How to Select Bridal Jewelry

You've probably spent hours searching for the perfect wedding gown, so now you need to find the perfect jewelry to wear with it when you walk down the aisle. Selecting your bridal jewelry should be a fun, easy task, so just keep a few things in mind on your search and you'll be sparkling with the perfect pieces in no time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Select simple, elegant styles for a sleek, contemporary wedding dress. This style of dress can easily be overwhelmed by heavier pieces, so opt for understated pendants, slim chain bracelets and simple drop earrings. Diamonds are usually the way to go since they add sparkle, but not weight to your overall look.

2. Consider your hairdo when choosing earrings. Long, dangley earrings will not only be lost if you're going to let your medium to long locks hang loose, but they are also in danger of tangling in your hair and ruining your photos. Select studs for loose hair, but go for drop or long elegant earrings if you plan on an up-do or have shorter hair.

3. Choose heavier, more complicated pieces to compliment your traditional wedding gown. If you've chosen a dress that is dramatic and drizzled with embroidery or pearls, you can easily pull off bold pieces of jewelry as well. Pearls are a classic look with with this bridal style, or you can go even further with jewel-encrusted, full-neck chokers.

4. Browse your local antique shops or shows for a fabulous vintage piece. These pieces look spectacular with Victorian or other vintage-style dresses, and often come in unique patterns and color combinations that you won't be able to find in any modern pieces.

5. Complete a non-traditional look with non-traditional jewelry. Marcasite, black pearls and deep red rubies are stunning on Gothic brides while cameos hung from lace or velvet are great when paired with Regency or Victorian style bridal gowns. Renaissance brides should select brightly colored crystals or large, simple cabochons in highly decorative settings.

6. Ask your mother or grandmother whether they will loan you an heirloom piece to wear down the aisle. Wearing a piece of jewelry that has been passed down through your family will only add to its value.

7. Upgrade a signature piece for your wedding. If you're known for wearing a particular piece of jewelry, consider finding this same symbol in a more sophisticated format. For example, if you're known to wear a small cross necklace every day, then find a larger gold and diamond cross to wear as the focus of your bridal ensemble. If you're known for wearing bows or other accents in your hair, find a fantastic tiara to replace it.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay under budget by choosing synthetic stones like cubic zirconium and cultured pearls. Unless someone inspects your jewelry very closely during the ceremony you'll be the only one to know the difference.