Jessica Kiraly (pictured) is the director of public relations for Mega Mega Projects, a PR firm based in New York City that caters to the jewelry industry. As such, you can imagine she is privy to an incredible roster of jewels, with an ear to the ground on the newest styles and trends.
Take, for instance, the engagement ring. Like any consumer, Kiraly is faced with a massive array of choices. Unlike any consumer, however, the PR professional has a Rolodex of brands and designers to consult.
“My engagement ring was designed and made by my dear friend Jackie Kim,” Kiraly says. “It was important for me to have the ring made by someone that knows both my fiancé and me, and someone he is comfortable with and trusts. She guided us through the entire process and I could not be more thankful for her. I chose a yellow gold pavé band with an oval diamond she sourced for us—classic and timeless in my opinion. Our next project is wedding bands, which I think I am going to go a bit out of my comfort zone on so I am excited about that!”
While operating within the jewelry industry has its perks, Kiraly and the average jewelry customer have this in common: choices. Perhaps almost too many—not that options aren’t welcome, of course, but how do you narrow it down amid such a monumental amount of really good choices?
We talked with Jessica about that, as well as about the pieces she’s considering wearing for her big day and current wedding day jewelry trends.
How are you selecting pieces to wear for your big day—do you have any you’re already considering that you can share with us?
This is a hard one! I don’t have the dress just yet—which I know will play a big part based on the embellishments and neckline—however I have one in mind, which means I can start thinking about jewelry. I know I want to wear a tennis necklace, but with a twist—something like Melissa Kaye’s Maya tennis necklace or Octavia Elizabeth’s Micro diamond necklace—a classic piece of jewelry that isn’t going to overpower the rest of what I am wearing.
With the necklace, I would choose a pair of earrings that would complement it and not be overpowering, perhaps a stud or a little drop earring like this pair of huggies from Anita Ko.
Alternatively, I could ditch the tennis necklace idea and go with more statement earrings. I have a feeling it isn’t going to be an easy decision for me.
You’re in an enviable position when it comes to access to great jewelry! What do you recommend for brides outside of the industry looking for great jewelry for their wedding?
I truly am! Not only could I ask the designers I personally represent, but I also have so many friends in the overall industry that I could turn to, which makes me feel very lucky. If you aren’t in my position, though, my biggest recommendation would be to raid your family’s jewelry boxes! I used to hate all of my mother’s and grandmother’s jewelry as a kid, but now I can’t stop digging through it when I am home. Each piece is unique and tells a story.
You’re getting married in June—most likely you’d consider this a summer wedding? How might the seasons dictate your wedding style? What sort of jewels might a spring bride look for?
Yes! I always imagined incorporating lighter colors for a spring-summer wedding, so pieces with stones like morganite, tourmaline, and opal. I love this pair of drops from Mason and Books.
For a winter-fall wedding, I would suggest incorporating darker stones like emerald, sapphire, spinels. These earrings from The One I Love would be perfect.
How important are trends when considering your choices for wedding day jewelry? Do you find you’re influenced at all by the most popular styles currently on the market, or do you gravitate more toward classic styles?
I think I gravitate toward a more classic style, but with a trend mixed in—a classic tennis necklace but with interesting stone cuts. Or pearls, which are super classic, but updated in a fun style like Mateo’s Drip earrings or Renisis’ Solo pearl curl ring.
Whether or not you plan to wear them, what top trends for wedding jewelry do you see as standouts right now?
Hair accessories! Whether it’s wearing a bow or adding a brooch to your updo, I am seeing lots of attention to hair embellishments in my research. Which reminds me to search my mom’s jewelry box for one!
Do you have a theme or aesthetic style planned for your wedding?
Our venue is a bit more industrial, but overall the aesthetic of our wedding is leaning toward classic and tailored—kind of like both of our personalities. I keep seeing inspiration from other sources though, and getting sidetracked, so we will see what it truly ends up being!
Top: Jessica Kiraly (photo courtesy of Jessica Kiraly)
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