see in royal wedding jewelry. We often see pieces that have been passed through generations, symbolizing a lifetime of memories.  These pieces usually have timeless designs and might also be designed around a rare, one-of-a-kind statement gemstone.  In addition, the tiara is a classic royal wedding trend that has made its way into everyday weddings as well.

DSD: What makes jewelry fit for royalty?

Cathryn: Especially in the case of Kate Middleton, most royalty wear jewelry that speaks to modern fashion with classic sophistication, which is exactly in line with Tiffany style.  Royal jewelry is often designed around statement diamonds or colored gemstones, such as Kate Middleton’s blue sapphire engagement ring.  It is not trendy, edgy or too bold, but rather timeless and sophisticated.  Jewelry fit for royalty is often an heirloom piece with a story passed down over generations, or one that is made of such precious metals and stones that it has a potential to be shared for years to come.

DSD: Assuming Kate Middleton selects a timeless and romantic gown, what jewelry styles will best suit her wedding day look?

Cathryn: To complement a timeless and romantic gown, Kate Middleton would want to select jewelry with a traditional and classic look, most likely diamonds or pearls.  She would want to select sophisticated pieces, timeless in style, rather than very modern, edgy jewelry that may take away from her very feminine, romantic look.

DSD: What jewelry will best complement Kate Middleton's colored gemstone engagement ring?

Cathryn: Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is a blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.  For that reason, we would recommend that the sapphire ring be the focus of the colored gemstones and then complement the look with pearls or colorless diamonds.  However, the color blue beautifully complements all of other colored gemstones if she chooses to incorporate another color.  Her blue sapphire, an heirloom ring, is going to make a beautiful match with whatever jewelry she chooses on her wedding day or for any other occasion.

DSD: Royal jewelry isn’t just for fashion, it’s a family heirloom. Why is high quality jewelry so important, and how do you ensure it will last forever?

Cathryn: High quality jewelry will last for many years if made from the finest metals including platinum, 18K gold and superior gemstones. But what makes the best heirloom jewelry are timeless designs that ensure the piece will be beautiful to wear for generations. At Tiffany & Co., we encourage customers to bring their jewelry in regularly (at least once a year depending on the piece) to be checked and cleaned by a professional.

Diamonds are the hardest known gemstone and have therefore become the traditional gemstone used in wedding rings. Sapphires, such as Kate Middleton’s are the second hardest gemstone.  Diamonds and Sapphires are a good choice for jewelry that will be worn everyday.  Softer gemstones like Tanzanite and Emeralds are more susceptible to damage and not recommended to be worn daily if you are looking for an heirloom piece.  Tiffany & Co. provides a care and handling guide that will speak to the care of handling of each of the gemstones that we sell.

DSD: Why is Tiffany & Co. the best place to shop in San Diego for jewelry that will make you feel like royalty?

Cathryn: We will be celebrating our 175th anniversary next year. There are no other American jewelers that have dressed heads of states, celebrities and dignitaries as we have in our history. At a local level, we want everyone who walks into our store to feel special, whether it’s a first time silver jewelry purchase, an engagement ring or a diamond statement piece; we want everyone to have the same wonderful and warm experience.  

DSD: What jewelry pieces currently at Tiffany & Co. can we purchase to mimic Kate’s royal look?

Cathryn: We carry an assortment of colored gemstones and have a number of rings that provide a similar splash of bright color as Kate’s does. Sapphires do not always have to be blue.  They actually are found in every color of the rainbow and we have them all. Additionally, Tiffany & Co. is a leader in providing beautiful and top quality engagement rings for every type of bride, be it a colorless diamond ring or something from our new yellow diamond collection.

DSD: How and where should we wear these extravagant pieces in San Diego?

Cathryn: San Diego has numerous charitable galas and events every weekend that provide a great opportunity for showing off your best statement jewelry. Be it the opening of the Opera or a premier at one our world class theatres, there are numerous opportunities to wear beautiful jewelry.  Personal celebrations are also a great time to bring out your best pieces to be admired over a romantic dinner with your loved one or a gathering with your family and friends.

DSD: How can we make this royal look work for everyday use in San Diego?

Cathryn: Classic heirloom pieces of great quality are meant to be passed through generations to be adorned and enjoyed.  At Tiffany & Co. we encourage our customers who are looking at statement pieces to select a piece that is appropriate for their lifestyle that they can wear as often as possible.

Get the Look: Shop for royal-worthy engagement, wedding and everyday jewelry at Tiffany & Co. in Fashion Valley Mall. Discover more local fashion leaders in our San Diego shopping guide.