Elodie from Tall and Small Events and I wanted to do a styled shoot that mixed traditional elements of a wedding (white gown, crisp tuxedo, gorgeous florals) with hip modern design (velvet linens, whimsical engagement rings, and a fun cake). We did this at the NoMad Hotel’s wedding space, which has this exact vibe, and gave us a few creative places to work. Bridal Stylist Liana from Be Brilliant Styling selected the perfect gown for this shoot from The Bridal Garden along with our model, Ana Maria.

Are you looking to breathe new life into a family heirloom piece or a vintage ring? We know just the place for you! Bario Neal is an amazing jeweler, not to mention they are an ethical company run by WOMEN. We have profiled their gorgeous, creative, inspiring jewelry before, and we have talked to them extensively about using white sapphires as an ethical diamond alternative. What always amazes us is that many of their rings are one-off pieces created for a special individual, often recycling family pieces.

So there you have it, white sapphires are the most natural, hard, rare gemstone that are second only to diamonds. Though not imbued with the same properties or “fire” as a diamond, they are more affordable and are therefore more attainable in larger stone sizes with pristine clarity that can be designed with custom cuts. White sapphires also don’t come with all the trappings of diamonds and can be a conversation-starter with a unique story.

Are you looking for the perfect engagement ring that will match your personality and your star chart? Are you maybe a little into astrology, moon phases, and all things woo woo? If so, then this roundup of gorgeous rings from ethical and independent jeweler Bario Neal will show you what’s in store for you this season and help you find the perfect engagement ring for your astrological sign.

Many jewelry retailers have jumped on the ethical bandwagon or tout conflict-free diamonds, but what does ethical really mean for the conscientious shopper about to commit to an engagement ring or wedding band? How do you cut through the noise and the the green-washing to get to the truth? What questions should you ask to ensure that your rings are made with standards that address glaring issues like unsafe working conditions at mines and cutting facilities, the environmental effects of mining, and child labor? The following tips should help you navigate through the complex process of choosing truly ethical wedding rings, and create a ring that both represents and supports love and progress.