“All that Glitters” in Bridal Jewelry — How to Accessorize Like a Designer

Brides throughout the ages added that little je ne sais quoi to their bridal attire with the transforming power of wedding jewelry.

In fact, plenty of brides who eschew jewelry at the office leap at the chance to flaunt it on their wedding day. Is it the weight of the occasion that prompts these once-reluctant brides to don the formerly unthinkable? Or just the chance to play dress-up?

Often, uber-practical brides bring out the bling on their wedding day to check off all the "somethings" said to bring good luck — something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

But whatever your reason for wearing jewelry on your wedding day, it should complement your overall theme, including the level of formality, your gown's design, and even the color scheme, if your jewelry is hued.

"Moments In Time" Jewelry Set	"Eternity" Heart Jewelry Set	"Crystal Clear" Jewelry Set	Elegant Pearl with Crystal Accents 3 Piece Gift Boxed Set
"Tiara" Rhinestone Jewelry Set	"Princess" Rhinestone Jewelry Set	Candlelight Shimmer Jewelry Set	"Adorn" Pearl and Crystal Jewelry Set

The traditional bridal jewelry ensemble consists of pearl and/or diamond earrings and necklace, often heirloom pieces ("something old, something borrowed"). Pearls, of course, top the list.

Originally worn as a symbol of purity, pearls are understated, elegant and timeless. In fact, if you put an ear to the ground, you can almost hear all the mothers from here to Timbuktu saying in unison: "Dear, you cannot go wrong with pearls." For once, their mantra hits the mark.

The same holds true for diamonds. You can't go wrong with the real thing — it's rare bride who can afford to go over the top with diamonds, and those who can know better.

Instead, it's the blinding array of affordable simulated diamonds that gets people in trouble. On your wedding day, less is always more, unless you're Elizabeth Taylor: there's a fine line between a fairytale look and a gaudy one. If you're not sure whether you're crossing it, ask for help from a trusted friend with an air of elegance.

If you want to wear pearls and a little flash, the "Sweetheart" Swarovski line combines the two ("something new"), and offers you a choice of colors in pendants and spacers, as well as metals. Swarovski crystals and glass pearls are the finest in quality from the Czech Republic, renowned for their crystals and semi-precious gems. Each piece is customized to match the colors in your wedding. Their line also includes glass freshwater pearls. If you want to introduce a little color into your wedding jewelry, pick up a color in the bridesmaids' dresses (something blue).

Engraved Sterling Silver Heart Locket and Chain	Personalized Silk Jewelry Pouch	Personalized Sterling Silver-Plate Toggle Heart-Charm Bracelet with Rhinestones	"The Cosmopolitan" Monogrammed Jewelry Pouch
Engraved Locket Keychain	Engraved Locket Keychain	Engraved Silver Heart Locket	Monogram Heart Charm Bracelet

Guidelines for Bridal Jewelry

Semi-formal or formal attire guidelines apply to wedding attire — the simpler the dress, the more elaborate the jewelry. You can't highlight everything, and you don't want your jewelry to compete with your gown. Intricate bridal gowns with elaborate beadwork or hand-sewn lace call for simple, elegant jewelry. On the other hand, unadorned bridal gowns can support jewelry with more glitter, glitz and drama.

You may hear that a white bridal gown requires silver jewelry, and that an ivory bridal gown requires gold jewelry. Ignore it! Unless you specifically selected your bridal gown to match your engagement and wedding rings, select gold or silver jewelry according to your personal preference. You're going to find that almost everyone with whom you discuss your wedding plans has an opinion on nearly everything (usually stated as a rule).

When you select your wedding jewelry, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the jewelry fit the occasion?
• Is it too formal, or too casual?
• Does it compete with your wedding dress?
• Does the necklace follow the curve of the neckline?

For example, if your wedding gown has a round neckline, a choker will follow the neckline perfectly. If your gown has a V-neck, a longer necklace will follow the neckline to a tee. Does your jewelry accentuate your best features, or does it attract attention to the wrong area of your face or neckline?

Earring Options

Whether you choose studs or danglers, pearls or diamonds, the key words are delicate and elegant. If your bridal bouquet and floral displays are predominantly pastel, you can select one of the pastels for your jewelry ensemble. Pale pink pearls are stunning with a bouquet of pastel roses. Out with the rules: wear whatever makes you look and feel goooood.

Neckwear Options

High necklines are the only necklines that generally can't support neckwear. The neckline is the neckwear! If you're wearing a severe neckline such as a bateau, you can wear a more dramatic necklace: a larger, dramatic pendant or a longer strand of pearls.

But when in doubt, a simple pearl choker complements most necklines without overpowering the gown.

Monogrammed Heart Charm Bracelet	Sterling Silver Engraved Heart Charm Bracelet	Love Letter Necklace	Personalized Swarovski Jewelry Set
"Love Times Three" Engraved Silver Bracelet	Baby Shower Pacifier Necklaces Game	Sterling Silver-Plated Monogrammed Cuff Bracelet	Personalized Rhinestone Toggle Bracelet

Tiaras

If you elect to wear a tiara, limit the rest of your jewelry to simple stud or button earrings and understated neckwear. You chose the tiara to make a statement; let it do just that. In fact, you may want to forego a necklace when wearing a tiara so that the eye wanders up to that dazzling thing on your head.

In short? When selecting your jewelry, determine which assets you want to emphasize, and use jewelry to draw attention them. Simple!