One of the most challenging parts of being a bride is choosing the right jewelry to complement your gown and overall look. With so many options available, knowing where to start is difficult. It gets even more complicated when you have friends, family, and even your wedding planner giving you their two cents.
What should you go for? Who should you listen to? Here are a few tips on how to choose bridal jewelry that will enhance your beauty on your big day:
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Think of What You Love
Envision yourself on that big day. What kind of bride do you want to be? Do you see yourself as a classic beauty or a Bohemian goddess? Perhaps you’re more of a romantic at heart. Once you have an idea of the overall look you’re going for, it will be easier to narrow down your jewelry choices. If there’s a particular style you’re drawn to, use that as your starting point.
For instance, if you love vintage jewelry, look for pieces that will add a touch of old Hollywood glamour to your look. On the other hand, if you love shiny, flashy, and over-the-top jewelry, go for it. Some great options are moissanite rings. They are inexpensive, look like natural diamonds, and are highly durable. However, lab-grown diamonds are a great alternative if you love diamonds but can’t afford them.
Think of What Will Complement Your Gown
Your jewelry should complement your gown, not take away from it. For example, if you have a simple dress, go for jewelry that makes more of a statement. Conversely, choose more understated jewelry if your gown is already very ornate. Generally, it’s best to avoid too-matchy-matchy pieces with your dress.
You want your jewelry to stand out, not blend in. Besides your gown, consider the neckline and sleeves. A good rule of thumb is to go for earrings if your dress has a boatneck or halter top, a necklace if your neckline is scooped or V-shaped, and bracelets or bangles if your gown has short sleeves.
When in doubt, always consult your jeweller. They will help you choose the right pieces to complement your gown and overall look. Compare different options, including the jewelry’s colour, shape, size, and weight.
Don’t forget to factor in your hairstyle. Have a clear idea of how you want everything to come together before making any final decisions. For instance, drop earrings might be the best option if you want a hair up-do. Timeless styles such as teardrop earrings, pearls, and diamond studs are always great choices.
Your Personality Should Shine Through
Your wedding day is all about you, so make sure your personality shines through in your choice of jewelry. If you’re a fun-loving and free-spirited person, choose jewelry that reflects that. If you’re more of a glamour girl, go for pieces that will make you feel like a Hollywood starlet.
If you’re more laid-back, opt for something simple and understated. Most importantly, feel confident and comfortable in your skin. You’ll radiate confidence and joy, making you even more beautiful on your big day.
Think of Your Overall Wedding Theme
Your wedding theme can also help you choose the right jewelry. For example, a beach wedding calls for more relaxed and natural-looking jewelry, while a black-tie affair warrants more formal and elegant pieces. For a destination wedding, keep the climate and terrain in mind.
You don’t want your jewelry to be too heavy if you spend a lot of time outdoors. For example, if you’re getting married in a hot climate, opt for pieces that won’t make you sweat too much.
Consider Your Budget
Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget when choosing your bridal jewelry. But don’t worry if you can’t afford the most expensive pieces. There are plenty of beautiful and affordable jewelry options out there.
It’s all about finding what works best for you and your budget. For instance, moissanite is an excellent alternative to diamonds if you want something more affordable but still durable, beautiful, and flashy.
However, your budget should not be the only consideration. Think about the quality of the jewelry. Some inexpensive pieces might save you money in the short run, but they won’t last as long. In the end, spending a little more on something that will stand the test of time is better.
Choose Your Metal
Would you like yellow, rose, white, gold, or platinum? Each metal has its unique properties. For instance, yellow gold is more traditional, while white gold has a more modern look. Platinum is the most expensive but also the most durable.
Rose gold is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to its romantic and feminine vibe. But it’s all about what you like and what works best for you. There’s no wrong answer here.
Just choose the metal that you think looks best with your skin tone and overall aesthetic. If you have a warm complexion, go for yellow gold or rose gold. White gold or platinum will look best if you have a calm face.
Pick Your Stones
The next step is to choose the stones for your jewelry. If you’re going with diamonds, think about the 4 Cs: colour, carat, clarity, and cut. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellowish or brownish tint). The carat weight is how a diamond is measured and the stone’s size.
