Sam's Bridal Set

Sam, initially a college friend of my sister-in-law's, and Tony, initially a friend of my husband's from high school,   have been welcomed into the Gager family as honorary members. They met through their mutual connection to our family, discovered that each nurtured a secret tendré for the other (with a bit of help from my MIL), and started dating.  Fast forward about three years, and Sam and Tony will be tying the knot next month in California.

her gown, minus the gloves.

As much as I desperately want to go I'd like to be there, for the wedding itself and the party, I won't be able to go.  A trip for 4 to California just wasn't in the budget. Brandon is a groomsman, and will be going alone.  My consolation is that I got to make Sam's bridal jewelry, so a little piece of me will be there with them when they say "I do".  We discussed a number of different designs, but she settled on this as her inspiration:

She found it on Etsy, and asked me to try to duplicate it, with black cabochons and beads in place of the blue.  We worked together to choose the settings (Pinterest to the rescue!) and then I got everything ordered, and got to work. (Ok, there may have been a gap between ordering and working.  Sorry, Sam.)  This is what I came up with:

I am in love with the result.  It's a nice necklace in blue, but it is strikingly elegant in black, especially with the more ornate setting for the cabochon.  The earrings are the same as the drop hanging from that cab setting on the necklace, but I added a single pearl at the bottom, to tie it all together.  (You can see them pretty well in the left-hand photo, below.)  I love it love it love it!  I have duplicates of some of the findings...I may be making one for myself.  Nevermind that I'll probably never have a chance to wear it, I need to have one.  Did I mention that I love it?

After the wedding, I will be rabidly stalking keeping an eye on Sam's Facebook for wedding photos, and I'll share some of her whole ensemble when I can.  I'm not sure exactly what she's planning (I think there may be a black sash somewhere in there) but I know it will be lovely!  Oooh, I can't wait to see those pictures!  I so wish I could go.  Anyone want to come distract me that week?  Otherwise, I think I may be living in Rebekah's back pocket for a week...