How to Choose Jewelry for a Wedding Dress
Jewelry and weddings are a natural pairing. The premier pieces are, of course, the engagement and wedding rings. Since you will be wearing the rings every day for the rest of your life, they should reflect you and your lifestyle. The other jewelry accessories you wear for your big day should compliment your total look--your dress, your hair, your surroundings. While looks play a big part, money does, too, so if you cannot afford to be dripping with diamonds, check out department stores for their latest styles in cubic zirconia. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide upon an engagement ring. It has been traditional in the U.S. for engagement rings to contain at least one diamond; however, in Europe and other parts of the world, engagement rings often contain colored stones. If you opt for a diamond, decide on a budget, then pick the carat or the weight of the diamond. Next, decide on the cut, which will determine how much light will be reflected out the top. You will also have to consider diamond color (less color equals more fire), diamond clarity or blemishes in the stone, and the mounting.
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Carefully consider the bride's dress which will dictate whether or not a necklace is necessary. If the bodice of the dress is heavily decorated with sequins and pearls, there is no need for more embellishment, such as a necklace. However, if the dress is very plain and sophisticated, a small string of pearls or an elegant diamond or cubic zirconia pendant is always an attractive choice.
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Decide whether or not a bracelet would be appropriate with the dress. If the dress has long sleeves with embellishments on the cuffs or the bride is wearing lacy gloves, then a bracelet is unnecessary. On the other hand, if the wedding dress is short-sleeved, sleeveless or strapless, a simple yet elegant bracelet would be a tasteful addition to the ensemble.
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Wear earrings if the bride's hairdo is upswept. If the bride has a long neck and the bodice of the wedding dress is simple, earrings that dangle are an attractive choice. If the bride's neck is short or if the bodice of the dress is embellished, then stud earrings are a better alternative. Whichever style earring is worn, the earrings should match the necklace if one is worn. Specifically, if the bride chooses to wear a pearl necklace, she should choose pearl earrings.
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Choose jewelry for the bride's hair that goes well with the entire ensemble. Hair jewelry may include a tiara to which a veil may be attached, or it might include a diamond or cubic zirconia or pearl hair clip. Again, follow the theme: if the dress is trimmed in pearls and the bride chooses to wear pearl earrings, use pearls in the hair.
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Tips & Warnings
If the groom intends to give the bride a piece of jewelry as a wedding gift, it is customary for the bride to wear it at the wedding.
Buy diamond jewelry only from reputable jewelers who will stand behind their products.
Do not mix yellow gold pieces with white gold, platinum or silver jewelry pieces.
Avoid buying expensive jewelry online or from a dealer that you know nothing about.