Clarity is how many blemishes or inclusions; are judged on a 6-point scale from included to flawless. The cut is how well the diamond has been cut and consists of the height, depth, angles, and other factors.
Find a balance between the 4 Cs. For instance, a stone might be significant but has a low clarity rating. Other famous rocks include sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. But it’s all about what you like and what works best for you.
Think About the Care and Maintenance
Finally, you’ll need to consider your jewelry’s care and maintenance. Some pieces require more care than others. For example, platinum jewelry will last a lifetime with proper care but must be professionally cleaned every six months.
Gold jewelry is also quite durable but may require occasional polishing. Silver jewelry is delicate and will need cleaning and polishing to maintain its shine. Diamonds and other precious stones should be cleaned and serviced every few months.
When considering your jewelry’s care and maintenance, think about your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a busy person with a hectic lifestyle, choose pieces that are lower maintenance, can withstand more wear and tear, and don’t require professional cleaning.
On the other hand, if you have a more relaxed lifestyle, choose pieces you don’t mind taking care of. However, don’t wear the jewelry when performing strenuous tasks such as cleaning, gardening, or working out.
Shop For The Ideal Piece
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start shopping for your bridal jewelry. This step is as critical as finding the right dress. With the right pieces, you’ll shine on your big day. Some things to prioritize are:
Finding a Reputable Seller
Can you imagine how you would feel if you spent thousands of dollars on bridal jewelry to find out later that it was fake? Worse, you don’t get it delivered on the big day. To avoid this, take time to find a reputable seller.
Look for online reviews, ask friends and family for referrals, and visit the seller’s website to see what kind of policies they have in place. Also, ensure the seller offers a money-back guarantee or some warranty in case the jewelry is defective. When in doubt, err on caution and choose a different seller.
Check The Return Policy
Before making a purchase, always check the return policy. If something goes wrong or you change your mind, you want to be able to return the jewelry. Most reputable sellers have a return policy of 14 to 30 days.
Please discuss this with the seller beforehand to understand their policy. Get to know if there’s any restocking fee and how the return is processed. For example, will you get a refund or store credit?
Get Your Jewelry Insured
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Ensure your bridal jewelry is protected in case anything happens. The last thing you want is to lose your ring or have it stolen on the big day.
Most home insurance policies cover jewelry, but it might not be enough. Get your jewelry appraised and insure it for its replacement value (the cost to replace the item at current market value). Wedding insurance is also an option to consider.
This insurance protects you against various risks, such as losing your rings or cancelling the wedding due to an unforeseen event. Other than this, keep the jewelry in a safe place, preferably in a locked jewelry box or safe, leading up to the wedding day.
Set a Budget
The cost of bridal jewelry can vary widely. Set a budget before you start shopping. Decide how much you will spend on the entire set, including a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet or ring.
Knowing how much you want to spend on each piece is also a good idea. It will help you narrow down your options and prevent overspending. Remember that you can always find cheaper alternatives without sacrificing quality or style.
Think About the Future
Your wedding day is just the beginning. So what happens to your bridal jewelry after the big day? Will you wear it again? If you plan on wearing your bridal jewelry for other occasions, choose a timeless style that won’t go out of fashion.
If you don’t think you’ll wear it again, consider renting the jewelry or borrowing it from a friend. It’s a great way to get the look you want without breaking the bank.
The Result is Bridal Jewelry That Makes You Shine On Your Big Day
When you’re not sure of what to go for or even where to start, it’s best to seek professional help. A good jeweller can guide you through the process and help you find the perfect set of bridal jewelry to complement your gown and suit your budget. They will also help you with customizations, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Your work is to find an ideal jeweller and then let them help you with the rest. The result is bridal jewelry that makes you look and feel beautiful on your big day. In addition, you will have lovely photos to remember the day as everyone compliments you. Most importantly, your confidence will be at an all-time high on a day when so much is going on.
I’m getting married this April, so I was thinking of purchasing jewelry pieces that can complement my wedding dress and enhance my look for my important day. I found your tip helpful when you told us to consider jewelry that is more relaxed and natural-looking if we’re holding a beach wedding. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind when I go shopping for jewelry next weekend.
Very informative post and helpful as well to all the brides who are confused about their jewelry. These tips have proved super helpful to me in selecting the jewellery that would look beautiful on my special day. Keep sharing such tips.