Jewelry for the Brides - An Overview
By Never teh BrideI recently received an e-mail from a bride-to-be who wanted to some tips on finding the perfect jewelry to go with one’s wedding gown. I realized very quickly that I haven’t touched on that subject at all and was quite shamefaced. To atone for that sin, I’m going to briefly touch on it now.
The Necklace:
According to Wed Alert, you have roughly five lengths to choose from. There’s the one to three strand choker, the thicker collar, the princess (which falls below the hollow of the neck), the matinee (which hits the top of the bust), and the opera (which falls below the bust and isn’t often a good match for most wedding gowns).
I love chokers and collars. Paired with a more modest gown, they can really shine. With a lower cut or strapless gown, however, there is often a huge gap of skin between the necklace and the dress which can draw the eye and look rather awkward. It that case, I think Y necklaces like the Swarovski Floating Y Crystal Necklace above look fantastic. With a high, turtle-neck type neckline, no necklace is needed.
The lovely Lori suggests: “making sure that the bottom of the necklace does not fall below the neckline.” This is important!
The Earrings:
There is a ton of variations where earrings are concerned and, as earrings tend to be smaller and less eye-catching, there is more room to play. But there are still a few things to consider. Smaller, stud earrings look great with looser hairdo’s or even loose hair. Longer, more dangly drop earrings look fabulous paired with updo’s. If your necklace is elaborate, keep your earrings simple, like the diamond studs in white gold above.
In the end, just remember to balance your jewelry and dress. If your dress is elaborate, keep your jewels simple. Or go hog wild with your baubles if your dress is plain. If you’re wearing a tiara, consider going earring-less.
It’s easy. No, really!
December 14th, 2005 at 6:23 pm
I have a necklace similar to the one shown. I wear it frequently–it looks good with V necks and scoop necks and goes with nearly anything. I would just suggest making sure that the bottom of the necklace does not fall below the neckline.
December 14th, 2005 at 6:31 pm
Ooh, good point, Lori. I complete forgot about that! One doesn’t want the tip of one’s necklace dipping between one’s boobs!
December 14th, 2005 at 6:45 pm
It’s also somewhat of a tradition for the groom to give the bride a gift of wedding jewelry–often a necklace and earring set of pearls. Probably something to coordinate, as pearls might not look good with every dress, but the idea is nice.
December 14th, 2005 at 7:27 pm
I wasn’t aware of that, Bria. Thanks! But if the future groom hasn’t seen the dress, there is a chance his choice of baubles wouldn’t be so fabulous. I would hope that any man would be verrrrry aware of his future bride’s tastes if he were to buy such a gift!
February 23rd, 2006 at 6:35 pm
I used to work as the Manager of a jewelry store and have seen lots of wedding combinations. Pearls are highly specific (as Bria notes-might not match the dress) and a lot of people also associate them with death as that would be the time when your mother might pull out her pearls to wear to a funeral.
One thing I find is that chances are your bridal jewelry will only be truly showcased on that one day, so don’t feel you need to wear diamonds. CZ’s are just as effective and keep costs low. And if you’re wearing true pure white wear silvertone not gold, whereas if wearing ivory or a creamier colour go for gold. It also depends on your skintone, but your dress colour should have been chosen with your skintone in mind anyway so you don’t look sallow.