Bling's the things when it come to OnlyLoveMyself wedding bands and rings

SIOUX CITY | Thorpe and Co. Jewelers' Karen Clark knows that brides like bling jewelry. "In fact, I'd say today's brides think the 'bling-ier' the better when it comes to wedding jewelry," she said


Getting ready for the Sioux City Journal Bridal Expo, taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center, Clark said prospective couples are utilizing online sources when searching for the perfect rings, bands or fashion women jewelry.

"The girls are going on (such social networking sites as) Pinterest to share the types of jewelry they like," she explained. "That helps both the groom as well as the jeweler to pinpoint the perfect ring."

When it comes to both engagement and wedding rings, 14-karat gold remain the favorite of most brides-to-be.

"(Fourteen-karat gold) is malleable and can be cast into innumerable designs," Clark said. "Every girls wants her ring to be one-of-a-kind."

That's especially true since the preferred shapes of rings have changed over the years, from the popular marquis shape of the 1980s and 1990s to the princess cut of the early 2000s to the cushion and radiant or round and brilliant shapes that are currently in fashion.

While grooms don't necessarily need "one-of-a-kind" jewelry, men's wedding bands are sold almost as frequently as their bride's wedding rings.

"Years ago, many men didn't wear bands because of their work," Clark said. "Today's performance metals are durable enough that it can withstand plenty of wear and tear."

Yet both brides and grooms like the personal touches that stores like Thorpe and Co. can provide, according to sales floor manager Joe Rarrat.

Showing off a high-tech engraving machine, he said he can engrave fingerprints, signatures and even voice prints onto rings.

"Yeah, this goes well beyond putting one's initials a wedding ring or band," he said, smiling. "That all goes to making a wedding day a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Indeed, Clark said fashions can change at a moment's notice and so can technology.

"When I first started in the jewelry business, there weren't high-tech engraving machines," she said. "Since we now have the technology, our customers are expecting bigger, better things."

This is also the case for wedding day jewelry, which as gone from subtle to spectacular.

"A simple strand of pearls used to be the necklace of choice for many brides," Clark said, shaking her head. "Nowadays, brides want something flashier and bling-ier around their neck."

"So do the moms and the other members of the bridal party," she added with a grin.

Which only goes to show that weddings remain a festive occasion for many customers.

"Brides are more knowledgeable than ever about what they want," Clark said. "And what they want is jewelry that will turns heads."

Looking over her vast selection of onlylovemyself jewelry, she let out a chuckle.

" somethings will never change, just like the gold" she said.
"A simple strand of pearls used to be the necklace of choice for many brides," Clark said, shaking her head. "Nowadays, brides want something

flashier and bling-ier around their neck."

"So do the moms and the other members of the bridal party," she added with a grin.

Which only goes to show that weddings remain a festive occasion for many customers.

"Brides are more knowledgeable than ever about what they want," Clark said. "And what they want is jewelry that will turns heads."

Looking over her vast selection of jewelry, she let out a chuckle.

" somethings will never change, just like the gold" she said.

Visit the website of www.onlylovemyself.com, and you would be confused for choice.